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Articles by Tor Anderson
Frontiers | Robust spike-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses in SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated hematopoietic cell transplantation recipients: a prospective, cohort study
1 Introduction Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is increasingly performed each year on patients with various conditions, such as haematological cancers and immune system deficiencies (1). Patients who underwent HSCT and contracted COVID-19 before the availability of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines had mortality rates that exceeded 20% (2, 3).
Family impact
Foster care is a temporary arrangement for children whose current situation isn’t adequately providing them with the basics of care normally provided by parents or legal guardians. When possible, child welfare agencies seek to work with families to keep kids safe and meet their needs at home; however, sometimes that’s not possible, necessitating the need for foster care placement.
Something for everyone
Camp experiences for youths of all ages are beneficial in a myriad of ways. Camps, no matter the scope, theme or location, serve to encourage and foster socializing and friendship-building, often resulting in increased exercise for both the mind and body. Personal growth, learning and development are all positive things that camps can nurture, and as experiences and themes vary widely, there’s certainly something out there for everyone, no matter where interests or passions lie.
Answering the call
Minnesota has a rich tradition of military service and has long been home to a stalwart contingent of citizens answering the call to serve. When the Civil War began in April of 1861, Minnesota Governor Alexander Ramsey immediately pledged 1,000 volunteer troops to aid the Union in the war effort to President Abraham Lincoln, making Minnesota the first state to do so.
Realizing their own potential
4-H is a nationwide organization with a vision to nurture young people’s potential and empower future generations with the skills to lead for a lifetime. The organization utilizes research-based experience that encompasses mentorship, hands-on projects and meaningful leadership opportunities to result in success in all areas of life. 4-H is delivered through a community of more than 100 public universities with programs that provide youth experience, growth and learning by doing.
A place to call home: Artists share their work while enjoying the backdrop of the area
Permeated by artistic creations and talent, Otter Tail County artisans of glass, fire and metal flourish alongside those with callings to the mediums of oil paints, various fibers and gouache, to name but a few; each existing alongside the other and serving to paint a portrait of the area that illustrates the opportunity and support the region offers its talented residents.
Homemade fun for everyone: Ashby resident creates backyard ski. rope
Harlan Balgaard, of Ashby, recently turned 70 and has created quite the ingenious machine that serves as private ski and sledding operation. Created from parts derived from old farming machinery, recycled materials and components of an old Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. Balgaard refers to the innovative contraption as a bucket list item 60 years in the making.
Community bulletin board
Feb. 1: Paint and Sip at Billy's Corner Bar in Vergas. Event is from 6 - 8:30 p.m., $40 registration. Feb. 1: Coffee Talks at the Perham Area Community Center from 10-11 a.m. Feb. 4: GFF is partnering with ILT Academy to launch a hybrid 6-week program that brings together students and community leaders interested in identifying opportunities and areas for growth and development to attract and retain residents in Fergus Falls. Event is 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Foundry. Feb.
Making a connection: County providing students opportunities to potential career paths
More than 150 students from around Otter Tail County had the opportunity to explore future careers in high-demand industries through the OTC Youth Workforce Navigation Program. The initiative organized field trips to 11 businesses representing the agriculture, automotive, healthcare and manufacturing industries between October and January.
A mental health partnership: School district and local non-profit combine to provide services
Lakeland Mental Health Center is a private, non-profit corporation that has provided behavioral healthcare services in west central Minnesota since 1949; the organization maintains a vision of providing high quality and accessible behavioral healthcare for individuals, families and communities.
A star in our midst: Tolle honored by nursing organization
Sonda Tolle, DNP, RN, vice president of patient services for Perham Health, has recently been awarded the Minnesota Nurse Leader Star Award by the Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing. Perham Health is a 25-bed critical access hospital with three primary care clinics, a 96-bed nursing home, a home care agency, adult day services, memory care assisted living and senior housing.
New face: Wendt takes over at Kaddatz
Stacy Wendt is the new artistic director at the Kaddatz Galleries in Fergus Falls and the artist brings with her a vast catalogue of experience and talent to the new role. Growing up on Glenwood, Wendt returns back to the area after living out west: “I was so drawn back to the area.
