Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

OSU president discusses partnership with hospital

By Jay Clouse
COLDWATER - Ohio State University President E. Gordon Gee visited Mercer County Community Hospital on Monday to discuss an ongoing partnership as part of his annual summer tour across the state.
"There is great power in partnership," Gee said. "I am grateful to be here."
The Coldwater hospital is one of six hospitals in the Ohio State Health Network.
Network official Patricia Hoch said the network gives smaller community hospitals access to the same educational tools, purchasing power and clinical expertise of larger medical institutions.
Gee said he could identify with the importance of healthcare in a rural area, adding that OSU has a calling to remain close to its roots in rural communities.
"I grew up in a very small town with a 22-person hospital," Gee said. "So I know the value."
Medical personnel from the local hospital and the university discussed the network's progress and what could be done to strengthen the partnership in the future.
Coldwater hospital's chief of staff Dr. Craig Dues proposed a plan to draw OSU medical students to the area.
"I would love to see us work with the network as far as training," Dues said.
Joe Mesarvey, senior director of support services at Coldwater hospital, said Ohio State has been extremely supportive in giving the hospital more purchasing power.
"I think the benefits are huge," Mesaney said. "The opportunities we have with the Ohio State network is huge for us."
Mercer Health director of marketing and communications Ken Obringer said the Coldwater hospital was thrilled to have the university president speak.
"It is a great opportunity," Obringer said. "It is an honor and a privilege to talk to someone at the top."
Gee concluded his tour of Mercer County by visiting with the community at Bella's Italian Grille in Celina.
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Subscriber and paid stories on this date
ST. HENRY - Residents of the Balcony Avenue cul-de-sac in St. Henry voiced their displeasure Monday evening with village council's plan to install sidewalks on their street.
CELINA - Most of Main Street should open Wednesday, just in time for the holiday weekend.
Celina Planning and Community Development Director Kent Bryan gave council members an update on the $3.2 million reconstruction project during the regular council meeting Monday.
ST. MARYS - The city's electric power soon will be supplemented with natural gas-fueled power.
Council members on Monday approved a 35-year contract with American Municipal Power (AMP) to purchase 8 megawatts of power from a natural gas-run power plant in Fremont, Ill.
CELINA - Celina City Schools has met 100 percent of the state indicators for testing, attendance rate and graduation rate for the 2010-11 school year.
This qualifies the school for an excellent rating on the state report card, which is officially released in the fall.
Coldwater
COLDWATER - Council members approved legislation Monday evening that increases the Coldwater Fire Department from 22 to 25 members and provides the department $19,000 per year.
Minster
MINSTER - Great strides in the area of technology are taking place at Minster schools, according to a report presented to the board of education Monday night.
MARIA STEIN - An 8-year-old Maria Stein boy is listed in good condition at a Columbus hospital after being struck by a vehicle near his home at 2:01 p.m. Sunday.
CELINA - The city may purchase an estimated $140,000 grass truck for the fire department.
Council members on Monday night approved first reading of