Fertile Journal

Fertile Journal The Fertile Journal • Since 1886 • The official newspaper of Polk County, Minnesota Karie Kirschbaum is the owner/publisher.
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The Fertile Journal, Twin Valley Times continuing the Gary Graphic and Red Lake Falls Gazette are part of Highway 32 Publishing owned by (www.hwy32publishing.com). Twylla Altepeter is the Editor of the Journal. Ask about combo pricing for advertising in all three papers.

Here you go!
10/15/2021

Here you go!

Fertile-Beltrami vs. Blackduck | High School Football
Falcons vs Drakes
???? Please Join Here ???? https://t.co/ELtLQaNshY
The Blackduck (MN) varsity football team has a home conference game vs. Fertile-Beltrami (Fertile, MN) on Friday, October 15 @ 7p.
Like And Share This Match, Thank You

Blackduck Public Schools
BCL-Bandung Carnival Land
Blackduck High School Trap Club
Fertile-Beltrami Dist #599
Fertile-Beltrami FFA
Fertile Journal

07/18/2020

Everyone needs to vote for Fertile for town of the Year!!

Town of the Year Voting has started. Here are the brackets. You can vote here: https://www.kvrr.com/weather/town-of-the-week/ The First Round of Voting goes until 3pm Monday July 13th.

04/21/2020
Fertile Public Library

Check this out!

We now have hoopla! Watch movies, TV shows, listen to music, read eBooks & comics, and more! There is NO waiting period, but patrons are limited to 5 items per month.

04/01/2020

Several unknowns Last of EMS article

Like everyone else, Belau remains concerned about several unknowns. Those unknowns include maintaining enough of the critically important supplies of personal protective equipment to shield the ambulance staff from the virus and whether the virus will increase the workload for the paramedics a lot or a little.
On the supplies question, Belau said, “There are a lot of U.S. manufacturers spooling up their processes to fill the voids, but it is taking time for them to catch up with what has already been ordered.”
“Unfortunately, so much of the disposable protective gear comes from China and not only are they largely shut down, but they are of course prioritizing distribution of stocks to cover their own needs”, Belau said.
“If hospital capacities get overwhelmed, all the area ambulance services will be doing what they can to move patients to where space is available and that could push ambulance services to their limits or beyond,” he said about the unknown workload impacts.
He also worries about the extra costs that come with a pandemic. “Extra staffing costs and reimbursement chain disruptions are unknowns of significant concern,” he said.
“Time will tell”
Belau continued, “Hope¬fully the pandemic passes through with limited adverse impacts. Time will tell what’s next as better information and data come out. People can check out cdc.gov on the internet for more information.”
“Follow the recommendations of your doctor and healthcare professionals, cover your cough, stay away from others if you are sick, maintain social distancing and avoid crowds until the pandemic passes,” Belau said.
“Keep in mind more than 98 percent of the portion of the population who catch the virus recover with many of them not even realizing they had the novel coronavirus,” Belau concluded.

--

04/01/2020

Training and planning Part 3

County EMS Training Chief Jennifer Flikke has been conducting several planning and training sessions specific to the pandemic.
Flikke is responsible for assuring that all the paramedics, EMTs and area first responders receive high-quality and timely initial and on-going education and training.
Part of the COVID-19 preparation has included stressing ventilator operation reviews for the paramedics, personal protective equipment selection and use for the ambulance crews, and recognition of, and response to, signs and symptoms of the COVID-19 virus infection in patients and even crew members.
Protecting
crew members
According to Flikke, one of the greatest concerns for County EMS is how the virus could impair their ability to serve the citizens if the virus starts to infect crew members or their families.
If someone in the crew member’s household gets sick with a confirmed case of the virus, the crew member ends up quarantined for two weeks.
That must be guarded against because of the limited depth of bench due to the facts of living in rural Minnesota.
In response to this concern, Flikke has been focusing on prevention strategies and personal protection for the ambulance crew. She asks that people who call for the ambulance with respiratory symptoms not be surprised or offended if crew members arrive with their goggles and masks on, or the crew asks the patient to wear a mask. Those precautions are part of the CDC recommended guidelines to limit spread and impact of the new coronavirus in the community.
Do not be surprised to see ambulance crew members out in public wearing protective masks as a precaution against the virus.
Supplies, equipment
Logistics Chief for the Paramedics Nick Neibauer, Jr. has been busy organizing supplies and equipment unique to pandemic preparation and response.
From protective coveralls and eye shields to approved face masks designed to filter out virus particles, many of the needed supplies and equipment have become impossible to find.
County EMS has the necessary quantities to handle the regular emergency calls, but the threat of increased sick calls and transports has required extra purchases to avoid being caught short.
Again, the absence of definitive numbers and time frames requires best guesses. With a fractured supply chain and a nationwide crisis, all the suppliers to EMS services are completely out of the commonly used items. The suppliers won’t even consider entering back-orders because of the uncertainty on when items can be acquired.
Neibauer said County EMS has enough supplies to get well into a pandemic situation but he will be continuing to do what he can to locate and purchase spare supplies.

