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Pick up a copy of the newspaper your local newsstand.
PAGE UPDATED BY MARIA SIEVERDING DECEMBER 31, 2017.
Margaret Mary Health is rated top in nation
Margaret Mary Health recently received national recognition for its effort at providing quality, compassionate care to its patients. The Chartis Center for Rural Health and the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health recognized MMH for overall excellence in quality of care out of 2,156 rural providers. CareChexRhonored MMH for ranking in the top 10 percent for patient satisfaction for the third year in a row.
“We are honored to again be recognized as one of the top performing rural hospitals in the country for both quality and patient satisfaction,” said Liz Leising, MMH’s Chief Nursing Officer. “These awards acknowledge the hard work and commitment to compassionate care provided by our physicians, nurses, technicians, and support staff.”
Christmas Day chase lands teen in jail
According to information from Sgt. Stephen Wheeles of the Indiana State Police, a chase on Christmas morning landed Travis L. Melton, 18, Madison, in jail. Multiple police agencies worked together to make the arrest when Melton fled from police in a vehicle in Jefferson County.
The incident began at approximately 8:40 a.m. when Madison police Officer Dylan Barnes attempted to stop the red 1996 Dodge truck Melton was driving on Virginia Drive near Kentucky Avenue. Melton fled from Officer Barnes in the vehicle. The pursuit went into western Jefferson County where officers lost sight of the vehicle.
Trooper Andrew Garrett soon observed the vehicle near the intersection of Chicken Run Road and Thompson Road and attempted to stop it. A short time later Melton’s truck struck a tire deflation device that police deployed. After Melton was stopped he continued to resist arrest. Deputy Flint’s K-9 partner, Meko, assisted in apprehending Melton.
Melton was taken into custody on initial charges of Resisting Law Enforcement, Reckless Driving, Operating While Intoxicated, and Criminal Recklessness.
FSB applauds employee achievements
The Friendship State Bank and Friendship Insurance employs 118 people at eight locations in Southeast Indiana. Fifty-four of those employees have been employed 10 years or longer. Each year Friendship celebrates those milestone anniversaries and achievements. “We have a truly exceptional work force,” Beth Schmaltz, Human Resources Manager shared. “The Bank’s success is a direct reflection of the type of employees that are ‘lifers’ here.”
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Missy Weatherford, Mike Davies and Roxanne Stewart celebrate 25 years of employment with The Friendship State Bank and Friendship Insurance.
Fourteen employees were honored for years of service. Amy Grubbs (Lawrenceburg Retail Banking Officer) and Larissa Phelps (Rising Sun Branch Manager) were recognized for 15 years. Rita Shelley (Data Processor), LeeAnn Lewis (Insurance Accounting Clerk) and Bobbie Purvis (Insurance Customer Service Rep) were recognized for 20 years. Missy Weatherford (Insurance Customer Service Rep), Mike Davies (Senior Lending Officer), and Roxanne Stewart (Vevay Teller) celebrated 25 years with Friendship.
Davies came to Friendship after the community bank where he was employed was bought out by a large corporate bank. This was the trend in the 1990s and his goal was to find another community bank with the hope of working there at least 10 years before they were bought out. “And, here I am 25 years later and with a bank who has no intentions of selling out,” Davies said. “Community banks are becoming rare and it gives us the opportunity to shine by being present and engaged in our communities.”
Purvis was hired in 1997 after her insurance agent, Tom Lewis, encouraged her to apply. She considered it, decided to give it a try and hasn’t looked back.
“This job has given me the opportunity to grow more than I ever expected. Not just in industry knowledge, but in relationships,” Purvis shared. “Twenty years ago, when I started working for the agency, I found some special people. I have since met a lot of other special folks and I think of them as family.”
Those commended for 15 years or more of service received a plague and gift based on the employee’s individual interests, needs or hobbies. This year’s gifts ranged from trips to the Smokie Mountains, Estes Park Colorado, and Biltmore to a Durango Silverton Train expedition. “The service awards are my favorite part of the evening,” Heather Davies, event coordinator shared. “Especially the 15 plus years and seeing their excitement to get something they really enjoy and wouldn’t normally get for themselves.”
“I really like the impact our celebration has on newer employees,” Schmaltz said. “I think it sends a strong message that they made a good decision in coming to work for Friendship and they have the potential for a long and successful career here.”