Pages
I never used to believe in poetry until I read last page of The Old Man and the Sea: “I didn’t know sharks had such handsome, beautifully formed tails.” Although derived from a novel, this simple quote struck a profound chord within me and that feeling continues to define what poetry means to me. After being emotionally grasped by the epic trial of Santiago and the giant marlin, this single segment of verse contained every emotion encountered and navigated within this short novel.
Community bulletin board
Jan. 26: Bounce Hour from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at The Foundry, a free one-hour brainstorming session for the entrepreneurial community where startups, business owners and other stakeholders can gather to pitch and evaluate ideas, develop solutions, ask questions, share insight and collaborate to drive business growth. Jan. 28: The Hypewriters, available for 4th-8th graders, are a creative writing group that will be meeting at the FF Public Library from 2-3:30 p.m., registration required. Jan.
Challenging one's self: Local author pens first book
Karyl Anderson is a an organizational-development consultant, certified life coach, speaker and local author who’s recently published "Faith Journey: Helping the Directionally Challenged Find The Way," an uplifting story of faith, determination and discovery.
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According to a recent release from Gov. Tim Walz, the administration announced a series of proposals called One Minnesota Budget. A $4.1 billion proposal would provide paid family and medical leave for Minnesota’s workers, bolster support for small businesses and expand Minnesota’s workforce in the most critical sectors.
Musically yours
Otter Tail County residents are fortunate to live in an area that is replete with a varied array of musicians. Runestone Rebellion is an area band that plays a range of music spanning eclectic genres that range through bands such as Motely Crü, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Merle Haggard and Poison.
One of the best: VA named amongst top nursing homes
The U.S. News and World Report magazine has recently recognized the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls as one of America’s Best Nursing Homes for 2022-23. The report reviewed more than 15,000 nursing homes, and only 16% of U.S. skilled nursing facilities earned the “Best Nursing Home” designation this year. The U.S. News Long-Term Care Ratings research included eligible nursing homes caring for people needing daily assistance with medical and non-medical needs.
A worthy celebration: Party planned to celebrate Charles Beck’s 100th birthday
According to a recent press release from Kaddatz Galleries in Fergus Falls, an open house birthday party celebrating the artist Charles Beck will be held on Jan. 28 from 2 to 5 p.m. Beck would have turned 100 this month and in celebration of the profound artist, a program beginning at 3 p.m. will feature storytelling by those who have been personally inspired and influenced by Beck.
Changing of the times: Historical society exhibit features family faming over the years
The Otter Tail County Historical Society will be hosting an exhibit centered on the theme of changing of the tide regarding the traditional family farm. According to a recent press release from the OTCHS, silos and barns that stood for generations are being torn down, while small herds of milk cows no longer graze in pastures, a story brought to public by lead project director Wendy Dornbusch and lead photographer Annalee Beaver.
Fulfilling a dream: Area women brings lifelong passion to share with others
Giovana “Gigi” Spielman has a wonderfully diverse background that has led her to her calling involving people, food and food safety. Growing up in San Palo, Brazil, Spielman graduated with a degree in food engineering in 2003. “When I graduated I knew I needed English to have a good job in Brazil,” Spielman explains.
Smart money: Local students excel in stock market simulation
Ethan Soland is an economics teacher at the Fergus Falls High School and students in his class recently took home top awards for a recent statewide stock market simulation competition. “All students in the class were given $100,000 in fake currency to invest in anything they wanted,” Soland explains.
Polar Plunge returns to support Special Olympics
Special Olympics Minnesota, along with the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office and the Otter Tail Lakes Country Association, will be hosting the annual Polar Plunge event on Feb 4. The fundraising goal for this year’s event is $75,000, and the event is set to be the biggest fundraiser for Special Olympics Minnesota.
Going back, looking up
Listening to what your body, mind and soul needs can be a difficult thing. While reaching out for advice and engaging with someone you trust as a confidant and sounding board is healthy, I have found value in asking myself a lot of these questions first. I’ve found answers to what I should eat, how I should train and what I should do by quieting myself and blocking the urge to address Google or another person on the matter.
Round two: Henning school hoping for second voting chance
The Henning school district is seeking to make some significant improvements and changes to various buildings and grounds. Although a building referendum held this past November failed by 26 votes, superintendent Melissa Sparks is confident that with a few minor tweaks based on input and feedback from the public and staff, the proposed plans will eventually be approved.
