News Center newsletter

To the Editor:

Iowans take immense pride in the commodities we produce that feed the world. Our resource-rich land allows farmers to support the rural communities that make Iowa a very special place to call home. Harvesting clean energy sources, like wind and solar, play a vital role in farming operations by diversifying income and ensuring family farms remain sustainable.

While some folks harvest traditional crops like corn or soybeans - or run a dairy operation like the one I grew up on, some may choose to harvest the wind or sun to power the world, too. In doing so, these farmers and landowners are offered peace of mind with annual drought- and flood-proof land lease payments totaling $74 million. Between unpredictable weather and an unstable economy, this steady income stream helps keep farms afloat regardless of the conditions.

The Veterans Memorial Health Care Foundation’s Christmas Fantasy 2024 will be held Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, November 15, 16, 17, and 18, at the Allamakee Fairgrounds Pavilion in Waukon. The theme will be, “Gnome for the Holidays!”

by: Angie Mettille, RN, BSN, CDCES
 
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is a disease that affects millions of people in the United States. You likely know someone that has diabetes, or maybe have been diagnosed with diabetes yourself. Even if you have never been told that you have diabetes, it is important to be aware of symptoms of elevated blood sugars, also called hyperglycemia. It is also important to be aware that children can get diabetes too. Raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of diabetes in both children and adults could potentially save someone’s life.

The walk-in Flu and COVID vaccines will continue to be held at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Community and Home Care/Allamakee Public Health each of the next two Wednesdays, November 6 and November 13, from 9-11:30 a.m. each day. Anyone is welcome to walk-in without an appointment to receive either or both of these vaccines. Appointments can also be made for any Wednesday afternoon by calling 563-568-5660.

The Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Diabetes Support Group will hold its next meeting Thursday, November 21, at 10 a.m.  The meeting will be held at Veterans Memorial Hospital in the Large Conference Room, located on the lower level of the hospital.

This diabetes class is open to everyone who has diabetes or has a friend or loved one with diabetes.  For more information on the Diabetes Support Group, feel free to call  Angie Mettille, RN, Certified Diabetes Educator at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.
 

The local Grief Support Group will be holding its monthly meeting at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) in Waukon Tuesday, November 12, at 4 p.m. in the Meditation Healing Center, located just inside the main entrance of the hospital. Be sure to make note of the 4 p.m. start time. This start time will continue for the November, December, January and February Grief Support Group meetings and will return to 5 p.m. in the spring.

This informal meeting is open to anyone suffering from any type of loss, whether it be death, divorce, illness or some other grief.

Feel free to attend and bring a friend. This grief support group meets the second Tuesday of each month at Veterans Memorial Hospital.
 

Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) Speech-Language Pathologist, Steven Mazzafield, offers a Stroke Support Group for individuals who have experienced a stroke, as well as caregivers and family members affected by stroke.

Monthly meetings are held the first Thursday of every month at 2 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Hospital.  The next Stroke Support Group meeting will be held Thursday, November 7, at 2 p.m.

The Stroke Support Group provides opportunities to share tips, tricks, or trials among participants, offer support for caregivers, and provide an opportunity for socialization.

While strokes can happen at any age, risk of stroke is greatest as we get older with the majority of strokes occurring after the age of 70. Risk factors for stroke include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, binge drinking, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Navy veteran Carolyn Thomas Kiesau, who passed away May 21, 2023, was laid to rest with military honors in Arlington National Cemetery Wednesday, October 2, 2024 with Navy Chaplain Brent Wagner officiating. In attendance were her husband, retired Master Chief Petty Officer Curtis Kiesau; their daughter, Patricia Wise, and her husband, Kirk; along with their grandchildren, Donovan, Sophia and Celia.
 

John “Jack” Weber, 82, of Lansing passed away peacefully at home with family Monday, August 26, 2024. A funeral service will be held Saturday, November 16 at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Lansing. A celebration of life will be held at the Kerndt Brothers Savings Bank Community Center in Lansing from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. that day.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to St. Croix Hospice - http://stcroixhospice.com/.

Jean Ann Hurm, 77, of Avon Lake, OH, but born in Lansing, passed away unexpectedly October 26, 2024, due to a sudden cardiac arrest. Memorial services will be held Monday, November 11 at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing with Fr. Joseph Sevcik officiating. Burial will be at Gethsemane Catholic Cemetery, Lansing. Friends may greet the family from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, November 10 at the church.

Born April 19, 1947, Jean Ann was a dedicated surgical nurse who later transitioned into medical research, playing a vital role in the approval of life-saving medical devices by the FDA. Her contributions have positively impacted countless lives, and she took great pride in her work.

Jean Ann was known for her independence, strong will, and spirited personality - qualities that endeared her to many. Cherished friends will fondly remember her as a wild card with a knack for being a delightful “pain in the ass.”