 The health department and Healthy Communities Partnership began
addressing that need through a mobile unit with the 2006 launch of
the HOPE Mobile, named for Healthcare – Oral health – Prevention –
Education.This month Mark Hilliard, administrator of the health
department, told Logan County Board members that the department has
received a grant amount of $128,000 that would allow the opening of
a new dental clinic.
The clinic will be housed in the health department.
Plans are under way to replace three medical exam rooms with
dental rooms.
Initially when the clinic is opened, Medicaid-qualifying children
through age 18 and pregnant women would be seen.
June 2012 is the targeted opening date for the dental clinic.
*
The city of Lincoln and Logan County are combining forces to
develop a system that would identify locations and types of
hazardous materials and increase preparedness for an incident
involving such materials.
The Logan County Emergency Management Agency secured a grant of
$43,000 for this project and has hired Alana Sorentino to do the
work.
The county was asked to contribute $5,000 to buy equipment.
Lincoln fire Chief Kent Hulett said that the city council had
already unanimously passed the "Memorandum of Understanding"
agreement.
EMA committee chairman Rick Aylesworth recommended the action,
saying, "I think this is a pretty good deal for the city and
county."
County board members also agreed unanimously.
County board chairman Terry Carlton added, "I appreciate the
city's willingness to reach across for the city to partner with the
county."
*
Along the line of shared resources, there is a new plan that
promotes countywide economic development, which also calls for a
unified effort.
Carlton urged the board to look at the plan, which has two
components, and prepare to discuss it in the future.
The county and other participating entities would be asked to
approve the master plan, which is managed by the Lincoln & Logan
County Development Partnership board and its director.
The plan presents many ideas that would be decided together, in
accordance with resource opportunities and in conjunction with
participating entities.
"That whole plan is to get people to link up around those
visions," Carlton said.
*
One of the primary concepts presented is to develop a technology
park. That would call for bringing broadband Internet to the county.
Greater bandwidth is also often used by large businesses such as
warehouses and on-demand delivery services.
"Broadband is key to those types of businesses," Bill Martin
said.
Planning and zoning chairman David Hepler felt that the county
could make a show of support now on the concept of bringing
broadband, with final decisions made later.
Carlton said, "I think Logan County is a key component for
linking up for broadband."
A motion was brought forward this month that the board be
supportive of the concept to bring broadband, identifying Logan
County as a sponsoring agency. With no reasons stated, board members
voted to table this action indefinitely. However, it was recognized
that it could be brought back even as soon as next month.
*
[to top of second column] |
The board unanimously approved the following appointments:
Main Street Lincoln liaison Jan Schumacher invited everyone to
shop downtown Lincoln during the coming holiday open house Nov.
12-15. Businesses will have many specials.
*
Waste management liaison Pat O'Neill said the last two
collections were very successful. The Oct. 2 household electronics
collection at the fairgrounds brought in 18.5 tons of recyclables,
he said. And, the final glass collection of the year netted 8,000
pounds.
*
Elections are coming and a new fiscal year begins on Dec. 1.
Carlton said he has a conflict in November for his last meeting
as board chairman. He wished to publicly extend his appreciation to
all the board members and especially to recognize the three board
members who will not be returning: Gloria Luster, John Stewart and
Terry Werth.
"Thank you to all of you who have served the past two years, and
served well in this time," he said. "I'm going to miss Gloria and
John and Terry not sitting at the table."
He didn't count, but each of those leaving has served more than
one term.
"It's been a number of years' collective commitment that you've
made to Logan County," he said. "It's very honorable. Thank you,
Gloria, John and Terry for your service."
Carlton then reminded committee chairmen to prepare for future
committee members who might be coming in at the start of December.
New board members take office Dec. 1.
During public comments Coroner Robert Thomas said, "I would like
to thank the board for supporting the coroner's office."
[By
JAN YOUNGQUIST]
Lincoln & Logan County Development Partnership
About the Logan County
Economic Development Master Plan
The master plan was
created with analysis of the county's comprehensive plan along with
growth areas and provides a road map for economic development growth
for the entire county, including business recruitment and the
incentives needed to attract these businesses. By identifying the
types of companies best suited for the area, the development
partnership can target its marketing efforts.
The plan looks not only
at the city of Lincoln, but also the agricultural areas and outlying
communities in Logan County.
The Lincoln & Logan
County Development Partnership is the economic development agency
for Logan County, serving businesses, government and residents of
Logan County. The partnership's mission is to enhance the economic
prosperity and quality of life in Logan County.
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