The Sumner Press

A large crowd attended the Homecoming at Lawrence County Memorial Hospital last Sunday to walk down memory lane. From l.: Flossie Price, Sarah Brian, Bobbie Eckiss, Maxine Green and Sue Phipps. All pictured, with the exception of Sarah Brian, are former employees at the hospital. The nurse�s hat on the table belongs to Flossie Price from 1955.

Sumner appreciates former Governor James Edgar

   In fitting tribute to former Governor James Edgar's 74th birthday anniversary, Mayor Larry Stoltz caused the flags to be flown on Christy Avenue last Thursday. As noted by His Excellency, “by choosing Sumner as the site of the Correctional Facility, Edgar did more to boost the area economy than all the governors before and after him combined." Well said.
   Lawrence County needs to remember its friends in high places, and to inspire them to remember us. The Sumner Press intends to remind both gubernatorial candidates. In the 102 days until election, of our area needs. We will seek commitments.
   Those observed hanging the flags were Danny Fiscus, Terry Fiscus, Rick Haines & James Perry. Thank you, gentlemen.

County Board sheds Responsibility of Lawrence Co. Memorial Hospital

   The Lawrence County Board met last week with board members unanimously passing a resolution separating the county from the hospital. The county has owned and been responsible for the operation of the hospital since it was built circa 1953. The hospital will now be leased to a not-for-profit corporation. The corporation will lease the building and equipment for $1 a year for 99-years. The county will still retain ownership.
   The board took these steps because the county cannot afford the $620,000 for the county’s share of hospital employee’s Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund contribution. Hospital employees pay 4.5 percent of their wages into the fund. The county’s share is 8.49 percent, but fluctuates and could go as high as 17 percent.
   There were several employees of the hospital at the meeting. At present there are 178 employees at the facility. Those employees with less than eight years employment at the hospital will be adversely affected. These employees will be able to roll over contributions to date into a plan provided by the leasing corporation. Those with over eight years will receive their retirement. IMRF representatives will be meeting with employees to discuss their options. There are seven employees who are within two years of the eight year requirement.
   The question of who will operate the county’s ambulance service was brought into question. Board Chairman Charles Gillespie said the Health Department is the lead candidate. The county also operates the Health Department.
   Jerry Pacholski, Lawrence County Disaster Assistance Grant Administrator, told the board the program in nearing its end and doesn’t think the federal help will continue any longer than past Sept. 30th. Pacholski reported he has brought a total of $635,000 into the county for flood relief.
   The following appointments were made: John Ingram to the Birds Drainage District for a three year term; Ann Emken to the Greater Wabash Regional Planning Committee; and Norman Mahrenholz to the Lawrence Consolidated Drainage District.
   The board approved the lists of election judges for the next two years.
   Lawrence Quick’s contract as wastewater operator was renewed for five more years with a three percent raise.
   Money from the contingency fund in the amount of $34,270.60 was transferred to cover the cost of making the hospital a 501�3 corporation.
   The board pledged $4,000 to the Southeastern Illinois Convention and Visitors Bureau from taxes generated from local hotels.
   County claims were paid in the amount of $366,754.18, and highway claims of $198,241.06 were also ordered paid.
   The next board meeting will be held August 18th, at 5:30 p.m.