Less than a week ago, on Wednesday, July 15, the total number of lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Cerro Gordo County was at 349.
On Friday, July 17, that ticked up to 388 total cases.
Now, three days later, the total for Cerro Gordo County sits at 441 lab-confirmed cases based on data maintained by the Iowa Department of Public Health. Of those 440, 105 are listed as "recovered."
Along with that, in the past week-plus, the total number of reported deaths has gone from one to 13, with the latest being added just over the weekend.
Part of the trend is owed to the county's mobile testing unit logging several hundred tests a day in recent days and weeks, but that comes as the positive test rate for the county is hanging above what it was at the start of the month.
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In early July, the positive test rate was at 3.7%. Now it's averaging about 6% in the most recent days which is down from the 29% positive rate seen for July 12.
"This is going to continue. At this rate, we’re going to have 1,000 cases in a month," Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health Director Brian Hanft said.
According to him, the department is currently going 100 miles per hour just trying to keep up with the case calling.
"If you’re a positive case and we get notification, we’re picking up the phone and calling you to let you know what obligations are for quarantine."
That kind of work is particularly important right now, as Hanft confirmed a large degree of what CG Public Health is seeing is owed to community spread.
More severely: From May through early July, there had only been one confirmed death from COVID-19 in Cerro Gordo County.
But since then, there have been 12 more deaths related to the virus.
In a press release, Cerro Gordo Public Health reported that one of those deaths was someone in the 61-80 age range, while others were people 80 and older.
As that's happened locally, there's been a slow uptick in deaths statewide as well. The total number for Iowa now sits at 797 which is 14 more than a week ago and almost 400 more than mid-May when the number was around 400. That said, it's important to note that reporting on new deaths from relevant state and federal health departments has been taking as long as a week and the same can be true for reporting on positive tests.
"Our hearts go out to the families that are losing people but when you see an uptick in the number of cases, you’re going to see an uptick in the number of deaths," Hanft said.
The current situation at the local level has caused some disruptions in recent days.
Positive COVID-19 cases in children attending Newman Childcare and Preschool has caused the facility to close for two weeks.
On Sunday morning, Newman Catholic Childcare and Preschool announced that it would be closed for two weeks because of a second confirmed case COVID-19. That announcement came just a few days after the program confirmed its first case of COVID-19. In both cases, Newman Childcare and Preschool staff notified parents and consulted with CG Public Health as well as the Department of Human Services.
"The health and safety of the families we serve and our staff is our top priority," staff posted on Facebook. The recommendation for a two-week closure came from CG Public Health, but the final decision was ultimately one for Newman Catholic.
As of now, the first day of school for Newman is set for August 24.
As for positive trends or numbers to point to or build on, Hanft said that it was hard to wrangle many.
He's not just worried about the start of school season during all of this, but a looming flu season that will only add to the pressure. "In the next three to four months, we’ve got a lot of work to do trying to keep people vaccinated for the flu."
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A crew installed the new football field turf at Lions Field Athletic Complex this week, part of a more than $2.4 million improvements project for the complex.
North Iowa Celebrations: Anniversaries, weddings, birthdays and more for July 26
Nile - 7
Happy 7th Birthday to our firstborn! We are so proud of how smart, caring, and creative you are. You are the best big brother ever! We all love you so much!
Love,
Mommy, Daddy, Presley, and Lyla
Jane Taylor, 90
Jane Nolte Taylor of Forest City will turn 90 years old on July 28th.
You are invited to send her greetings: 635 Hwy 9 East Apt #6, Forest City, IA 50436.
Happy 90th with much love from your family!
Prayer to the Blessed Virgin
(Never Known to Fail)
Oh, Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.
Oh Star of the Son, help me and show me herein you are my Mother.
Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make your request.)
There are none that can withstand your power.
Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3x).
Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3x).
Say this prayer for three consecutive days.
You must publish this and it will be granted to you.
Griffith, 60 years
Karl and Lynn Griffith were married July 17, 1960, at Collegiate Presbyterian Church in Ames, Iowa. The couple will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. They have 2 sons: David Griffith of Mason City, Iowa, and Randy (Sue) Griffith of Ames, Iowa. They also have 2 grandchildren: Jackson (Katie) Griffith of Greeley, CO and Mariah (Will) Phillips of Gunnison, CO.
Cards and wishes may be sent to them at: 402 Prairie View Ln, Mason City, IA 50401
Thank You
Thank you to all our friends and relatives who sent cards for our 65th anniversary. You are all so special in our lives.
Gene and Charlene Ostmo
Thank You
Artz – We wish to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, kindness and memorials following Janice’s passing. Janice’s family also thanks the caregivers at Country Meadow Place for the love and care they gave to her and continue to give to J Paul. God bless you all.
