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Ed’s Up On City Council Issues… Independence Day And Pioneer Day Highlighted By Expression Of Gratitude Throughout City For Blessings Received

Issue 31.14

The month of July can be looked upon as the month of gratitude for our nation’s independence and for those who suffered and sacrificed that we might find joy in blessings given us by our creator.

I will take the opportunity to utilize time given by cancelled City Council Meetings to recap a few of this month occurrences that gives us reason to be grateful….. While mentioning organizations and people who by their acts of service have touched my life….. And maybe yours as well.

Reported in July 10th City Council Meeting….. The Southern Utah Pickle Ball Association presented to the City a check for I believe, $22,600 to be used for additional lighting on the 24 Pickle Ball Courts located in Little Valley. This brought the total donated to the city to over $120,000.

Terri Kane, representing Dixie Regional Medical Center (Vice President Southwest Region-Dixie Regional CEO/Administrator) made what has become an annual appearance before the City Council…..  To update the public on what is taking place at the hospital….. That truly impacts all of us and the quality of life we are able to enjoy in our communities. It was interesting to learn that Terri has worked for 30 years in in the medical field starting as a Bedside Care Giver. The public was informed that at present the Hospital has two facilities….. The Old Hospital that currently has 87 beds designated to the care of women and children, providing Out Patient Care. This facility is expected to be phased out over the next five years when it will be moved to the New Hospital Campus.

Did you know that the hospital has 300 to 350 Volunteers who give of their time in service to patients receiving Intensive Care….. That the hospital is identified as a non-profit organization that, while yes it does make money it also pays taxes…… The Hospital is a blessing to the community and employees 2700 of our citizens….. Including 350 physicians. Terri said, we are a Service Industry….. We touch people….. We provide the highest quality of any of the 50 States….. We have Great People and beginning September 4th the Hospital will provide 24-7 Full Trauma Treatment Services.

Following the council meeting in which Terri Kane made her presentation I had occasion to be grocery shopping at Harmon’s. Lowe and behold….. who do you think I ran into….. Yes, Terri Kane.  It seems she also has duties as a homemaker. Terri was not through for the day and it was late into the evening and I could see and appreciate the exhaustion she must be feeling as she met her duties as a wife. As my departed father-in-law use to say about exceptional people….. You cannot find a finer person. Terri Kane is top drawer.   Thank you, Terri for your service.

I was sad to hear of the loss of World War II Veteran, Sterling Davis. I am grateful to him for the close to 50 combat missions he flew which ended in his plane being shot down leaving him injured. Sterling Davis was an inspiration to me not only for his love of God and Country but for the example he was to me as a true gentleman and disciple of Jesus Christ. Thank you, Sterling Davis for your service to mankind.

I closed out my week having attended Parker Smith’s Eagle Court of Honor. I do admire and respect this young man for his dedication to service. I think of him each time I walk along the Dixie High School campus and enjoy the landscape Parker help to establish as his Eagle Scout project. I am grateful to Young Men’s President and Scout Master, Paul Clove for the leadership he provided to this outstanding young man.

I would be remiss if I failed to mention Mormon Battalion representative, Johnny Johnson who while now slow and methodical continues in his service to young men receiving their Eagle Scout award.  Johnny, my respect for your work ethic and dedication to service cannot be fully expressed.

As this month of gratitude comes to an end I look forward to the City Council addressing the “Promises Made” by then candidate for mayor, Jon Pike in which the matter of an Airport Board, Citizens Human Relations Commission, Water & Energy Board and the Reform of City Ordinances and Enforcement thereof takes place.   Thank you, ED BACA

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