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Mid Rivers Newsmagazine is St. Charles County's
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Mid Rivers Newsmagazine News Briefs |
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St. PetersDisaster test Barnes Jewish St. Peters Hospital (BJSPH) tested its emergency preparedness last month by staging a disaster situation. In conjunction with Central County Fire & Rescue, St. Peters Police Department and the St. Charles County Ambulance District, the hospital participated in a statewide disaster drill sponsored by the Missouri Hospital Association to enhance readiness for disaster response. “The drill was a huge success,” said Sue Weber, RN, and incident commander. “We were able to observe responder actions and coach the staff through certain situations. Overall it was a positive experience with good interaction on the part of the combined emergency responders.” The “staged” disaster involved an outbreak of tornadoes in the community causing multiple injuries, loss of homes, and damage to buildings including the BJSPH Intensive Care Unit (ICU) walls, windows and floor. “The entire drill lasted approximately one hour and 15 minutes,” said Kathleen Dougherty, RN, MSN, manager of Professional Practice/Leadership Development. “Emergency preparedness is about keeping everyone safe: our patients, their families, the community and our own loved ones. It was evident by all who participated that safety is essential and a main priority in our community.”
Lake Saint LouisPresidential search SSM St. Joseph Hospital West in Lake Saint Louis will be searching nationwide for a new president to replace Pat Komoroski, PhD. Komoroski has been named president of SSM DePaul Health Center in Bridgeton effective July 7. “The employees and physicians at SSM Saint Joseph Hospital West remain very dear to my heart,” says Komoroski. “However, the opportunity to serve our mission at SSM DePaul and to be part of delivering exceptional patient care across SSM Health Care is very exciting.” Komoroski will replace Stephen Johnson, who was named executive vice president-operations/North Region. “Pat brings to DePaul a wealth of leadership experience and a strong commitment to exceptional patient care,” Johnson said. “We are delighted that she is moving into this new role with SSM Health Care.” Komoroski has been at St. Joseph Hospital West since 2000, where she first served as executive vice president/chief operating officer and then as president. Komoroski has also received recognition as one of the 25 Most Influential Business Women by the St. Louis Business Journal and the Athena Award for her leadership in St. Charles County. Verna Meacham, chief operating officer at Saint Joseph Hospital West, will serve as that hospital’s interim president while a national search is conducted to find a permanent replacement.
Construction Zone The first phase of the reconstruction project for Lake Saint Louis Boulevard got underway this week in the section between Technology Drive and Boulevard Park, according to Public Works Director Derek Koestel. The existing concrete street will be removed and replaced with an asphalt street with left turn lanes, landscaped center medians and a multi-use path. Funded by a $1.98 million grant from the St. Charles County Road Board and the street and storm water bond approved by voters in August 2006, L. Krupp Construction was awarded the $2.936 million contract. Construction is scheduled to go on until Nov. 21. While crews and equipment are present, motorists and pedestrians are asked to be alert for changing conditions. As of June 23, crews will begin installing new storm sewer crossings across Lake Saint Louis Boulevard and flaggers will be on site to direct traffic through construction areas. Beginning July 7, the contractor is scheduled to restripe the boulevard roadway from Technology Drive to Bridlespur Lane to maintain traffic on the northern half of Lake Saint Louis Boulevard while construction of the eastbound lane is underway. For the latest information regarding the project, check the city’s Web site.
Siphoning and more Lake Saint Louis Police Chief Michael Force said incidents of gasoline siphoning from vehicles are increasing. With fuel prices approaching $4 a gallon, Force issued a reminder to residents to take simple precautions to protect private property from would-be larcenists and vandals. “The first thing that comes to mind is that people should park their vehicle in their garages when possible,” Force said. “That will deter an opportunist from siphoning gas, entering or vandalizing the vehicle. “Sometimes the few seconds it takes to secure your property saves one a lot of aggravation,” Force said. Other recommendations include removing valuables such as laptop computers, electronic games and devices, wallets, purses, cash and credit devices from parked, unattended vehicles. Likewise, Force suggests diligence in securing residences even when leaving the premises for only brief periods of time.
O’FallonRoad work ahead Residents can log on to the Internet to check for roadblocks before traveling through their neighborhoods in O’Fallon. The city of O’Fallon has added a Web page, “Project Management Road Projects,” to keep residents and businesses updated on the status of major street repairs and projects. “This Web page is a good tool for residents who want to know more about a project, check on construction or repair status, or contact the project manager about a specific project,” said Wade Montgomery, senior project manager for the project management division. Visitors can go directly to the site. Reports concerning the widening of Tom Ginnever Avenue, the construction of a new railroad overpass for Guthrie Road and 2008 concrete repairs and asphalt overlays scheduled for various streets are currently posted on the site.