A get-together that was meant to be: Inner Otter meets Goldy the Gopher
The Otter Tail Lakes Country Association is a regional non-profit marketing and economic development organization with a diverse membership comprised of businesses, organizations and numerous communities found throughout the lakes region; the OTLCA has a vision to promote, facilitate and advocate for entities and individuals within the region to help promote the health and growth of Otter Tail County as place to live, work and visit, with their “Find Your Inner Otter” campaign seeking to do...
Plenty to see: LRAC shares plans for upcoming months
Jan. 13—It is a well-known fact that Otter Tail County serves as the home for a great many artists of all discipline and medium. While the New Year is certainly a time of rest and calmer times for many businesses and people, January is proving to be a month of many happenings regarding the art community in lakes region.
Plenty to see: LRAC shares plans for upcoming months
It is a well-known fact that Otter Tail County serves as the home for a great many artists of all discipline and medium. While the New Year is certainly a time of rest and calmer times for many businesses and people, January is proving to be a month of many happenings regarding the art community in lakes region. Following are several happenings worthy of note for those keen on expanding their horizons and exposure to the wonderful art created and shared within this special pocket of Minnesota.
World record attempt: Giving Hearts Day inspires 'heart hands'
The Dakota Medical Foundation started the Giving Hearts Day initiative in 2008, as a simple but unique fundraising concept that sought to encourage community members to share love with not only one held near and dear, but with charities as well. The event has become one of the longest-running and most successful giving days in the country, providing a platform for North Dakota and northwest Minnesota charities to raise over $138 million. Although this year’s event will occur on Feb.
A grand day out: Ottertail 100 race held on Otter Tail Lake
The history of the snowmobile dates back to the early 1900’s, when early iterations of the specialized machines were developed as solutions transportation and industrial operations in the northern climes of the United States and Canada. While credit for the invention of the first powered sleds is a hotly contested topic between Canucks and Americans, nearly everyone can agree that snowmobiles are a great way to enjoy the winter season.
New views
Perspective is defined as a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view. I often look up well-worn words I use regularly, as through their use they almost begin to lose their meaning and weight for me. Perspective is a recent one that fell within that category and it’s one that contains a great amount of meaning and relevance for my life in the past several years.
Approved by peers: Browne to serve as new fire chief for Deer Creek
The Deer Creek Fire Department has elected Andrew Browne to serve as the new fire chief replacing Travis Collins, a decision that the city council supported with a 4-1 vote during a recent meeting. Browne has been involved in the fire department since June of 2017, serving as a firefighter up until he assumed the role of fire captain in 2022. “Our department conducts annual elections every year. I was nominated by my peers for the fire chief position and subsequently elected,” Browne explains.
New roles: Fergus school board makes new appointments following election season
In a recent school board meeting for ISD 544, elections were held for the roles of chairperson and several other officer positions.
Ringing in the New Year: Dorn family welcomes in first baby of 2023 at LRH
The Dorn family welcomed Jessalynn Phyllis on Jan. 4, the New Year’s baby at Lake Region Healthcare, weighing in at eight pounds, four ounces and measuring 20.5 inches. The Dorns are a family of nine that live on a farm outside of Urbank. They all enjoy the outdoors and find themselves busy with sports and a various other activities on their property.
Expanding the possibilities: Prairie science classes receive funding, grants
Utilizing nature as an outdoor classroom and having children spend more time outside has proven links to benefits in physical and mental health; in a recent report by UNICEF on factors that shape a child’s well-being, increased periods of playing outside has been linked to much higher levels of happiness, along with observed improvements in social, personal and physical development.
Keep the family safe: The importance of radon tests
Radon, a naturally-occurring radioactive gas, exists as a leading environmental cause of cancer deaths in the United States and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers; more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths are attributed to radon each year in the U.S. according to the Environmental Protection Agency, with about 2,900 of these deaths occurring among people who have never smoked.
Much needed funding: Small community fire departments receive investments
Firefighting has a rich history in the United States and a town’s fire department serves numerous indispensable roles for keeping community members safe.
Being an active member for a better you: Understanding medical advocacy
In the medical realm, programs and activities related to ensuring access to care, navigating hospital and treatment facility systems, mobilizing resources, addressing health inequities, influencing health policy and creating system change are all components of what is known as health advocacy.
