Thursday, October 29, 2020
Community Briefings: Watertown Area Task Force
Representatives from vital city and county organizations have unified to provide the community coronavirus updates. The current state changes rapidly, and this task force encourages our community to stay updated with reputable information through updates like the briefings below and education from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
October 29, 2020 @ 3:00pm
- K.C. DeBoer, President and CEO of Prairie Lkes Healthcare System
- Mayor Caron
October 15, 2020 @ 3:00 pm
- - Mayor Caron
- - Dr. Jeff Danielsen, Superintendent, Watertown
- - Jon Meyer, Superintendent, Waverly-South Shore
- - Julie Cook, Pharmacist, Hy-Vee Pharmacy
October 1, 2020 @ 3:00 pm
- Jennifer Bender, Public Information Officer
- Mayor Caron
- Dr. Jeff Danielsen, Superintendent, Watertown
- Diane Stiles, Vice President, Lake Area Technical College
- Kim Bellum, Director, Mount Marty University Watertown Campus
- Jon Meyer, Superintendent, Waverly-South Shore
- Matt Bastian, High School/Middle School Principal, Florence
- Captain Rehorst, Public Information Officer
September 24, 2020 @ 3:00 pm
- Mayor Caron
- Cindy Brugman, Codington County Auditor
- Shannon Britt, PLHS Infection Control Nurse
September 17, 2020 @ 3:00 pm
- Mayor Caron
- Dr. Jeff Danielsen, Superintendent, Watertown
- Diane Stiles, Vice President, Lake Area Technical College
- Kim Bellum, Director, Mount Marty University Watertown Campus
September 10, 2020 @ 3:00 pm
- Mayor Caron
- Dr. Dan Rieffenberger, Brown Clinic
- Cindy Mydland, Director of Clnic Operations, Sanford Health Watertown
- Amanda Ulmer, Mental Health Counselor, Human Service Agancy
September 3, 2020 @ 3:00 pm
- Mayor Caron
- Dr. Jeff Danielsen, Superintendent, Watertown
- Diane Stiles, Vice President, Lake Area Technical College
- Kim Bellum, Director, Mount Marty University Watertown Campus
- Mitch Reed, Superintendent, Florence
- Jon Meyer, Superintendent, Waverly-South Shore
August 27, 2020 @ 3:00 pm
- Mayor Caron
- Jennifer Bender, PIO, 211 Helpline
- Kelly Jaderbod, Director of Resource Development, Boys & Girls Club of Watertown
- Deb Griffith, Mental Health Case Manager, Human Service Agency
- Mike Cartney, President, Lake Area Technical College
- Kim Bellum, Director, Mount Marty University Watertown Campus
- Steve Rehorst, PIO, Waverly-South Shore School Update
August 20, 2020 @ 3:00 pm
- Mayor Sarah Caron with a community update
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Dr. Jeff Danielsen, Superintendent, Watertown
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Mike Cartney, President, LATC
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Mitch Reed, Superintendent, Florence
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Jon Meyer, Superintendent, Waverly-South Shore
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Dr. Senne, Pulmonology, PLHS
Ongoing and previous updates can be found through the Task Force’s Facebook page 2020 Watertown COVID-19
All previous briefings from the Task Force can also be found on YouTube.
Public Information Officers: Captain Steve Rehorst with the Watertown Police Department and Jennifer Bender with Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.
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Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Codington County Initiates Unified Measures
Vital organizations in Codington County met to unify procedures in preparation for community members to test positive coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Codington County. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. People with COVID-19 experience mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Collaboration for Safety
A collaborated effort between organizations improves safety preparedness. Representatives from county, city, school, and healthcare organizations were present, including: Brown Clinic, City of Watertown, Codington County Emergency Management, Codington County Sheriff’s Office, Codington County Commissioners, Lake Area Technical Institute, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, Quick Care, Sanford Health – Watertown, Watertown City Council, Watertown Fire Rescue, Watertown Police Department, and Watertown School District.
The unified organizations recommend all community members to take appropriate measures in preparation of COVID-19 to protect those most at risk: people with chronic conditions like diabetes, COPD, underlying heart and lung diseases, or other immune compromising conditions, adults ages 65 and older, and children. Social distancing, as described later, is especially important for people with chronic conditions and adults ages 80 and older as they are at increased risk of complications from COVID-19.
Community members should prepare by learning about COVID-19 through reliable resources provided by the CDC and staying calm. These recommendations and other updates will be posted as available on the newly created Facebook page “2020 Watertown Covid-19”. Follow the Facebook Page to receive the latest information.
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Tuesday, March 17, 2020
BASH 2020 Rescheduled for August 1, 2020
In light of the most recent recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to cancel events with 50+ people for the next 8 weeks nationwide to try to contain the fast-moving coronavirus pandemic, leadership at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation decided to reschedule the event for Saturday, August 1, 2020. The initial date was April 4, 2020.