04/01/2020

Seeking medical help Part two

Belau stressed that, “People who are concerned they may be sick with the novel coronavirus should call their doctor on the telephone and discuss what the best next step should be. Don’t just go to the emergency room or the doctor’s office without giving the hospital or the clinic advanced notice. They need time to prepare for you and protect others from potential exposure.”
Emergency signs
“Of course, if you have one of the emergency warning signs, call 9-1-1 and we’ll come to help with the emergency and get you into the medical system safely. Those emergency warning signs include trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse the patient and bluish lips or face.”
“Call 9-1-1 if you think you are having an emergency. We will come and help you figure it out. We often talk with the doctor who helps us determine if you need to go to the hospital or not,” Belau said.
EMS is prepared
Operations Chief for County EMS Chad Braun stated that County EMS is well-prepared and is supplied for the usual emergency medical services needs of the area that includes the cities of Beltrami, Fertile, Gary, Mentor and Winger, but the novel coronavirus is throwing a lot of unknowns at medical providers.
County EMS is having to use its best guess as to what kind of additional service demands the virus might add on, and they could be huge if the virus hits the area hard.
Founded in 1982, County EMS has been on the leading edge of rural ALS, and one of the early strengths that County EMS developed was performing acute care transfers between hospitals.
Ventilators available
Part of that capability included adding sophisticated ICU ventilators to the ambulances and specialized training for the Paramedics in caring for patients who need the breathing support from such a ventilator.
Patients in the high-risk group for the novel coronavirus who become ill have, in some cases needed to have a ventilator to support their breathing while in the hospital.
Braun reported that County EMS has three main ambulances and one reserve ambulance.
He related that County EMS’ standard equipment includes a transport ventilator and a critical care ICU ventilator on each of the main ambulances.
One of the ventilators was made possible by a very generous gift from two local families.
Braun concluded, “If the need arises, County EMS is well suited to help with moving patients from one hospital to another”.

04/01/2020

In the Journal this week is a important article from County EMS and on their preparation for COVID-19. It is a long article so I will post in 4 parts.
Part One.
County EMS, Minne¬sota’s first rural based advanced life support (ALS) ambulance service that serves south central Polk County and northeast Norman County has been busy this month preparing for the possibility of novel coronavirus impacts in the area.
The novel coronavirus is a high-consequence infectious disease that originated in Wuhan China late last year and has now become a world-wide pandemic. It causes an upper respiratory illness in those who catch the virus.
Contingency planning
County EMS has conducted several special planning and training sessions as they prepare for potential virus impacts. Contingency planning for unknowable impacts such as the need for ventilators, over-stressed hospital facilities, EMS supply chain problems, and the illness infecting the people who staff the ambulances are just some of the considerations.
“My biggest worry is the dedicated men and women of the community who staff the ambulance. We must protect the paramedics and EMTs. If they get sick, then we can’t fulfill our mission of serving the citizens,” said Steve Belau, one of the paramedics.
Percentages
Most of the people who catch the virus will have mild or moderate symptoms and won’t even need to go to the hospital.
However, approximately 13 percent of patients who tested positive for the virus in Minnesota so far have needed to be hospitalized.
Thirty-nine patients were in the hospital as of March 29, 2020.
Of the 75 patients who needed hospital care, 16 were admitted to an intensive care unit so far, according to Minnesota Depart¬ment of Health numbers posted as of March 29.
Preparations
Belau said, “Preparation is key, perspective is essential, and panic serves no useful purpose.”
Belau also said, “as of March 29, 2020, Minnesota had an official total of 503 positive test results confirming COVID-19 out of 17,657 tests. That is a 3 percent positivity rate.”
“In perspective, that means that 97 percent of the people who meet the criteria for symptoms and tested by their doctors do not have the novel coronavirus. That’s kind of reassuring.”
“The public health efforts recommended by President Trump and Governor Walz have been successful in keeping the virus spread manageable so far,” Belau said.
“Of course, things are changing every day, and the information we have today is already out of date by two weeks because of how the virus incubates and moves through society, but our plans are evolving based on the best information currently available,” Belau said.
There have been nine fatalities due to the virus in Minnesota as of March 29. All are believed to be in the high-risk group of severe underlying medical conditions and age 80-plus.

04/01/2020

Fertile Journal's cover photo

03/20/2020
City of Fertile

City of Fertile

More than just a beautiful place to live, Fertile is truly a place to call home. We have all the bells and whistles of neighboring cities, without the hustle and bustle.

05/24/2019

Sandhill River Golf Course

Join us for the FBCA Falcon Golf Scramble! Come out for golf, food, and fun! Please pick up a sign up sheet in the clubhouse today!

