The winners of the 39th Annual Fishing Derby is as follows:
Northern: Michael Kiecker 1st, Brady Ramsdahl 2nd
Crappie: Tanner Burden 1st, Alex Dauer 2nd
Collin Ahlness 3rd
Bass: Dylan Klein 2nd, Janessa Larson 3rd
Perch: Carter Filter 1st, Matt Roiger 2nd, River Helget 2nd
Sunfish: Logan Moldan 1st, Frank Suarez 3rd
Brandon grew up in Sleepy Eye and is the son of Tammy Sellner.
The Sleepy Eye Hockey jersey that has hung in the concourse of Xcel Energy Center, home of the Minnesota Wild, is now enjoying a seat at the franchise’s home games. Can you spot it? (hint: Upper right, blue SE)
St. Paul Pioneer Press: The Minnesota Wild moved the collection of Minnesota high school jerseys that usually ring the concourses at Xcel Energy Center into the stands for Friday’s home opener against the San Jose Sharks. Fans are not allowed because of the pandemic. The Wild won 4-1 to improve to 4-1-0.
Volunteers check the lights at St. Mary’s Fieldhouse before rewinding back onto spools in prep for next season’s set up.
Drew Sprenger and Katie Trebesch helped with the take down process.
COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on many activities this past year but the Sleepy Eye Holiday Lights in Motion display was not one of its victims. In fact, the pandemic was the reason the event had a record season and organizers decided to extend the season nine additional nights to January 10.
Over 22,000 vehicles passed through the loop during the 46 days the park was lit. That total nearly doubled last year’s numbers. The busiest night came on December 12 when 1300 vehicles visited.
““It was especially fun to see the kids come through with their heads popped through the car sunroofs. The expressions on their faces were priceless. I wish we could do an actual head count,” said committee member Shari Hittesdorf, “On the busy nights, most vehicles had three or more people inside. And we saw several buses drive through too.”
“We know the event brought customers to our local businesses also,” continued Hittesdorf. “We specifically heard from employees at Casey’s and Dairy Queen, we were told they were crazy busy on Friday and Saturday nights.”
Due to the large number of visitors, traffic control was necessary on a few of the busiest nights. To prevent back up on Highway 4, vehicles were re-routed to the Divine Providence Service.
“This was a challenge, but thanks to some dedicated volunteers, it was very efficient,” said organizers.
Santa’s mailbox was also very popular with 186 letters sent to the North Pole.
The lights came down at the park last weekend and thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers, the strings have been been wound back onto spools in preparation for next season’s set up.
“This season was especially gratifying because all the hard work paid off with a safe place for families to visit during the pandemic,” said Hittesdorf. “In a trying time, we feel our event offered some joy to all ages.”
Despite the successful year, the board is hopeful next season returns to normal and they are again able to offer their special event nights including rides and concessions. The Holiday Lights in Motion committee won’t take much time off, planning for the 2021 season will begin at their next board meeting in February.
Sleepy Eye Medical Center (SEMC) is excited to offer COVID-19 antibody therapy to patients who qualify.
The therapy, known as Monoclonal Antibody Treatment, is for people who have tested positive for COVID-19, have mild to moderate symptoms and are at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.
What It Is
Antibodies are proteins that people’s bodies make to fight viruses, such as the virus that causes COVID-19. Antibodies made in a laboratory act a lot like natural antibodies to limit the amount of virus in your body. These are called monoclonal antibodies. Antibodies must be administered through a vein by intravenous (IV) infusion.
In late November 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to permit the emergency use of these treatments after studies suggested that they reduced the risk of hospitalization among people at elevated risk.
“We have safely administered the therapy to several patients already,” said Susan Ahlness, APRN, BC, SEMC. “Our patients have been receptive to the antibody infusions, and we are excited to have another tool at our disposal to help those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 achieve better outcomes.”
Who is Eligible
Patients must meet one or more of the following criteria to qualify:
- Over age 65
- Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 35
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage IV or greater (eGFR < 30)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Transplant/immunocompromised
- Over age 55, plus one of the following: chronic respiratory disease or cardiovascular disease
In addition, a provider referral is required. SEMC accepts internal referrals as well as those made by outside providers.
Offering Treatment in a Safe, Efficient Manner
Interest in offering COVID-19 antibody therapy has varied amongst healthcare facilities because of the difficulties associated with administering it. First, people eligible for the treatment have active infections, which means staff must treat patients without exposing others. Each infusion also takes approximately an hour, followed by an hour of observation – a timely process requiring ample staff time in the midst of a pandemic surge. In addition, there is a precise window for antibody treatment, which demands fast testing turn around.
“Because SEMC offers the rapid COVID-19 test, we are able to identify positive tests in an efficient manner. In turn, we can deliver timely antibody therapy – within the recommended 10 days of symptom onset for patients who qualify,” said Lori Neidecker, RN, Infection Preventionist, SEMC.
Another hurdle to treatment can be transportation, especially for residents living in long-term care settings. SEMC has adopted processes to ensure continuity of care for these patients.
“We are excited to partner with area nursing homes and assisted living facilities in an effort to ensure efficient, patient-centered care for residents in need,” said Neidecker. “Our trained nurses will bring treatment to residents within these facilities, which removes the hurdle that transportation can be.”
SEMC offers therapy for all other patients in the hospital setting, where health care providers have immediate access to medications to treat any reactions and where emergency medical systems are available, if needed.
According to SEMC, an adequate supply of treatment is currently available. However, this could change, depending on demand across the region and state.
For further information about Monoclonal Antibody Treatment, visit https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/hcp/bamfaq.html or https://semedicalcenter.org/services/antibody-therapy/. To schedule an appointment with an SEMC provider to determine if antibody therapy is right for you, call 507-794-3691. Interested long-term care or assisted living facilities should call 507-794-3691 for additional program information.
