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Saturday, December 19, 2020
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Allen County COVID-19 Case Count
Current cases.................. 61 Total cases*.................... 542 Deaths............................ 1 *Since the start of the pandemic Sources: Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments, Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Fillies still finding their way
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Vaccinations begin By VICKIE MOSS The Iola Register
Susan Lewis, surgery manager at Allen County Regional Hospital, was the first in Allen County to receive the COVID-19 vaccination Thursday morning. “I didn’t know that I’d be first in line when I opted in to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, but am proud to be among those leading the charge against this virus,” said Lewis, an RN. “In the surgery department, I come into contact with patients when they are sick and most vulnerable. It’s critical that I do my part to care for and protect those patients, and getting the vaccine is one more way I can do that.”
The hospital received 45 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine earlier this week and began administering them Thursday and Friday, with more planned today. The hospital expects to receive more vaccines in the coming weeks, and plans to vaccinate all medical staff who want a shot within the next six weeks. The vaccine likely won’t be available to the general public until late spring or early summer. The CDC and Kansas Department of Health and Environment are prioritizing shots for front-line healthcare workers and those who live in nursing homes. It’s expected the state will also set its next priority on essential workers, See VACCINE | Page A4
Driving Miss Doris
Dr. Brian Wolfe receives the first of a two-shot vaccine to guard against COVID-19 Friday morning at Allen County Regional Hosptial. Denise Byrd, RN, administers the shot, while Susan Lewis, RN, completes paperwork. COURTESY PHOTO
Mom’s death weighs on health official By SUSAN LYNN The Iola Register
Doris Fugitt has needed a ride five days a week for about four months. Wings of Warriors used a transporation grant to purchase a car to give rides to cancer treatment, with volunteer drivers. From left are Linda Womelsdorf, Doris Fugitt, Peggy Lundine and Patti Whitcomb. REGISTER/
TREVOR HOAG
Cancer treatment routine bonds women By VICKIE MOSS The Iola Register
HUMBOLDT — After learning she had a cancerous tumor in her throat, 78-year-old Doris Fugitt of Humboldt was prepared to drive herself to radiation treatments in Chanute. Five days a week. For more than four months. Her daughter and her brother helped when they could, but her daughter had work commitments and it was quite a long drive for her brother. Help came in the form of wings and wheels. Wings of Warriors received a one-year grant from Health Forward Foundation to purchase a car to take Allen County residents to their cancer treatments. Three women volunteered to drive Doris, splitting the daily trips between them. They take turns driving her to Chanute, waiting in the parking lot until her treatment ends, then driving her
Vol. 122, No. 291 Iola, KS 75 Cents
I’m grateful for people to be that caring. It’s taught me that there is a lot of goodness in the world. You can depend on people and they will be there for you when you need them. — Doris Fugitt
home. Each of the drivers agreed to help for different reasons. None of them knew Doris very well, though one of them was a neighbor for many years. They talked about their families. Their grandchildren. Their pets. Their hobbies. The women developed a special bond. The drivers still worry about Doris’s health. They’re inspired by her strength and courage. And they’ve offered Doris much more than car rides. “I’m grateful for people to
Tisha Coleman fully expected her mother to live. She was healthy, active and strong — emotionally and physically. And as a retired nurse, Nina Lou knew how to take care of herself. “But we’re just learning about COVID-19,” said Coleman, also a nurse and currently administrator of the Linn County Health Department in Pleasanton. “If I could do it over again, I’d have taken her sooner to see a specialist.” Nina Lou Thompson Worthington died on Dec. 13, less than three weeks after being admitted to the University of Kansas Medical Center. Even when being admitted, she was showing only mild symptoms of distress. She and Coleman and granddaughter Alyssa Coleman chatted during the drive there. Worthington walked into the hospital on her own accord. “They wouldn’t let me go with her into the ER, because of COVID. So while she was getting checked out, my
Nina Lou Worthington with her 50th birthday cake denoting her as “Niney,” the name her grandchildren called her. daughter and I got something to eat. Did some shopping. Little did I know ....,” and Coleman’s voice trailed off. We can fill in the blanks. NINA LOU grew up in rural Moran, one of seven children to Fred and Ethel Thompson. Her identical twin sister is Nita Lee, now of Ohio. A nurse, Nina Lou had a special affinity for the elderly, working at several nursing homes. For a time she was adSee COLEMAN | Page A5
be that caring,” Doris said. “It’s taught me that there is a lot of goodness in the world. You can depend on people and they will be there for you when you need them.” LINDA Womelsdorf, Patti McCormick and Peggy Lundine didn’t need much convincing when asked to volunteer as drivers. Linda has been a volunteer driver for about six months. She mostly drives for people in the local area, while her daughter has taken patients to appointments as far as Kansas City. It’s rare to have See RIDES | Page A5
Nina Lou Thompson Worthington, formerly of Moran, with her daughter, Tisha Coleman. COURTESY PHOTOS
Clean Hands
Clean Hands can keep you healthy. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. Simple things can help keep you and your family healthy.
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