SURPRISING STUFF

 

There is a critical blood supply shortage in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin, the primary blood provider for more than 56 hospitals in 29 counties across Wisconsin, has issued an emergency appeal for blood donations due to a dangerously low blood supply. Less than a day’s worth of certain blood types is currently available, endangering the lives of local patients. Summer donations have plummeted to critical levels, with more than 3,500 appointments missed in June alone. We experience more trauma in the summer, meaning things like car and motorcycle accidents. It’s common towards the end of summer for inventory to start suffering. It can be temporary until school gets back in session and businesses get back to their normal routines and blood drives increase. The O blood types are shorter than others and O positive is one of the most common ones. O negative can go to anyone, it’s the universal transfusion that can be safely received by all patients in emergencies when the blood type is unknown.

Giving blood is convenient and quick. The actual collection of the blood is 10 minutes or less. The questionnaire and getting the vital signs take another 29 minutes. You have to be 17 or older, 16 with an adult and you need to bring a government-issued ID. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 1-877-BE-A-HERO (1-877-232-4376) or visitVersiti.org. Walk-in donors are also welcome.

 

Ruth, the Kite Lady.
Ruth died last Saturday, quietly in her home among family members and some friends.  Ruth was an institution for many years in her small store right never the very edge of Lake Geneva’s Riviera Beach.  She was grouchy and troublesome at times but wonderous to children and adults most other times. She not only provided many products for beach use that are no longer available, but she played games with almost everyone who entered her store. She will be missed by all who knew and experienced her.

 

Person of the Week

Tom Earle, Public Works Director, Lake Geneva

Tom Earle, the effective man who’s in charge of the City of Lake Geneva’s Public Works.

 

Sign up for Updates