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Show a More Front Page news can be found on page 4. Cy MILLARD COUNTY I USPS asy' Ay-- 1 FOUNDED 1894 IN 446-74- 0 25 CENTS NATIONAL NEWSPAPER FoundeO ASSOCIATION IBS' NNA SUSTAINING MILLARD COUNTYS FIRST NEWSPAPER Aisocai on - Fojndtd 1885 MEMlEft OF THE Millard County Progress, Fillmore, Utah 84631, Volume 88, Number 4, ' FILLMORE DOCTORS EXPLAIN HOSPITAL SERVICES AND AT&T proposes changing their long distance billing system; lower rates expected for most calls FUTURE NEEDS .4 By Mary Dickinson If we have good utilization of this facility here, there will be no problem towards building a new hospital, is an explanation by Dr. Brent Jackson of the situation East Millard residents are in. If is the key word. Utilization of Fillmore Hospital has decreased 35 over the past two years, one third less than in previous years. This drop has caused the hospital to lose approximately $10 thousand per month on an average, according to one of Fillmores doctors. The situation is further described by Dr. David Limburg, You can operate at a deficit just so long before going bankrupt. Up until now state agencies regulating hospitals have shown sympathy to the communitys needs by not pushing strict adherence to current hospital building codes within the hospital. Extensive remodeling and improvements have been made over the past few years, but in the present facility improvements to satisfy state regulations are now no longer practical and would cost more than a new facility. Dr. Limburg explains his feelings, I am personally satisfied that the past administrator and physicians did everything possible to improve that building. The problems are set in concrete -literally. The present building was constructed in 1947 with a life expectancy of 25 years for use as a hospital. It has already exceeded that by nine years. acute andor extended care Twenty-tw- o patients can be effectively and compeBoth doctors tently accommodated. that is being used available agree space to the maximum. Every area of the hospital is running at peak efficiency, but there is no room for much needed expansion. At present, occupancy is 3.3 acute care patients per day. It needs to be understood that elements within the State Department of Health have been tolerating our situation because of plans for a new hospital. But another state agency, the Utah Health Systems Agency, may not allow a new hospital because the existing one is not being used enough. Dr. Jackson describes what could happen if Fillmore Hospital closes. "The hospital really is the life blood of the physician. Other than that you would have a physicians assistant who would be in phone contact with somebody miles away at a hospital. Maybe the doctor would come every other week to see the problems the physicians assistant could not take care of. I dont think the people (in this area) want that kind of care or expect that kind of care. If they do, they are themselves. cheating Some local people are referring themselves to specialists out of the area on recommendation of friends or relatives. Both Limburg and Jackson feel this is unnecessary and see a potential It is disapproblem for the patient. pointing to see so much of the traffic go elsewhere, Limburg says. Much of what is being done elsewhere could be handled just as well as Fillmore Hospital. Bigger is not always better, Jackson adds. Like other professions, medicine has a word of mouth referral system. Any specialist either Fillmore doctor recommends has a reputation for competence among his or her peers. If a patient wants to see a specialist we can refer them, if they want a second opinion or whatever. If they want a specialist to do their operation we can Limburg bring a specialist down, explains. Many types of surgery can be done here. Some cannot, but our local doctors can help patients make that decision. Jackson refers patients to Friday, January 29, 1982 i a good track record. Just because a relative or friend likes a specialist does not mean he is good at what he does. When asked what they are doing to improve care at Fillmore Hospital, both felt committed to stay on top of the very latest medical techniques. Jackson says, We make every effort to remain current on all things. In Family Practice there are a lot more things to remain current on than in any other For example, Dave (Dr. specialty. Limburg) just completed an intensive Advanced Trauma Life Support (advanced emergency room) Course. Limburg adds, We attend three or four conferences each during the year These medical at our own expense. conference deal with something we need personally or specifically to help the community, Jackson further explains. Something that might be discouraging patients from seeking medical care in Fillmore has been a long waiting time in the clinic. Limburg admits that, "I have been guilty for part of that. I intend to do better." But patients must realize that the doctors sometimes get called out of the office to deliver babies and attend to emergencies. When making an appointment, patients can let the girls at the front desk know if they more time. Both doctors agree this would help. doctors who have Jackson says, We need better munication. Nursing care, the other most important element of hospital care, has the complete support and approval of both doctors. Jackson feels he has been impressed with the quality of nursing care here in this facility. I have no problems bringing sick patients here because I know they will get good care. But I dont know if I could guarantee that if we werent working toward a new hospital. I think we would lose the services of the good nurses we now We have have. Limburg agrees, been lucky in that respect. All along we have had really competent women and men. We take them for grained and we shouldnt. All the elements for good medical care are available in Fillmore. There are two physicians intending to stay, who love the community, and want to continue to build medical practices as well as attract other physicians as the community grows. Top nursing care and equipment are available, but housed in an outdated facility. If the support for what we now have is not forthcoming soon, that facility