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Dakota Midday: 'The Vaccine War'

Courtesy of Frontline

Vaccines have changed the world by largely eradicating a series of diseases, but some parents in the U.S. are choosing not to vaccinate their children -  this despite pressure from medical and public health officials and warnings of the return of preventable diseases once thought to be eliminated.

Measles, mumps and whooping cough have been making a comeback. Late last year there was an outbreak of measles at Disneyland. South Dakota reported its first case of measles since 1997 in December. That outbreak centered around Mitchell and totaled more than a dozen cases.

The Vaccine War, an updated Frontline report on the the vaccination debate, airs Tuesday evening on SDPB1 TV at 9 pm, CT; 8 pm. MT. Co-producer and and director Kate McMahon joined Dakota Midday and discussed how the dispute over vaccination children has changed since the program was first broadcast in 2010.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.
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