The Flowood location of Oby’s closed today according to the Ledger. (You had a moment of panic there for minute didn’t you?) Starkville and Oxford locations will not be affected.
OCH bond issue doesn’t make sense
October 29, 2008 By Leave a Comment
In less than a week, Oktibbeha residents will vote on a $27.5 million bond issue to fund renovations at Oktibbeha County Hospital.
My questions and reservations:
OCH has touted the fact that they have never asked for a bond issue from the community to fund the hospital before. Why start now, especially with tax raises in almost every other sector- city, county and schools- not to mention the recent TVA rate hike? Can the $27.5 million in construction not be funded from hospital revenues?
The problem of payee reimbursements- and the decrease thereof- has been mentioned as a problem for OCH in their promotional DVD. Does this renovation address that problem? Are there any new revenue centers in the project?
Which leads to a bigger question- is the community hospital model outdated and ineffective? OCH is one of the last community hospitals in the region (according to them). Is that a good thing? If the business model is so beneficial why aren’t more following it? Does the county belong in the hospital business?
OCH does provide quality services to a wide area. Under the current proposal Oktibbeha residents will bear the cost of the project. Will OCH impose some sort of surcharge to non county residents so they will help pay for the project? Will Oktibbeha county residents receive a discount for services to balance the unequal taxation?
At this time, this bond issue doesn’t make sense. Starkville and Oktibbeha residents have already experienced an increase in the cost of living here. The economy is still uncertain. A $27.5 million facelit that doesn’t provide a net gain in rooms or provide new revenue to the hospital is a luxury we can’t afford.
Would the last journalist turn the light on?
October 23, 2008 By Leave a Comment
I don’t usually link to national stories (it is “Starkville” Now after all), but I found this piece by Orson Scott Card to be a great summary of the current state of the mainstream media. It’s interesting to note that Card is a pro-gun control moderate Democrat.
Politics, again
October 23, 2008 By Leave a Comment
The BOA appears to want a little quid pro quo for passing the CVB budget. Additional spot on the GSDP Executive Board? Preferred spot in the Christmas Parade line up? Getting to choose the menu at GSDP banquet? What are they up to?
Meredith gone
October 22, 2008 By Leave a Comment
November 15th will be his last day according to the Clarion ledger.
Ledger’s Sid Salter is reporting that Meredith will resign soon
October 22, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Higher ed chief should be gone within 48 hours prior to IHL meeting Friday. The IHL may go back to step one in the MSU president search.
Welcome to Starkville Jon
October 22, 2008 By 1 Comment
BOA strikes against the GSDP again, this time failing to approve the CVB budget for the next fiscal year. The motion to passed failed on a 2-3 vote with (COrey and Cox for) with Davis and McLaurin absent.
Why? Is the Board that ignorant? The public needs to remember actions like these, combined with other failures during this term, when elections rolls around next year.
Starkville needs a group of progressive (not liberal) leaders WHO CAN WORK TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY INSTEAD OF THEIR OWN SELF INTEREST.
Not to say that the entire BOA fails in that characterization. There have been flashes of leadership from a few members.
“Exonerated” Meredith still on paid leave
October 21, 2008 By Leave a Comment
You would think that after declaring that he was free and clear, Meredith would be able to report back to work. Instead, he’s still at the house (probably trying to dig up some trees) drawing tax payer dollars on paid leave.
He probably should have just hung a “Mission Accomplished” banner outside his front door instead.
New Poll
October 20, 2008 By 1 Comment
Should the IHL be dissolved in favor of individual boards for the state’s universities? Is “Treegate” the last straw? Does the IHL do a good job? Would individual boards for the eight state universities be better? Vote!
Watson’s statement
October 20, 2008 By Leave a Comment
From Dr. Vance Watson today:
In light of the recent landscaping controversy that has arisen, I have decided that it is in the best interest of Mississippi State University and myself if I resign from my position as Interim President of Mississippi State University and retire. I have had the pleasure of working for MSU for over 42 years and I have loved every minute of my service there. I would never intentionally do anything that would be disrespectful nor bring dishonor to this great institution. It is my hope and prayer that Mississippi State will continue to be one of the leaders in education not only in the South, but also in the Nation.
I have met with the State Auditor’s office and cooperated with them in every way regarding their investigation of this landscaping matter. I settled the matter with the State Auditor’s office by paying the full amount that they determined was due. It is important that you realize that this was a civil claim by the State Auditor’s office and not a criminal one. I never derived any personal gain out of this matter. I have great confidence that any further investigation will substantiate that fact and clear me of any alleged criminal responsibility.
My retirement will be effective as of October 31, 2008. I will assist the new Interim President in every way necessary to ensure a smooth transition. It is my hope that Mississippi State University can now have closure on this matter and continue the important mission of higher education in Mississippi.
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