Let the festivities begin The O’Fallon City Council declared a Festival District for the Heritage and Freedom Fest which will specify city parking and traffic restrictions near the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex on July 3 and July 4. “In advance, I would like to thank everyone for their patience and consideration in helping to enforce this ordinance in order to make our Heritage & Freedom Fest a safe and fun experience for everyone,” said Rick Lucas, O’Fallon City Council president pro-tem. “Residents will be temporarily inconvenienced in area subdivisions near the festival grounds, and will experience road closures and parking restrictions in accordance with our district ordinance.” The Festival District will encompass Westhoff Park, the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex, T.R. Hughes Ballpark and surrounding neighborhoods. A complete version of ordinance 3902 with a list of streets and locations that will be affected is available on the Heritage & Freedom Fest Web site, heritageandfreedomfest.com. Information will also be announced on O’FallonTV, and copies are available by contacting the City Clerk’s office at 636-379-5555.
Rightful termination The United States District Court Eastern District of Missouri found that two O’Fallon city employees were rightfully fired from their position. The court issued a summary judgment in favor of the city of O’Fallon and its City Administrator Robert Lowery, Jr., and Assistant City Administrator Greg Smothers in an unlawful termination lawsuit filed by two former city employees. “We are extremely pleased the United States District Court Eastern District of Missouri has put an end to this meritless lawsuit,” Lowery said. “This ruling reinforces that the city, Mr. Smothers and I acted ethically, responsibly and in complete compliance with the law. Personally, I am relieved that this ordeal has come to an end. I am extremely proud of my accomplishments as city administrator, and I am pleased that Mr. Smothers and I can focus on continuing to help guide this great city in a positive direction.” Former city employees Todd Criswell and Charles Mobley filed the lawsuit after being released from their jobs last year. The plaintiffs’ claims were dismissed in the summary judgment and said Criswell and Mobley “failed to present evidence” that the city acted improperly in terminating their positions.
Serve your city The city of O’Fallon is looking for residents and business people who are willing to serve their community as a volunteer for O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest on July 3 and July 4. “Helping the community celebrate our nation’s birthday is a great way to show community spirit and have fun doing it,” said Kathy Halstead, director of O’Fallon’s volunteer services department. Volunteers can help out for a two- or three-hour shift working in a variety of areas. “They can help children create arts and crafts projects, direct fairgoers in getting around, drive a shuttle, direct floats and vehicles lining up for the parade, greet people coming into the heat relief tent, and other positions that serve to enhance the festival,” said Halstead. Volunteers will receive an event T-shirt and hat, meals and designated parking. To volunteer or find out more, contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5507.
St. Charles CountyCentrally located The St. Charles County Democratic Central Committee will open a new headquarters office at 235 Jungermann Road in St. Peter on June 28. The centralized office for St. Charles County was chosen to support the increasing level of interest in the 2008 Democratic Candidates for local, state, and national office. “On Super Tuesday, Democrats pulled 5,000 more ballots than the Republicans here in St. Charles County. Since then, we’ve continued to see a steady increase in interest in our Democratic Party especially from younger voters and new volunteers,” said Tommy Roberts, chairman, Democratic Central Committee. “We will use the headquarters as a launching pad for our current and future Democratic Party activities in St. Charles County.” The Central Committee will host a grand opening celebration from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on June 28, at the new office. State and local candidates for office will be on hand and visitors can learn more about volunteer and campaign activities in their neighborhood.
Mowed down A 42-year-old man fell down an embankment with his commercial-size lawn mower and was pinned beneath it in a creek. He was mowing his lawn at 5:30 p.m. at the 3300 block of Hampton Crossing Court in the Harvester area when the mower pulled him down an embankment and rolled on top of him. The man, whose name has not been released, was rescued by Central County Fire & Rescue within 20 minutes. The man was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Charles for non-life threatening back injuries.
Better than a taxi service It will cost a little more than a taxi drive, but drivers will go the extra mile and walk its senior passengers to and from the door. Independent Transportation Network (ITN) is working on a proposal to provide senior citizens with a low cost ride to the grocery store, the post office or even the casino. “They will guarantee you a ride 365 days a year, 24 hours a day,” said Dan Faust, St. Charles County Councilman. “The drivers are nonjudgmental, not critical…they are there to provide a service.” Seniors can also sell their car to ITN and use the funds to pay for ride credits. ITN is currently making its way through St. Charles County cities and establishments to spread the idea of opening the non-profit in the area. Each community would have to form a 501(c) and raise a start up fee of about $125,000. The nonprofit is hoping to open a St. Charles County location by next spring.
Flood hotline
A hotline has been established in St. Charles County for up-to-date information on flooding, changing river levels and emergency information. The phone number is 636-949-3025.
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