Saluting those who have served: Local business gives back to veterans homes
There are approximately 19 million veterans in the United States and over 320,000 of these prior service men and women call Minnesota home. A local organization has a mission to offer veterans residing at dedicated facilities increased recreational opportunities through various fundraising campaigns. Mitch Davis, of Veterans Home R & R, based in Underwood presented a donation to the Fergus Falls Veterans Home on Jan. 3.
Tri-County New Years Baby
According to a press release from Michael Denny, of Tri-County Health Care in Wadena, parents Sam and Joseph Reineke of Henning welcomed the first baby born at Tri-County Health Care in Wadena for 2023, their son Kyson Joe Reineke. Kyson was born on Jan. 1, at 5:03 p.m., weighing in at five pounds, three ounces, and was 18 inches long.
Into the year
As a writer, I’m a bit ashamed to say I haven’t kept a journal for quite some time. Over summers as a kid, a task all us kids had to fulfill before a day of sun and careless adventure was writing a brief entry into a notebook. It seemed like an annoying chore on those mornings when the cereal was finished and the lake was calling, but I’ve recently realized how valuable that was for us. I’ve recently started keeping a diary again and it’s remarkable how powerful of a tool it has proved to be.
Community bulletin board
Jan. 4: The PACC - Coffee Talks Social at the Perham Area Community Center. Program takes place from 10-11 a.m. with speakers on topics from lifestyle planning to overall health and wellness - event is free. Jan. 7: Youth Snowmobile Safety for ages 12 to 15, registration is required and fee is $5. More information: fergusotter.org, 218-998-0544 ext. 9200. Jan. 9: Yoga with Wendy Billie from 5:45-7 p.m. at the Lakes Area Community Center in Battle Lake. More information: wendybillie.com. Jan.
New owners for Big and Little Chief
Both Big Chief Travel Plaza and the Little Chief Convenience Store and Gas Station have been sold by Ray and Zack Rogers to Pat Hofer, with the new owner taking the reins the at the start of the new year.
Oh so close: Red Kettle campaign falls short for holiday season
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign finds its origins in 1891 when Salvation Army captain Joseph McFee was attempting to find a way to help feed the myriad of poor in San Francisco. McFee drew inspiration from his time as a sailor and recalled a large iron kettle dubbed “Simpson’s Pot” into which people contributed change to assist the poverty-stricken.
Continuing a life of social work: Weaver to serve as director at large
Social work can be understood as a practice-based professional calling that promotes and nurtures social change, development, cohesion and the empowerment of people and communities; the practice involves the study and understanding of human development and behavior, and focuses heavily on the relationships between social, economic and cultural institutions.
‘A Year of Beck’: Celebrating the artistic career of Fergus Falls' own
Few have profoundly influenced people’s impressions of their natural surroundings as Charles Beck. As an artist, educator and community leader, Beck left a rich visual legacy to Fergus Falls and West Central Minnesota. In an instance of life imitating art, a wooded sunset or other picturesque views in West Central Minnesota is often seen and described as a “Charles Beck moment” by those who know his work.
Promoting from within: Larsen to replace Mergens following retirement
The West Otter Tail Soil and Water Conservation District has tapped Aaron Larsen to take the reins after current manager Brad Mergens retires after 38 plus years of service. Larsen is currently a project manager for the organization and will take on the district manager role for the West Otter Tail SWCD beginning Jan. 1, after being selected by the West Otter Tail SWCD Board of Supervisors at their December meeting.
A life of service: Solin retires after 45 years
PioneerCare of Fergus Falls was founded in 1928 with the mission to provide an array of services to help promote health and well-being for older adults and other individuals managing chronic conditions.
Seventy-four scholarships available: Dollars for Scholars opens application period
Fifty area students will be receiving scholarships from the Fergus Falls Area Dollars for Scholars organization; the graduating seniors are a collection of students from Kennedy Secondary School, Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, the IQ Academy and homeschooled students within District 544. The awards will be presented in May of 2022 at the annual awards event for a total of $74,000 in monies toward higher education.
A time to gather: Local church continues with free meals
They say that the best things in life are free. This holds true for a tradition that has been established at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. At the prompting of a previous pastor, Jake Anderson, several years ago the church started hosting a free community meal on the third Thursday of each month. The meal is generally held in the fellowship hall at the church, however sometimes in the summer there is a barbecue and the event is held outside on the church grounds.
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