J Paul & Janice’s Family
Howell, 70 years
Rollin and Joyce Howell formerly of Rockford and Marble Rock will be celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary on Friday, July 17. They are currently in the process of returning to the North Iowa area to reside with their eldest son, Steven, and his wife, Alfie.
Hugeback, 50th Wedding Anniversary
Richard Hugeback and Alyce (Dietrich) Hugeback of Hampton, Iowa were married July 11, 1970, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Manly, Iowa. They will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a card shower. Cards can be sent to: 621 Third Avenue S.W., Hampton, IA 50441
Thank You
Thank you so very, very much for all the cards, calls and visits to help me celebrate my birthday.
Thank you to my family for the wonderful party. It was a great time. God bless everyone.
Love you all,
Velma Val Valley Barnes
Johnson, 100
Jean Johnson will be celebrating her 100th birthday on July 16, 2020. Please send a card to Jean in care of the IOOF Home, 1037 19th St. SW, Mason City, Iowa 50401.
Congratulations on your retirement, Pat Guetzko
The Nettleton Dental Group would like to thank Pat for her 30 years of wonderful care for our patients. We will be having a drive-by Thank You celebration for Pat on Saturday, July 11th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at our office (946 E State St). Please drive-by and wish Pat well on this next chapter in her life.
Staebler, 85
Richard Staebler celebrated his 85th Birthday on July 3, 2020. Mr. Staebler was the band director at the Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock Schools from 1959-1992. Birthday greetings and well wishes may be sent to him at:
418 22nd St. SW, Mason City, IA 50401
60th Anniversary / 80th Birthday Open House
Jerry & Maxine O’Connor of Mason City will celebrate their 60th anniversary on July 16, 2020. Jerry also celebrated his 80th birthday on June 23rd.
There will be an open house celebrating these 2 events on Saturday, July 11th from 4-7 p.m. at the Gary O’Connor farm at 23097 200th St., Rockford, Iowa.
Jerry & Maxine were married on July 16, 1960 at St. John Catholic Church in Cartersville, Iowa. Hosting the event will be their children, Don & Carol O’Connor of Mason City, Sue & Joe Paulus, Gary & Laurie O’Connor, & Janet & Dennis Willert all of Rockford.
The couple also has 12 grandchildren & 14 great grandchildren, with 2 more on the way.
Greetings can be sent to: 135 Sunny Circle, Mason City, IA 50401.
Birthdays
Please wish Donna O’Donnell, Billy Fett, Kristy Ausborn and Mark Kalvig a surprise Happy Birthday by sending birthday cards & well wishes to:
Donna O’Donnell - 60th Birthday on July 6th
603 S. Polk Ave., Apt. 2, Mason City, IA 50401
Billy Fett - 41st Birthday on July 9th
18062 Zinnia Ave., Nora Springs, IA 50458
Kristy Ausborn - 39th Birthday on July 10th
2036 420th St., Kensett, IA 50448
Mark Kalvig - 63rd Birthday on July 20th
416 N Pennsylvania Ave, Apt. 2, Mason City, IA 50401
Happy 90th Birthday!
Norma Hammond of Forest City will observe her 90th birthday on July 9th!
Help us celebrate by sending greetings to Norma at 102 Winngate Dr., Apt 4, Forest City, Iowa 50436.
Happy 90th birthday!
Love from your family.
Thank You
Thank you for the cards and greetings in honor of my 90th birthday party, so greatly appreciated.
Clarence Ermer
Kruse, Menne Wedding
Together, with their parents, Stephen (Dragos) Teodor Kruse and Taylor Lauren Menne would like to announce their upcoming marriage. Stephen, the son of Dr. Brian and Ann Kruse of Greene, grew up in Dumont and Greene, and is employed as a fishing manager at the Scheels sporting goods store in The Colony, Texas. Taylor, the daughter of Scott and Nadine Menne of St. Petersburg, Florida, grew up in St. Petersburg, and is employed at Studio 22 in Dallas, Texas. A July 5th wedding is planned at Lake Panorama in Panora, Iowa.
Dot Gerdes, 99
Dot Gerdes turns 99 on July 11th. Her daughter Judy Kruggel Coe and son Ron Gerdes would like to invite you to join in a card shower. Cards may be sent to her at her assisted living. Dot's address is 405 27th Avenue South, Apt. 10, Clear Lake, IA 50428. Dorothy Mae Grattidge Kruggel Gerdes was born in 1921 on the family farm in Wall Lake Township near Clarion.
Bob Duda, 82
Help us celebrate Bob Duda's 82nd birthday on July 1st!
