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Roche tells county council what happened at WCMH |
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Wednesday, 12 August 2009 00:00 |
The Washington County Council met in regular session on on Monday, August 3 with all members present. The minutes of previous meetings, all requests for transfers and additions, along with all claims were approved unanimously.
Joe Roche, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Washington County Memorial Hospital (WCMH), addressed the council giving a chronological overview of how WCMH came to the point of seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in June.
According to Roche, no one incident or decision brought about the demise of the hospital but rather a series of ill-advised decisions along with changes in the overall economy and the healthcare industry.
Roche began his explanation with the separation from Jewish Hospital by WCMH. Roche explained that the leadership of the hospital became convinced that it could function at a more profitable level as a stand along institution. Roche noted that this was probably the first error in judgment. Roche went on to say that the purchasing power and negotiating strength of a larger healthcare organization is almost always greater than that of a small independent hospital.
Other decisions necessitated by the separation from Jewish involved new computer systems and the hiring of additional personnel such as an anesthesiologist at an annual salary and bonus of $800,000.
Roche explained that during an eighteen month period, problems with converting to the new computer system brought billing for services to a virtual standstill. Coupled with expenses averaging around $1 million per month, it didn't take long to deplete a $7 million cash reserve and to go through an additional $3 million borrowed from a local financial institution with the accounts receivable used as collateral. By the time that the bills were finally sent out, most were not collectible.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 12 August 2009 09:26 |
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Commissioners vote to approve Land Use Planning Commission Ordinance |
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Wednesday, 12 August 2009 00:00 |
The Washington County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on August 5 with all members present except Lana Sullivan. The minutes of previous meetings, payroll, and all claims were approved unanimously.
In a 2-0 vote, Commissioners David Brown and John Mishler approved an ordinance creating a Land Use Planning Commission for Washington County. According to Mishler, such action must either be approved unanimously by all three Commissioners at a single meeting or by two of the three at two consecutive meetings. The next scheduled Commissioners meeting is Wednesday, August 19. A public hearing on the subject will be held that evening.
A lively discussion between the Commissioners and members of the public ensued over the issue of land use planning with both Mishler and Brown stating that they ran on platforms of supporting the concept and intended to see that it becomes a reality in Washington County.
Of the 92 counties in the state only 12 do not have some form of land use planning. Of those 12, at least three are currently in the process of developing plans.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 12 August 2009 09:27 |
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Washington County Family YMCA reminds that Fall Soccer Sign-Up Deadline is August 15 |
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Written by Administrator
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Wednesday, 12 August 2009 00:00 |
The Washington County YMCA will take registration for Fall Soccer now through August 15. The Fall Soccer League is for boys and girls in pre-school (age four by August 15) Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th grades. Divisions of play will be pre-school, kindergarten – 1st grade, 2nd – 3rd grade, and 4th – 8th grades. This is a great introduction to soccer for new players and exciting for veteran players. The program stresses FUN, sportsmanship, participation, learning fundamentals, volunteerism and family involvement.
Volunteers will coach each team. Training will be available for new and experienced coaches. Games and practices are at the Washington County YMCA. All players play at least half of each game. Games will be played on weeknight evenings and Saturdays.
Program Fees are $24 for members and $31 for non-members, with payment by cash or check payable to the YMCA.
All interested participants must register by August 15 at the YMCA.
Volunteers are needed for coaches and referees. The YMCA refuses no child based on their inability to play. |
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 12 August 2009 09:28 |
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Tunnel Hill Christian Church holds 19th Annual Chicken, Fix’ns & Fun festival |
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Written by Administrator
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Wednesday, 05 August 2009 00:00 |
Tunnel Hill Christian Church held their 19th Annual Chicken, Fix’ns & Fun festival Sunday at the church, which is between Georgetown and Edwardsville.
People who attended could enjoy barbecue chicken, fresh vegetables, and plenty of homemade desserts. The church held an outdoor service in the morning, and gospel singers performed on the hour throughout the festival.
A Horseshoe Tournament and a Corn Hole Tournament were also held, double elimination. The winner of each tournament won a trophy and a cash prize, with trophies going to the 2nd and 3rd place winners. The Horseshoe Tournament top three were: 1st-Ralph Webb; 2nd-Gordon Lamb; 3rd-John Riley. In the Corn Hole Tournament, the top three were: 1st-Don Love; 2nd-Darla Herthel; 3rd-John Riley.
This was the eighth year for the Horseshoe Tournament and the second year for the Corn Hole Tournament.
There were games for children inside, and also a white elephant sale inside the congregation’s activity center, which is inside a modern steel building. It contains plenty of floor space, and has a well equipped kitchen, restrooms, and storage rooms. Upstairs in a second level, above the kitchen and restrooms, there are three classrooms and a conference room.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 05 August 2009 08:01 |
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