BASH is an annual gala fundraising event hosted by the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, with much support from donors and volunteers. BASH 2020 proceeds will be used to enhance pulmonology services at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.
All event details remain the same, as BASH 2020 will kick off on August 1 at 5:30 pm with a social hour with signature drinks, a wine bar and silent auction bidding. The evening continues with a gourmet dinner, a live auction, and entertainment featuring the MVP Smash band from Minneapolis, MN.
Reservations and sponsorships already received will be applied to the event. Visit the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation’s Facebook page for updates on packages and other exciting event details. Reservations may be made until July 15 and can be done by visiting www.prairielakes.com/bash or calling the Foundation office at 882-7631.
The mission of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation is, “Healthcare is a vital component of a community’s quality of life. Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation exists to raise funds with which to support and advance the health services available to the Watertown area through Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.” Join us at BASH 2020 on August 1 and help us help others to enjoy “A Breath of Fresh Air”.
Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation BASH on August 1
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Saturday, March 14, 2020
"Local health care facilities prepare..." - Special Interview
Dr. Senne, Pulmonologist, K.C. DeBoer, President & CEO, and Shannon Britt, Infection Control Nurse sat down with The Watertown Public Opinion reporter Laura Butterbrodt yesterday.
Article "Local health care facilities prepare for COVID-19 to hit Watertown"
Note: The information in this article is current as of the afternoon of March 13. Updates will be made to the story online as they are announced.
There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Watertown or Codington County, but Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and other healthcare facilities in the area are preparing for the potential of the new coronavirus outbreak to hit.
“There is active testing out of this hospital in this county — there have not been any confirmed cases,” said Svien Senne, PLHS pulmonologist. “We are testing as medically indicated and per the guidelines that are given to us from state and local governmnt.”
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Friday, March 13, 2020
Message from Mayor Caron
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The City of Watertown is part of the incident command team formed to communicate and address issues related to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic currently developing throughout our nation. This team provides continuous connection between government leaders and public health officials across Codington County to ensure we are responding together in the best way possible. We know COVID-19 will impact our community and call on all citizens to join us in taking any and all measures possible to slow the spread of this virus. Some actions you can take include exercising proper health hygiene guidelines, staying home if you are ill, and avoiding large public gatherings.
Mayor Caron cautioned, “the situation is continuously changing and we ask for your patience as we work to slow the spread of this virus and provide essential services to the community. We will provide updates on our Facebook pages and websites.”
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Mayor’s office at (605)882-6200.
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System recommends following reliable resources provided by the CDC. The CDC and SD DOH always recommend everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and rub your hands together until they are dry.
- For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash; or cough into the crook of your arm. Remember to wash your hands.
- Regular household cleaning spray or wipes can be used to clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Facemasks:
- CDC and SD DOH do not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of harsh cough, shortness of breath, or fever to help prevent the spread of disease.
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Thursday, March 05, 2020
Foundation Names New Executive Director
Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation is pleased to announce the new Executive Director, Lisa Dahl. Beginning March 24, Dahl will lead Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation’s mission to raise funds to support and advance services available to the Watertown area through Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.
Dahl holds a Bachelors of Science Degree and has over twenty years of experience in the areas of Development and Human Services. Her most recent position was Executive Director for the Watertown United Way. In her spare time, Dahl enjoys spending time with her family and friends, attending children’s activities involving her and her loved ones’ children.
“As a proud, life-long resident of Watertown, I have been privileged to witness the impact of good people giving back to the community. As the new Executive Director, I look forward to continuing my passion for community service, together with our donors, by advancing healthcare in the region,” said Dahl.
Dahl enjoys being involved in the community and actively volunteers her time at her church and through committee service. She serves as a member of the Rotary Club, Mount Marty Watertown Advisory Committee, Codington County Area Non-Profit Group, and Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation’s Susan Jacobson Memorial Fund Committee. The Susan Jacobson Memorial Fund Committee’s largest fundraiser is Yellow Rose Week.
“Lisa, a Watertown native, is someone many already know,” said Dan Raderschadt, Board President of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation. “She brings a diversified experience in working with local area organizations and I look forward to her beginning her new role leading the Foundation in a few weeks.”
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Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Prairie Lakes Welcomes Nurse Practitioner Haley Ellis
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System proudly announces Cardiac Cath Lab Nurse Haley Ellis has advanced her education to Certified Nurse Practitioner. Ellis will work with cardiologists and staff in the care of patients with heart conditions. She joins Dr. Garcia, Dr. Maaliki, Dr. Miller, and Nurse Practitioner Jacklyn Karli.