05/24/2019

Fertile, Minnesota

03/28/2019

The Fertile-Beltrami Education Foundation's 22nd annual spring banquet will be Monday, April 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the old gym.

Kelli Kronschnabel, fire chief in Minot, N.D. will be honored as the Distinguished Alumni 0f 2019.

Linda Widrig of Fertile will be recognized for Outstanding Service to Education.

Verna Norland will be the mistress of ceremonies.

Everyone is welcome to attend. Tickets are $15. and are available at Fertile-Beltrami School office, 945-6983 or Encore, 945-3290.

07/13/2018

Polk County Fair - Fertile, MN

Rock & Rest Tent ... Do you want a private space for breastfeeding, a few minutes of quiet time, or need a child changing station?? We’ve got it for you! North end of fair grounds. We love our family friendly fair ❤️

07/10/2018
City of Ada, Minnesota

City of Ada, Minnesota

The City of Ada is currently looking for a City Administrator. If you are interested in applying or learning more about the position please take some time to review this information.

https://hue.life/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Ada-Final.pdf

07/08/2018
Gary Minnesota Page of the Events Coordinator

Gary Minnesota Page of the Events Coordinator

SERVICE NOTICE: JEAN BOLLIG
Jean Bollig, long time resident of Gary, most recently of Detroit Lakes, has passed away. His full obituary and details will be in the Times/Graphic this week.
His service times are as follows:
• Thursday, 6-8 p.m. there will be a family service at West Kjos Funeral Home, 900 Summit Ave., Detroit Lakes, Minnesota 56501, Phone: 218-847-7279
• Friday, 11 a.m. the funeral will be held at First Lutheran Church, 912 Lake Avenue • Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 Phone: 218-847-5656

06/29/2018

Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc.

Tri-Valley’s T.H.E. Bus provided shuttle service between Gary Days festivities in the city of Gary and the Gary Pines Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Saturday, June 16. The Gary Pines is located just north of Gary on MN Highway 32. The forest is owned by the City of Gary and has been a playground for families, hikers, horseback riders, snowmobilers, and nature enthusiasts of all ages for over 70 years. Via grants and many volunteer-hours, the Gary Pines now boasts over six miles of trails, a ninja course (obstacle course), hitching posts and mounting blocks for horse enthusiasts, and a Lions Memorial Forest. With T.H.E. Bus’s shuttle service, residents enjoyed a comfortable ride between the two venues and all had a terrific time! Gary Pines

06/25/2018

Fertile, Minnesota

Exciting news for Fertile. It is official that we will soon have a downtown cafe in the old Mercantile building on Main Street. Jaime Haugen-Fuchs and Gayle Haugen will soon be opening their restaurant, with some good home cooking. I believe they are going to be open for breakfast and lunch. Plus we have homes selling and beautiful homes for sale. Plus the school is being overhauled this summer and will be fun to see all the changes this fall when school opens up!! Go FERTILE!!

06/21/2018
Gary Pines

Gary Pines

For those of you who wanted a Gary Pines T-shirt from this weekend, here is a link to the vendor who made them. We do not have any free shirts left. They were donated by Soyko International and Noah insurance. Thank you to them for their generous contribution!

06/21/2018
Gary Pines

Gary Pines

For those of you who still want a Gary Pines T-shirt from this weekend, here is a link to buy it from the vendor who made them. We do not have any more free ones. They were donated by Soyko International and Noah Insurance.... Thank you to them!

06/13/2018

Norman County Fair

The Fun Never Ends!! June 20-23, 2018

06/13/2018

Norman County Raceway

TOMORROW: Hot Summer Nights & $1 Hot Dogs! Racing starts at 7:00 pm. Plus meet World of Outlaws Sprint Car Driver Greg Wilson from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

06/13/2018

Gary Pines

Here is the trail map to save for the Gary Pines. It includes the placement of the statues carved with a chainsaw by Scott Petry of Andy Lakes Woodworks, placement of hitching posts and more. Enjoy!

06/09/2018

Gary Days 3 on 3 Basketball! June 16 - Call or text Brock Nelson 218-308-4254 or Jase Sather 218-556-8551 to sign up!

06/06/2018

White Earth Tribal and Community College

We are excited to announce the Community Farmer's Market starts this week! Every THURSDAY throughout the summer, 3-6pm, Mainstreet Mahnomen.

06/06/2018

Mahnomen County Fair

06/06/2018

Twin Valley Times continuing the Gary Graphic

Gary Days June 16. Grand opening of the Gary Pines. Gary Days car and tractor show. Four Wheel Drive plays at the street dance. Erickson, Smokehouse will serve during the dance. Fun times!

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The Fertile Journal and Twin Valley Times continuing the Gary Graphic is owned by Connie Hamernik. Twylla Altepeter is the Editor of the Fertile Journal. Linda Widrig works part time for the Journal as photographer.