The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Dear Editor:
I wish to commend Oak Lane nursing staff and administration for their continued work they do in the care of their residents.
Working in such a facility is not easy and we all need to recognize this health care center for the very favorable results they have obtained and continue to do on a daily basis.
Department of Public Health Survey was recently completed with good results indicating favorable remarks in the type of care and organization at this facility.
Maintaining a budget for any kind of health care is becoming more difficult and this can create obstacles in providing for a well run health center. Residents who enter these centers today require more extensive care than in previous years because of increased use of home health care.
People want to stay in their own homes with home health care as long as possible before coming to these type of care facilities.
Because the state has had financial difficulties also, payment doe to hospitals and nursing homes has not been paid on time.
The state pays a monthly amount due on Medicaid patients and at the present time, Oak Lane has not had a monthly payment since last November.
With such delayed payments, Oaklane meets all required monthly obligations but does not have sufficient funds to purchase new or update old equipment.
The Oak Lane Auxiliary is currently having a money making project in order to help purchase some of these items which will help the staff give better care to the residents plus help keep the facility so clean and well maintained.
The Auxiliary has made a strong attempt to contact all places of business in the community plus all Auxiliary members soliciting their help in having a successful money making project.
I hope many people in our county and surrounding areas will find they can help the Auxiliary with this undertaking. We are very fortunate to have Oak Lane in our community fulfilling the health needs of many.
I have had the opportunity to work and be connected with many such facilities and I can assure you, we have one of the best. Help Oak Lane by making a contribution to help purchase some needed items.
Phyllis Harrell
Stronghurst
To Whom it May Concern
After attending the Southern FFA Alumni Association organizing meeting tonight, we were informed that the Ag teacher was dismissed. There is only one Ag related class offered on next year's class schedule, and there would be no Ag classes offered to incoming Freshmen. We realize the financial problems facing the school district, but with 40 students currently enrolled in Ag classes (25% of the student body), is this really a good place to make cuts? Being from an agricultural family and being a tax payer, this seems odd that Agriculture would be the first place to cut, since land taxes are a major part of school funding. Maybe the profits from the school farm should be put in the Ag Dept. instead of the general fund.
If we are not the only concerned members of the community, please contact or visit your elected school board members.
Sincerely,
Mark and Sara Lefler
Stronghurst