cannot be replaced. If it is not replaced, the hospital will most likely be closed. including physicians Many personnel will undoubtedly leave. The closure of Fillmore Hospital will stop the flow of the life's blood of the physician, com- - - Bank reports future economy looks good was below a year ago in the following areas: Chemical and petroleum manusectors above those recorded last year, facturing, building materials, automosaid Dale Edwards, Assistant Vice Pres. tive dealers and service stations and & Manager, quoting the First Security railroads. Utah's mineral industry experienced The quarterly report, Newsletter. which will be published this week, is substantial gains in 1981 and additional edited by Dr. Kelly K. Matthews, vice growth is expected this year, last year, president and economist for First Secur- the states oil and gas industry compleity Corporation, regional bank holding ted 440 wells, an increase of 58 percent above the previous year. company. Influenced by continued difficulties in Copper production at 211,000 metric the national economy, business condi- tons was up 34 percent while production tions will likely improve slowly in Utah, value at $395 million increased 11 to Page 4 however. Utahs population was estimated at 1.524.000 in December 1981, an increase of 2.6 percent or 39,000 over a year ago, and it is expected to increase Fillmore City would like to announce percent or by 42,000 people in that it is sponsoring a special dog clinic 1982. in cooperation with the USU Extention Utah's employment-populatiorate, Service. The clinic will be held on Feb. which measures total employment as a 2, 1982, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at percent of the 16 and older population the National Guard Armory. Dr. H.W. base, was 59.9 percent in December Nielsen, DVM, of Delta will provide the 1981, compared with 60.3 percent a year services. ago. Nationwide, the comparable The purpose of the clinic is to provide yment-population rate was 57.9 per- the services of a licensed veterinarian to cent. examine dogs to determine whether or Utah's nonagricultural employment is not they have been neutered or spay2 forecast to grow percent during ed, then issue a certificate when affir1982, an increase of approximately mative. Dr. Nielsen will also perform 10.000 new jobs. In 1981, immunizations as requested at the averaged 558,000, an clinic. increase 7,200 jobs or 1.3 percent. The City will also have its personnel Revised employment data for the se- there to issue dog tags for those who cond half of 1981 reflected a more favor- have not yet obtained them and explain able job climate in Utah than previously the dog ordinances. The deadline for indicated. The unemployment rate de- the purchase of tags has been extended clined to 6.0 percent in December after this year to March 31st to give people peaking at 6.3 percent in October. In additional time to qualify for the lowest the months ahead, the unemployment rate, since there are new requirements. rate will likely edge higher and is expecThe extention also provides a resonable ted to vary between 6--6 li percent. Continued to Page 4 On an industrial basis, employment in manufacturing in December was 1980. Em2,700 jobs above year-en- d ployment in the mining industry increased 8.5 percent to 21,600 jobs while employment in the contract construction industry declined from 29,900 to 28,500 in December 1981. Employment The following part-tim- e students enrolled in Snow Colleges Fillmore classes earned high honors for their grade-poiaverage in all of the Fall Quarter courses, in which they enrolled: Cathy Edwards, Joe McDonald, Robert Sanderson, and Lome Scottorn of Fillmore. 1982 is expected to experience growth rates in most major Utahs economy in Special dog clinic 2-- 3 n emplo- nonagricul-turalemployme- PAHVANT VALLEY SENIOR CITIZENS SCHEDULE Snow College honor roll of East Millard students i -? . I S--. .'-- in the United States pay the same long American Telephone & Telegraph, the nations long distance company, distance rates for interstate calls. has sent a proposal to the Federal According to Grant Callister, Utah Communications Commission that could State Customer Services Manager, mean some long distance callers could in computing a cost of a call, AT&T now save money when they reach out and measures the length and the rate period touch someone. in which the call was initiated. So an The plan, which the company filed interstate call dialed at 7:55 a.m. is Dec. 31 with the FCC in Wash. D.C., billed at the cheapest rate, no matter calls for precise-tim- e billing of long how long it lasts. Conversely, a call at distance based on the rate period during 4:55 p.m. will have a charge when the calls are in progress. at the daytime rate and 10 minutes at If the FCC gives its approval, the the evening rate, said Callister. change would be effective April 1 for Wide Area Telecommunications SerCallister said business customers vice users and April 2 for regular could see small increases in bills beinterstate long distance service. Although Continental Telephone of cause WATS charges were tied earlier y But pricing. the West provides all of the local in 1981 to he said, will save money telephone service in Fillmore, the many people, because more calls are placed just nations long distance network is owned before 5 p.m. than before 8 a.m. and maintained by AT&T. Long disOverall, the new plan is expected to tance service, however, is considered a service jointly provided by all telephone cost AT&T an estimated $3 million in companies along with AT&T. So while revenue in 1982, not including the cost Fillmore customers pay the charges of preparing for the change. The plan currently being proposed for their long distance calls to Continental Telephone of the West, part of that by AT&T would affect only interrevenue eventually goes back to AT&T state long distance calls. Any changes for the use of their lines. Also, there is in intrastate calls long distance calls are subject to only one tariff filed by AT&T for long placed within a state state regulatory approval. distance which means all customers five-minu- t Robert L Harris time-of-da- Elected To Office Of 2nd Vice