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BCMH to celebrate 65th anniversary
LAMAR-As real estate and personal tax paying season approaches, a number of questions about procedures and tax statements are appearing, especially from new residents. As a service to all see TAX, page 3A
A post script to T.A.T.S. 20-year anniversary By RICHARD COOPER Democrat staff writer
LAMAR-When the Truman Area Transportation Service (T.A.T.S.) observed its 20th anniversary of service in mid-September, it was noted that an essential part of its success came from dozens of dedicated drivers. The questions have been raised, “Who was the first driver, and who served the longest?” It turns out to be the same person, Tom Cook. He started with T.A.T.S. in 1994 and continued to drive for the next 17 years, retiring in 2011. T.A.T.S. Director Ron Hager described how he recruited Cook. Tom had just retired from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and didn’t seem to be particularly enthusiastic about driving for a public transportation service. However, he finally gave in and became its first driver. As the old saw goes, the rest is history. Hager enjoys relating the story about a fishing trip he and Cook went on together. No small trip, it was all the way to Maryland where Hager’s brother lives. After a few days of salt water fishing, they hit the road for Lamar. Hager concedes that Cook was some kind of tireless driver. Tom Cook died in May, 2012. His record of driving 17 years for T.A.T.S. is one that is not likely to be broken any time soon.
INDEX
SECTION A Correspondent/Club................. 2 Friends & Family....................... 3 Friends & Family....................... 4 School.......................................... 5 Sports.......................................... 6 Sports.......................................... 7 Agriculture................................. 8 SECTION B Inspiration.................................. 2 Government............................... 3 Records....................................... 4 Records....................................... 5 Legals........................................... 6 Legals/Classifieds....................... 7 Area News.................................. 8 SECTION C Developments............................ 2 4-H Member Profiles............ 3-7 4-H Community........................ 8
3 SECTIONS, 24 PAGES
Barton County Memorial Hospital’s 19th annual Community Health Fair
Lamar Democrat/Richard Cooper The Lamar Police Department was one of many popular displays at Barton County Memorial Hospital’s 19th annual Community Health Fair. Fifty vendors participated in the well attended fair, which was held in the National Guard armory.
dedication bronze plaque is inset into the exterior wall. In the lobby there is a wall that contains memorial door plaques that were moved from the original building. Continuing down the hallway, toward the patient rooms, there is another grouping of bronze plaques that commemorate World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, along with several flags that were donated and flown over the hospital at different times during the past 65 years. While there have been a great number of changes, the dedication of the people in the community remains strong and faithful, not only to honor the service men and women, but to providing a healing environment to all those who come
On October 2, 1949, a flag raising and presentation ceremony marked the completion of the Barton County Memorial Hospital two-story brick facility. The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the bronze plaque bearing the name of the 61 Barton County men who gave their lives for their country in World War II. Approximately 1000 people attended the ceremony and almost 2500 people toured the hospital throughout the day. Here they are 65 years later; a newer building on a different piece of property, but as one walks in the door of the updated facility, they can feel the strong and faithful support of the community. To the left of the entry the original World War II see ANNIVERSERY, page 1B
BCMH's 65th anniversary open house The Barton County Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees meeting was called to order on September 23, by Chairperson Karen Wegener. Other members present were Tom Shaw, Mike Buchanan, Jill Purinton and Mike Vaughan. Also in attendance were CEO Wendy Duvall, Director of Finance/CFO Michelle Casey, Director of Nursing Marlys Buckner, Human Resources Director Sheila Boice and Director Quality/Risk Management Eden Ogden. Chief of Medical Staff Dr. Thomas Hopkins was a guest.
The August 26 minutes were unanimously approved as written. Casey reported that overall statistics for August were down as compared to last year in all areas except colonoscopy and pain management. She reported a loss of $180,328 for the month of July, with a year to date loss of $592,623. The clinics had a less than busy month, showing a loss to net revenue of $8,676 for August, with a year to date net revenue of $192.860. The board received a report of free community outreach programs that are being offered by see OPEN, page 1B
Gilkey building’s days are numbered By RICHARD COOPER Democrat staff writer
LAMAR-While the public was walking through the concessions on the square and dining on corn dogs, funnel cakes, pies, etc. during the Lamar Free Fair, workers from Sunbelt Environmental of Springfield were busily removing asbestos from the Gilkey building at 10th and Broadway. That was the last major step before setting into motion a number of baby steps that will lead to razing the roughly 130-year-old structure. According to City Administrator Lynn Calton, if the baby steps are negotiated in a timely manner, the old building should be a slowly disappearing pile of rubble by Thanksgiving. If the baby steps are slowed by legal requirements, such as the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) approving the demolition contractor bid package or required publication of the project, that may delay the old brick structure not succumbing until about Christmastime. An emergency Community
Development Block Grant for the undertaking was awarded to the city in April for $133,330, but its implementation was contingent on a number of things, among them a historical value search and the removal of asbestos. Calton says the demolition will probably start from the top and proLamar Democrat/Richard Cooper ceed downThe Gilkey building in its final days. Plans are taking shape to have it ward with the down as early as Thanksgiving. use of a large track hoe. He is certain the use of a typi- be removed. through a tax credit program cal “wrecking ball” will not be All the debris is to be taken with the Missouri Housing needed. He adds that street away, leaving a smooth and Development Commission. closures are unlikely, possibly presentable empty space. A de- It remains to be seen if such closing one lane for a time, veloper has expressed interest a program will gain financial but no more. Altogether, four in construction of a senior resi- traction. dilapidated and/or collapsed dence complex on the site, but buildings on the corner are to that is dependent on financing
Calton receives individual achievement award from Missouri Public Utility Alliance By RICHARD COOPER Democrat staff writer
COLUMBIA-His many years of long service as a member of the Missouri Public Utility Alliance have won recognition for Lamar City Administrator Lynn Calton as the recipient of the Paul Jensen Individual Achievement Award. Calton is one of five individuals who will be recognized at the Alliance’s annual conference, October 9,
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at Tan-Tar-A resort. Floyd Gilzow, vice-president for member relations with the Alliance, said Calton’s advice and insight over many years have been invaluable. He especially cited Calton’s work in the creation of the city’s methane powered generator plant. He added that the award was “well deserved.” The city plant, located at the Prairie View landfill, currently has four hybrid engines (gaso-
line/diesel) that operate around the clock, day and night. A full maintenance procedure is performed every 8,000 hours of operation, which is approximately one year. The last full maintenance procedure was completed approximately one month ago. The city’s peak demand is 17.6 megawatts. The generator produces 5.6 megawatts, so it meets about 32 percent of the city’s electricity needs. This reduces the amount of electric-
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