Send a card to 226 13th St NE, Mason City, IA 50401, or give him a call at 641-201-1556! Happy birthday papa!!
We love you - Mike, Dan, Shannon, Louis, Jamie, David, Aleah, Jordy, Jada and Marek
Tegtmeyer, 25 years
Dean and Heather (Leaman) Tegtmeyer are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. The couple were married on May 5, 1995, at Clear Lake Christian Church.
They have two children, Maegan and Devin, both of Clear Lake.
Well wishes can be sent to the couple at 2105 Pine Tree Court, Clear Lake, IA 50428
Thank You
Thank You for all the cards and best wishes on our 60th Wedding Anniversary!
Larry and Cathy Degen
Thank You
A huge thank you to all our friends and relatives who sent us 50th Anniversary cards. It was wonderful to hear from so many. It meant the world to us; since COVID 19 stopped the party.
Dick and Mary Squier
Happy 60th Teresa (Gobeli) VanHorn
Teresa (Gobeli) VanHorn will be 60 years old, this Sunday, June 28, 2020. A resident of Chula Vista, California she is originally from Mason City, Iowa. Teresa is the daughter of Marlene and the late Leonard Gobeli. She is married to Chip VanHorn. They will be celebrating her birthday with their two daughters Anna (of Lima, Peru) and Jenna (of Anchorage, Alaska), as well as their new grandson, 2-month-old Aliseo.
Happy Birthday Teresa!
Franks, 50 years
Ron and Luci Franks, of Clear Lake, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. The couple were married June 28, 1970, at Highland Prairie Church in rural Peterson, MN.
They are parents of Dan (Madalyn) Franks and Lisa (Richard) Kramer and five grandchildren.
Cards and well wishes may be sent to them at: 6881 320th St., Clear Lake, IA 50428
Leaman, 50 years
Jerry and Linda (Parag) Leaman are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. The couple were married on June 27, 1970, at Clear Lake Christian Church.
They have two daughters Heather (Dean) Tegtmeyer, of Clear Lake, and Heidi (Douglas) Blaylock, of Wentzville, MO. They also have two grandchildren, Maegan and Devin Tegtmeyer.
A celebration will be held at a later date.
Well wishes can be sent to the couple at 2102 Pine Tree Ct., Clear Lake, IA 50428.
Darlene Johnson (Gabel), 70
Our youngest sister turns 70 on Wednesday, July 1st.
Happy Special Birthday!
Love, Your Family
Staebler, 85
Richard Staebler celebrated his 85th Birthday on July 3, 2020. Mr. Staebler was the band director at the Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock Schools from 1959-1992. Birthday greetings and well wishes may be sent to him at:
418 22nd St. SW, Mason City, IA 50401
Lois Morris, 90
A card shower is planned for Lois Morris’ 90th Birthday.
Lois was born on July 3, 1930, in Mitchell County. She married Paul Morris on January 13, 1950. He died in 2011. Together they raised 2 children, Gerald Morris of Mason City and Jan Buchanan of Clear Lake. Lois has 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Birthday greetings may be sent to Lois at 620 Briarstone Drive S.W., Apt. 32, Mason City, IA 50401.
Hansen, 80
Happy 80th Birthday Martin Hansen
Born July 5, 1940
He’s held many roles over the years: son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and now “great”grandfather – he’s been great in all of them! Help him celebrate by sending a card, sharing a memory or joke at 11373 Grouse Ave, Clear Lake, IA 50428.
Love,
Your Family
Prayer to Saint Expedite
Thank you St. Expedite for helping with my mom's health scare. RP
Prayer to Saint Expedite for Urgent Need
Prayer to Saint Expedite for Urgent Need
Our dear martyr and protector, Saint Expediter,
you who know what is necessary and
what is urgently needed.
I beg you to intercede before the Holy Trinity,
that by your grace my request will be granted.
(Clearly express what you want,
and ask him to find a way to get it to you.)
May I receive your blessings and favors.
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
If Saint Expedite grants your request,
place an ad in the newspaper thanking Saint Expedite,
so that his name and fame will grow.
Rosenthal, 65 years
Gordon and Carol Rosenthal will be celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary on July 2nd. They were married in Hendricks, MN on July 2, 1955.
Their children are Lon Rosenthal, Lori Rosenthal, Leanne (Kurt) Knutson, and Nancy Huck. They have five beloved grandchildren.
Gordon and Carol reside at 12 Lido Rd in Clear Lake.
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Jared McNett covers local government for the Globe Gazette. You can reach him at Jared.McNett@globgazette.com or by phone at 641-421-0527. Follow Jared on Twitter at @TwoHeadedBoy98.