Ellis graduated with her Master’s Degree in Family Nurse Practitioner from South University. She has 13 years’ experience being a registered nurse, six years was spent caring for patients in the Prairie Lakes Cath Lab, and prior to that, seven years in the Critical Care Unit. Ellis resides in Watertown with her husband and their three children. During her time off, Ellis enjoys spending time with family, camping, and watching her three children play in various sporting activities. She is a native to this region; she grew up in Willow Lake, SD.
“I look forward to the next step in my career and am proud to work with a dedicated team of providers and healthcare workers,” said Ellis. “I strive to provide compassionate, patient-centered, high-quality care, and am excited to continue this commitment on my new level of healthcare practice. My focus of the past several years has been centered on cardiac patients, and this experience will guide me in my new role,” said Ellis.
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Monday, February 24, 2020
Tickets on Sale for BASH
Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation is excited to announce BASH (Building A Superior Healthcare System) 2020 will be held on Saturday, April 4 at the Watertown Event Center. BASH is an annual gala fundraising event hosted by the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, with much support from donors and volunteers. This year the planning committee celebrates the 25th Anniversary of BASH!
About BASH
BASH 2020 will have an airy, fresh, and welcoming theme to encourage guests to enjoy a “Breath of Fresh Air” because proceeds from BASH will be used to enhance pulmonology services at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. For example, Endobronchial Ultrasound Bronchoscopy (commonly called EBUS) enables early diagnosis and staging of lung and other cancers like lymphoma. Enhancements to this equipment, made possible by BASH proceeds, will improve pulmonology patient experience and outcomes. Dr. Svien Senne joined Prairie Lakes Pulmonology in 2019 and offers services that focus on the diagnosis and management of both chronic and acute diseases of the lungs, respiratory tract, and bronchial tubes.
On April 4th, BASH 2020 kicks off at 5:30 pm with a social hour with signature drinks, a wine bar and silent auction bidding. The evening continues with a gourmet dinner, a live auction, and entertainment featuring the MVP Smash band from Minneapolis, MN. MVP Smash a high energy, 7-piece dance band with skilled musicians and gifted vocalists who are tuned up and ready to hit the stage to fill our dance floor!
Learn, Buy Tickets, and Support the Cause
Reservations are required for BASH and may be made online at www.prairielakes.com/bash or by calling the foundation office at 605-882-7631. Invitations to past attendees will be mailed in early March. Visit the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation’s Facebook page for updates on packages and other exciting event details.
Corporate sponsorships are appreciated as the Foundation works to cover the cost of the event so all dollars raised are allocated towards the cause. Sponsorship inquiries may be made by calling the foundation office at 882-7631 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
BASH 2020 Committee members include: Bobbi Bach, Jennifer Briggs, Sherri Brindle, Caitlin Broek, Sarah Bruning, Cami Dorrity, Jessi Eidson, Alison Gilbertson, April Johnston, Jannelle Miller, Kris Munger, Shantel Reis, Tressa Senne, and Phyllis Wiles.
The mission of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation is, “Healthcare is a vital component of a community’s quality of life. Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation exists to raise funds with which to support and advance the health services available to the Watertown area through Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.”
Published in
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Thursday, February 20, 2020
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Nationally Recognized Featured
On Wednesday, February 19 Prairie Lakes Healthcare System celebrated with staff, volunteers, and board members their success in earning a four out of five star facility rating from Hospital Compare, a service of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (photos below). Additionally - K.C. DeBoer, President and CEO received news just before the celebratory event that Prairie Lakes is among the Top 20 Rural Community Hospitals in the country in 2020.
The designation as a Top 20 Rural Community Hospital by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) means Prairie Lakes is among the 20 highest-ranked prospective payment system hospitals in the country based on an evaluation by the Chartis Center for Rural Health using iVantage Health Analytics’ Hospital Strength Index.
The determining factors for the top 20 rural community hospitals were based on eight indices: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspectives, costs, charge, and financial efficiency. Prairie Lakes has been honored as a designee four out of the five years of this national award.
“I am pleased that the excellent care our employees and providers offer to the community of Watertown and surrounding region is being recognized nationally,” said K.C. DeBoer, President & CEO. “I am proud of our team’s accomplishments. Our recognition as a top health care provider means our community can count on us to deliver the services they need now and in the future. It is an immense honor to be included in the group of Top 20 Rural Community Hospitals for the fourth time in recent history.”
Photo Gallery from February 19th Celebratory Event:
Team members at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System had the opportunity to show their pride by writing what makes their work great on stars at the celebratory event on Wednesday as shown in the included photos. Over 750 team members serve the region through their work and volunteerism at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.
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Monday, February 03, 2020
Prairie Lakes Welcomes Physician Assistant Abby Gietzen
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes Physician Assistant Abby Gietzen to the dermatology staff. She joins Dr. Jeffrey Smith in the care of patients in the Prairie Lakes Dermatology Clinic.