Pres. At the annual meeting of the Utah School Board Association in Salt I ake Citv, Januar 14th and 15th, Robert I Harris was elected to the office of 2nd Vice President of that organization His election to this position allows him to succeed to the president of USB in 1984 Mr Harris is presently serving as President of the Millard Board of rducation and has been a school board member in the district for 10 sears He is very active in the USBA, ha mg served as a Delegate at Large, - Federal excise tax on phone service reduced Regional Director and is presently a member of the USBA executive committee National, as well as stale wide, recognition has been On January 1, the federal excise tax brought to Millard School District as a result on telephone service dropped from 2 of this new position Mr Harris and his wife. Iris, have been Despite the fact that several years active in civic and church affairs in the Della area for many scars ago Congress voted to drop the tax tol. entirely, this years tax bill postpones until January 1, that, keeping it 1 Millard man 1985. questioned University of Utah authorities are questioning a Millard County man series of telephone about a three-yea- r calls to women in which the caller identified himself as a researcher for the university. U. of U. Police Chief Wayne Shepherd said about 400 cases are involved in the investigation. Women have reported that a man identifying himself as the university researcher has queried them concerning their personal habits. The longer the women answered questions, the more personal the questions became. Shepherd said. Shepherd said no charges have been filed against the man whose idenity was not released. Recently the investigation had centered in Millard County, where a woman reported receiving a similar telephone call. According to Grant T. Callister, Continental Telephone Utah Customer Services Manager, this tax reduction will be reflected on Continentals bills dated January 25 and February 5, 1982. There are currently some reports the White House that excise taxes are again being considered for However, forthcoming legislation. Mr. Callister comments these reports have been silent about possible further changes to excise taxes as applied to telephone service. from Snow College advances area coordinator The Snow College Division of Continuing Education recently announced an upgraded role for Nancy S. McDonald. Nancy has been wotting part-tim- e as an area coordinator since the spring of 1981. During this time she has been instrumental in conducting educational needs assessments in Fillmore and then establishing credit classes to meet the needs. Citizen response through registration and interest in these courses has indicated that Nancy could be employed e on a basis to good advantage. In addition to pursuing her current duties, Nancy will spend additional time in contacting individuals, businesses, and industries throughout the county to determine what educational The East Millard Health Care Foun- services may be needed. dation would again like to encourage A new working arrangement between you to make a donation towards the new Utah State University, Snow College, hospital. If we can show that we do and Southern Utah State College will have a large interest in building a new make it possible to eipand programs hospital by having a very substantial fund raising drive. Then this will help us convince the regulatory officials involved that our community will support a new hospital. We have raised $2,025 to date in our On February 5th & 6th, Millard High drive for the hospital. This represents School will host the Region Wrestling 1 less than of the population of our communities. Do something nice for Tournament (for a list of schools attendyourself, make a donation for the new ing and times the school would be glad for the first time fans hospital! Drop it off at Zions Bank or to cooperate) and First Security Bank. We appreciate the will be able to keep a score of each mat contributions you have made and we in the tournament, the new scoreboard hope you will respond now, when it is has been installed with full faith in the supporters of the Wrestling Program needed. that the funds will be raised to pay for & Callie Steven K. Hensley Do - full-tim- something nice! and degree offerings. Depending on the interest shown, it may be possible to deliver most, if not all, of the course work leading to Associate, Bacherlors and Masters degrees. One of will be to individual's investigate present education status may be upgraded by drawing upon the resources of the three institutions. Paramount in the success of the venture will be her identification of groups of people with similar educational goals. It will be necessary to obtain a commitment from all groups to see the program throught since it will be established specifically to meet their needs. While Nancy will be contacting businesses and industries all over the county, the responsibility for establishing the classes in Delta will remain with Carry Law, the Snow College Coordinator for Delta. Nancys services how New scoreboard installed it. The sale of tickets for the quilt drawing are coming along very well, but if Weather Report ers or members of the pep club, they will be more than happy to sell you any amount, tickets are selling for $1 each or six tickets for $5, dont miss your chance to help in this cause and show support to the Wrestlers of our school. Be sure to plan to attend the Region Tournament on Feb. 5th and 6th. The quilts will be on display in the window of DCR Dept. Store. Parenting Classes By Jay T Rogers with the Parent I diKdium ( enter (PI RC ) there is a p s j h f uttering uni c, lur parents il then is nilliuent interest I he uuirxcs idn he I'llcud lot 5 i Hi per pit son or S2 00 per uuipk il hire is a minimum ol I' persons registered In umncition Phase indicate interest 04 you wish to contribute and havent been contacted, just ask any of the cheerlead- 1 h ( nurse possibilities are sailing HM 2'M Parenting SssU'tnalii Birth t hru 2 cars lor Ittc.tise Parinl mg Parcnis ol Teenagers Marriage I nruhrnent College e red it available oursis nus he held either kednesdass or Thursdass in the Training C i selling |