Latest news with #ScottLarson
CBS News
10-04-2025
- Health
- CBS News
You've heard of Lyme disease, but Minnesota's ticks carry another illness
With the warm weather comes deer ticks. They carry not only Lyme disease but also Powassan virus. "Most of the day is spent in front of a microscope identifying mosquitoes and ticks and black flies," said Scott Larson. Such is the life of an entomologist at the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District . But despite the daily routine, they're always discovering something new. "Ticks are much more important as far as human disease goes in this area," said Larson, an assistant entomologist. Lyme disease gets a lot of attention, but as they've seen an uptick in deer tick numbers over the years, another illness has caught their eye. "It's an extremely rare disease but it is something you should be very aware of," said Janet Jarnefeld with tick vector services. It's called Powassan virus and it can be fatal to the elderly or people who are immuno-compromised. While it has similar symptoms to Lyme disease, with a headache and vomiting, it's believed it infects people much faster. "For Powassan virus, it's unknown but you could possibly become infected only 15 minutes after a tick bites you," said Jarnefeld. Unlike other tick-borne diseases , there is no treatment or cure for Powassan virus. The illness has to run its course. But prevention is the same: wearing long pants and boots in the woods and using certain insect repellents. In Minnesota, there were only 14 cases of Powassan last year. But it's enough of a concern that MMCD has started collecting samples to learn as much as they can about the virus. "There are always new things to learn and new things coming up on the horizons," said Jarnefeld. The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District says it's too early to tell if tick numbers will be high this year, but they did collect a high number of larval ticks last year, which sometimes means an increase the following year. Experts say Powassan virus originated in Canadian ticks before coming to the U.S.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
A look back at the winter of 2024-2025 in West Michigan
Editor's note: The video report above aired March 13, 2025. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The winter of 2024-2025 started out slow for West Michigan, but quickly picked up speed. Below is a summary of what the region saw over the season and why: Going into winter, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicated a high probability of a weak La Nina forming. A weak La Nina indicates cooler-than-normal ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific. This typically brings a colder and wetter winter to the Great Lakes. Such a pattern, however, did not take shape until January. The first snowflakes of the season fell Nov. 20, followed by measurable snow of 0.2 inches Nov. 21. That light dusting was just the beginning: 9.2 inches fell in metro Grand Rapids Nov. 29. It was the highest single-day snowfall total of the entire winter. The month started out with a rare phenomenon: thundersnow. In just the first six days of the month, most cities in West Michigan saw measurable snow as temperatures remained below freezing. As winds increased, so did the snow, and snow rollers took shape. Weathering West Michigan: Snow Season By the time the holidays rolled around, warmer temperatures arrived across the Midwest. High temperatures remained in the 40s and 50s between Christmas and New Year's, with an inch of rain Dec. 29. With the onset of La Nina, winter picked up in the new year. Snow fell 27 of the 31 days in January. Ask Ellen: The science behind ice halos From Jan. 17 to 24, heavy snow targeted the lakeshore, with reports up to 2 feet. That was in addition to an Arctic blast. Subzero low temperatures took over Jan. 21 and 22, leading to school and business closings across the state. This Arctic blast was a bit more mild compared to the last in 2019. West Michigan's Arctic blast by the numbers A second arctic blast took shape in mid-February from the 17th to the 19th. This time around, low temperatures did stay above zero. Ask Ellen: Is this 'snow shadow' real? Snow fell the first 19 of 20 days in February before a significant pattern change came along. No measurable snow was recorded the last week in February as high temperatures hit 50 degrees for the first time, favoring a widespread melt. Another below average month for snow as temperatures remained well above average for the middle of the month. Michigan sees economic boost from this winter's abundant snowfall A total of 1.6 inches of snow fell, primarily on March 20. A few flurries managed to sneak in the forecast the last few weeks, but no accumulation stuck around. In total, Grand Rapids saw 63.7 inches of snow this winter. That is 13.9 inches below the seasonal average of 77.6 inches. This is on par with Storm Team 8's guesses at the beginning of the season. Meteorologist Scott Larson was closest: A total of 2,552 guesses came in for the Total Snowfall Prediction Contest. Several of those guesses were in the correct range between 60 and 70 inches. A total of 25 guesses were within an inch between 63 and 64 inches. Stacy VanderMolen was the winner of the contest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Manitowoc Noon Rotary honors five as officer, firefighter & citizens of the year
MANITOWOC – Manitowoc Noon Rotary, in partnership with Manitowoc Police and Fire departments, has recognized several individuals for dedication, bravery and selflessness. Manitowoc Fire Lt. Scott Larson was named 2024 Noon Rotary Firefighter of the Year, for his exemplary service, leadership and commitment to mentoring new firefighters, according to a news release. "Since joining the department in 2000, Lt. Larsen has upheld the highest standards of public safety, playing a vital role in training recruits and inspiring the next generation of firefighters," the release said. Manitowoc Police Officer Nick Place was named 2024 Noon Rotary Police Officer of the Year. More news: New Forst Inn musical tells the story of Alice In Wonderland in a new way, set during WWII According to the release, Place has been with the Manitowoc Police Department since 2013 and has worked as a K-9 handler, a SWAT team operator and an instructor for law enforcement training programs. He is also an active community member and coaches youth sports. Stephanie Young was named 2024 Noon Rotary Police Department Citizen of the Year. According to the release, the award was given "for her quick-thinking and compassionate actions in rescuing a 4-year-old boy found wandering in the middle of the street. Her willingness to step in when others did not exemplifies the profound impact an individual can have in ensuring the safety of our most vulnerable community members." Gregory and Thomas Augustine were named 2024 Noon Rotary Fire Department Citizens of the Year for their rescue of two girls caught in a Lake Michigan rip current. "Without hesitation, they risked their own safety to save the children, preventing what could have been a tragic loss," the release states. "Their bravery serves as a powerful example of community responsibility and selflessness." The awards were presented during a ceremony Feb. 27 at the Capitol Civic Centre. More news: Visit Manitowoc accepting applications for Discover Manitowoc grants to fund new events Alisa M. Schafer is a reporter for the Herald Times Reporter in Manitowoc. She can be reached by email at aschafer@ This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc Noon Rotary names officer, firefighter, citizens of the year
