(Radio Iowa) – The University of Iowa participated in the trial of a Covid-19 vaccine that appears to be on the fast track for distribution. Dr. Patricia Winokur (WIN-oh-ker) was the principal investigator at the university for its part in the Pfizer trial with about 250 participants — and today (Friday) the company will ask the Food and Drug Administration to grant Pfizer an “Emergency Use Authorization” for its vaccine. “They’re allowed to approve a medical countermeasure when the country is experiencing a public health emergency,” she says.

Winokur, who is the executive dean of the University of Iowa College of Medicine, says outbreaks of similar viruses in 2002 and 2012 has led to speedier-than-usual development of an effective Covid-19 vaccine.  “What that science identified is these other coronaviruses also had the spike protein…that sticks out on the surface,” Winokur says. “That protein is the most important protein for allowing the human body to create an immune response that protects you from infection.” The other contributing factor to the speed of development is the research associated with vaccines being developed for cancer. “We knew that we would have to create vaccines very quickly and, sometimes, in a very personalized way,” Winokur says.

That led to what Winokur describes as the “new platform” being used for the two leading Covid-19 vaccines. Pfizer has announced the trials at the University of Iowa and elsewhere found its vaccine to be 95 percent effective. “This data is better than any of us anticipated,” Winokur says. “We were hoping that it would be somewhere around 60-70% effective. The fact that it’s *95% effective is very heartening.”

In some years, for example, Winokur says the flu vaccine is about 70 percent effective in young people and 50 percent effective in older adults. Pfizer had 44-thousand participants in the final phase of its vaccine trial. Winokur says that’s 10 times as many as are normal — and another reason the public should have confidence in the vaccine.

ELK HORN and KIMBALLTON, Iowa – Getting into the holiday spirit is easy in the Danish Villages. Celebrated the weekend after Thanksgiving, the 42nd Julefest offers visitors a way to kick start the Christmas season. For forty one years, this magical festival has warmed hearts and provided a way to celebrate all things Danish. Julefest promises an array of traditional Danish food and tasty treats such as pastries, wine, glögg, and pebbernødder. Search for unique Christmas presents and decorations at gift shops and specialty stores, in both towns. Make the most of a winter’s day – tour the newly reconstructed Danish Windmill, enjoy the latest exhibits at the Museum of Danish America.

Danish Windmill w/lights (Photo submitted)

New this year is the Danish Windmill’s Silent Auction at the Elk Horn Fire Hall 1 -6 on Saturday the 28th along with a Vintage Quilt Show sponsored by Log Cabin Quilt Shop. For this year only the Danish Windmill is sponsoring a Frikadeller Meal to Go from 4 to 7 at the Elk Horn Fire Hall. RSVP only 712-764-7472 to reserve your ticket. The Master Grillers out of Kimballton are the caterers.

Relish in the festive atmosphere of the villages – both towns will be decorated for Christmas and the streets lined with Danish and American flags. Pick up a brochure with a map of the local merchants and happenings at any of the Danish Villages businesses. Pancake breakfast, Polar Run, two craft fairs and evening concert have been canceled for 2020.

Safety is a priority this year and we will be following CDC guidelines for events. Schedules will be subject to change. Masks required. Contact the Danish Windmill at (800) 451-7960 or visit www.Danishvillages.com for more information.

The Creston Police Department says there were three people arrested Thursday, on separate charges. 48-year-old Walter Roy Hall Jr., of Creston, was arrested on a warrant from an  outside agency. Hall was taken to Union County Jail. Bail was set at $500 cash or surety. 35-year-old Nicholas Andrew Colburn, of Creston, was also arrested Thursday on a warrant from another agency, He was being held in the Union County Jail without bond until seen by a magistrate. And, 38-year old Mathew Louis Scherer, of Creston, was arrested Thursday for Urinating and/or Defecating in Public. Scherer was being held in the Union County Jail on a $300 cash or surety bond.

The Creston Police Dept. says also, a resident reported Wednesday a go-kart, a table saw is missing from an address in the 500 block of N. Elm Street. The loss was estimated at $1,110. And on Thursday, Wellman Dynamics officials reported to police that Ferrara Candy Company was broken into and vandalized on Nov. 6th, at around 8:30pm. The damage was estimated damage at $50.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office, Thursday, added that a Creston resident reported on Wednesday, that sometime in late September or early October, a New Holland cycle mower valued at $1,100 was stolen from his property in the County.

MASON CITY, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI) reports that on Wednesday, Nov. 18th at 8:45 a.m., Cerro Gordo County Jail correctional officers observed an inmate in a solitary cell having a medical issue. Correctional officers entered the cell and began life-saving measures. Those efforts continued until Mason City Fire and Ambulance arrived to transport the inmate to a local hospital, where he later died.

The inmate’s name was being withheld, pending full notification of family.  An autopsy will be completed by the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner in Ankeny. The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office requested the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation’s assistance with this matter.

Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh reports that on Wednesday December 2nd, the Cass County Local Food Policy Council is hosting a mobile food pantry through the Food Bank for the Heartland at the Cass County Community Center from 4:00 – 6:00 PM, or as supplies last. Hoegh says they have ordered double the amount of food to be handed out at the mobile pantries in the past, given the increased food needs related to COVID-19.

Anyone in need is welcome to visit the mobile pantry, and no documentation is needed. People from surrounding towns and communities are welcome. Traffic will be directed by volunteers. Visitors are asked stay in their vehicles with the trunk open. The mobile pantry is available free of charge.

For more information on local food, farmers markets, and food access, follow the Cass County Local Food Policy Council’s Facebook page @CassCountyLocalFood.