Gietzen graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree from South Dakota State University and then received her Master in Physician Assistant Studies in 2014 from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, MN. She has over five years experience working in family medicine, treating patients of all ages with a wide variety of medical conditions. She is a Watertown native and has been married to her husband Ben for ten years. Together they have two children: Wesley (5) and Alice (3). When not in the clinic, Gietzen enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying out new recipes, and reading.
“I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve patients in Watertown and the surrounding communities. Dermatology has been an interest of mine since PA school, and I am eager to begin practicing with Dr. Smith,” said Gietzen. “I am passionate about providing compassionate, patient-centered, quality care and look forward to continuing to provide this type of care to patients at Prairie Lakes Dermatology Clinic. I am excited to learn from Dr. Smith and to be able to expand his dermatology practice to meet the needs of the community,” said Gietzen.
Dermatology is located on the 1st floor of the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic in Watertown. Patients may make a clinic appointment by calling 605-882-7777 or toll free at 855-465-8897.
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Friday, January 24, 2020
Prairie Lakes Welcomes Physician Assistant Stef Roby
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes Physician Assistant Stefanie Roby to the nephrology staff. She joins Dr. Tina Melanson and Physician Assistant Kari Fleming in the care of patients in the Prairie Lakes Nephrology Clinic and Kidney Dialysis Units in the region.
Roby graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree from South Dakota State University and then received her Master in Physician Assistant Studies in 2010 from University of Nebraska Medical Center. She has over 8 years experience in providing patient care in the primary care setting. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the South Dakota Academy of Physician Assistants. Roby and her husband both grew up in Watertown and enjoy Lake Kampeska, spending time with their three children, and reading.
“Over the course of my career I have served patients with management of a variety of medical conditions and look forward to this opportunity to work more closely with the physicians and staff of PLHS,” said Roby. “I am passionate about providing compassionate, patient-centered, quality care.”
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Thursday, January 09, 2020
New Technology to Reduce Risk of Esophageal Cancer
Acid reflux specialists Dr. Greg Gerrish and Dr. Jacob Schaeffer expanded services for patients with Barrett’s esophagus. A new treatment called Barrx™ is now available at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.
Barrett's esophagus is a precancerous change affecting the lining of the esophagus that may progress to esophageal cancer. Early detection and treatment of Barrett’s esophagus is important due to the risk of cancer. The treatment Barrx™ uses heat to remove tissue affected by Barrett’s esophagus. Clinical studies have found that it can eradicate the Barrett’s tissue; nearly eliminating the risk of progression to esophageal cancer. Approximately 12 million adults have Barrett’s Esophagus, however only 1.5 million have been diagnosed. A few of the greatest risk factors include smoking, obesity, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD happens when food and liquid from the stomach moves back up into the esophagus, causing irritation. Symptoms include chronic heartburn or acid reflux, nausea after eating, hiccups, regurgitation, chest pain, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, difficulty swallowing, and excessive belching.
Individuals concerned about their symptoms may schedule an appointment directly with The Acid Reflux Center at Prairie Lakes. Dr. Gerrish and Dr. Schaeffer offer multiple advanced solutions to diagnose and treat acid reflux disorders. To schedule an appointment, please call the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic at 605-882-7777.
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Thursday, January 02, 2020
Welcome the 1st Baby of 2020
Laura and Javon Heathcote of Florence welcomed their new baby boy Asher Edward at 9:25 a.m. on January 1, 2020. Asher is 20.5 inches long and 8 pounds 11 ounces. He is the first baby to be born at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System in Watertown for the 2020 year. Asher is welcomed by his sibling Aiden and his proud grandparents Rick and Diane Heathcote of Henderson, NV and Ed and Kay Evans of Watertown, SD.
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Thursday, January 02, 2020
Prairie Lakes Names New Emergency Department Director
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) is pleased to announce Monica Everson as its new Emergency Department Director. Everson will oversee the PLHS Emergency Department as well as the Trauma Program.
Everson is a northeast South Dakota native. She grew up and currently resides near Hayti, SD with her husband Paul and their five children. She enjoys her children’s’ activities and spending time with family and friends. Everson holds a Bachelors of Nursing Degree from South Dakota State University and has served patients at Prairie Lakes for more than ten years. During her tenure, Everson served in the Trauma Nurse Leader role and was instrumental in forming procedures to best care for those in critically emergent conditions.
“My passion for emergency medicine began when I volunteered for my local ambulance service and helping people in their most vulnerable times,” said Everson. “I am excited for the next step in my career as Emergency Department Director and look forward to the opportunity to assure patients receive great care in the Emergency Department at Prairie Lakes.”
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