This decision brings to a close a period of intense analysis and activity, but it does not end the process of determining how Munson Healthcare should best prepare for the future. That work will continue.

“The goal remains unchanged – ensuring that Munson stays a top 100 quality provider long into the future,” said Ed Ness, Munson Healthcare President and CEO.  “The challenges we are facing are real, including a significant financial gap between what needs to be done and what we can fund on our own. Our goals and our needs have not changed and the financial gap is real.”

Ness said that while Grand Rapids-based Spectrum remains a preferred system because of its similar quality, culture, geography, and financial strength, they would not be the sole focus for affiliation discussions.  “Additional affiliations to provide services for northern Michigan will continue to be explored throughout the Munson Healthcare system and with Trinity Health, Northern Michigan Regional Health System, and University of Michigan Health System. We look forward to working with these health systems to further improve and coordinate health care services in the region.”

The Board’s decision is the result of months of extensive review by national experts, listening to and considering multiple points of view, and exploring multiple options. The analysis confirmed the seriousness of the challenges and needs facing the Munson Healthcare system.  Specifically, the system needs to:

• Meet the critical need to recruit additional physicians to assure access to local care and replace physicians reaching retirement age.
• Have the funds to pay for existing and emerging technology requirements.
• Make sure that when a northern Michigan resident, their loved one, or a visitor to the area needs a hospital bed, there is always one available.  That means providing additional beds by 2015.
• Ensure that patients and their families have access to a cancer center with the most advanced, coordinated cancer treatment services as close to home as possible.
• Work with the communities it serves to address the real and significant financial challenges during this time when access to capital is limited and costs are increasing. 

The Board’s study also concluded that physicians, staff, and the community are keenly interested in protecting high quality, local health care in the future, but need more information to understand those challenges and possible solutions. “The Munson Healthcare Board and executive team listened to the community and learned that people want more information,” said Tom McIntyre, Chairman of the Munson Healthcare Board. 

“Munson will continue to communicate through individual and small group meetings, through the web and other means. This is a critical issue for the people of northern Michigan, and it’s not going to go away.  We’re going to need to work on solutions together, as a community,” Ness added.

Munson Healthcare remains interested in hearing community views through its Voices and Views phone line at (231) 935-2000, and via e-mail at voicesandviews@mhc.net.  Updated information also is available at munsonfuture.org.

The center provides hyperbaric oxygen therapy, an evidence-based treatment proven to help chronic wounds heal faster. This treatment uses specially designed chambers to provide patients with 100 percent oxygen at two or three times the atmospheric pressure. Anyone with a wound that is slow to heal or is not healing – particularly people with diabetes – can benefit tremendously from this treatment.

The public and physicians are invited to an Open House on Thursday, Sept. 30, from 4 – 8 p.m. to take a look at the latest innovation in chronic wound treatment and see what it is like inside a hyperbaric chamber.

Munson’s Advanced Wound Center is located at 5085 Anna Drive, Suite C, Traverse City, just off Cedar Run Road, in the lower level of the Great Lakes Plastic Surgery Center, PC building. Refreshments will be served.

Munson’s Advanced Wound Center is the only center offering hyperbaric treatments in northwest Michigan. The nearest chambers are in Alpena, Grand Rapids and Saginaw.

Munson’s center has two hyperbaric chambers and the space to expand to four.

Chronic wounds affect some 5.7 million patients. People with diabetes are especially vulnerable to those kinds of wounds. Every year, five percent of patients with diabetes develop foot ulcers. Of those, 10 to 30 percent eventually require amputation.

Matthew Smith, M.D., F.A.C.S., Medical Director of the Advanced Wound Center, said patients experience cutting-edge treatments and evidence-based protocols that are of proven benefit for patients with chronic wounds.

“The use of hyperbaric oxygen treatment in these types of centers has been proven to help healing and prevent amputations,” Smith said. “Our center offers patients and their physicians a positive care alternative in northern Michigan.”

Evidence shows chronic wounds result from a failure of the natural healing process. Of primary concern is the presence of infection, tissue ischemia/hypoxia, inadequate local wound responsiveness, and unrelieved pressure. Correction of any or all of these factors plays an important role in restoring the healing process. Patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen treatment experience a significant increase in the amount of oxygen carried by the blood to the wound, which helps the healing process.

For more information about the center and its services, call (231) 935-0727

This year’s walk will focus on Michigan and its products.  Everything used will come from a Michigan supplier.

Thomas Judd Care Center’s Brian Simerson said registration will begin at 11 a.m. with opening ceremonies at 12:15 p.m. The walk will start at 1 p.m. on the east side of Boardman Lake to Hull Park. Guest speakers will include Constance Judd-Tenhoopen, sister of Thomas Judd; David Martin, M.D.; and Patrick Yankee. The awards ceremony is at 2:30 p.m. in Medalie Park. The event is open to the public.

In addition to the walk, there will be prizes, a silent auction, entertainment, kids’ games, and food provided by The Cook’s House. Participants can preregister online by clicking on the northern Michigan link at aidswalkmichigan.org. Donations also may be given at the secure web site.

“We want to thank our generous corporate sponsors that include Joe and Marilyn Dressel, Wal-Mart, Munson Medical Center, Walgreens Drug Stores, and The Cook’s House,” Simerson said. “We also thank all the local donors who so generously support this cause.”

For questions, contact Simerson at (231) 935-2785.

Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District (TBAISD) in partnership with the Great Lakes Maritime Academy will sponsor the Traverse Bay Area College Night, a Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (MACRAO) sanctioned event, that attracts over 1,000 area students and parents from 50 surrounding secondary schools.  High school students will have the opportunity to meet directly with representatives from over 60 colleges.  All are cordially invited to attend.

Please contact Jason Jeffrey at (231) 922-6280 or John Berck in the Great Lakes Maritime Academy Admissions Office at (231) 995-1500 for more information.

Saturday, September 18

Time                    Class                        Instructor

8:00am                YogaFit                     Tammy J.

8:30                      Body Sculpt              Ann

9:00                      Step                           Ann/Tammy S.

9:30                      Kickbox                     Tammy S.

10:00                   Core Fitt & Flexx       Paula

10:30                    Extreme                    Brook

11:00                   Triple Challenge      Erica

11:30                   Zumba                       Meghan

12:00                   Pilates                       Meghan

12:30                   YogaFit                      Allison

 However, rains came during the fifth round of competition to postpone the Bracket II championship.

In Bracket I, John “Hoot” Gibson of Charlevoix gained the championship in convincing style, with a semi-final championship-clinching win over 2nd place rival Eric Johnson of Onekama. He then finished off the dragster of Jeremy McCormick from Fountain in the final.
Gibson’s “Hoot’s Toy” 1969 Chevy Nova SS, which he has raced for over 40 years at NMD, took the final 3 race event victories in Bracket I.

In Pro Trophy, Gary Rank of Manistee held on to his lead to take the season championship. In Street Trophy, Jim Evans of Benzonia was the champ. The Junior Eliminator title went to Nathan Lane of Fife Lake.

In Bracket II, four drivers remained in competition Sunday night, including Bill Fluette of Interlochen, Stacey Bigelow of Manton, Randy Stoykovich of Manistee, and Steve Milliman of Bear Lake. Fluette and Bigelow were matched for a quarter-final race, for the right to advance to the semi-finals when the rain halted the night’s racing.
Fluette is in the running for the Bracket II championship with Phil Gunther of Beulah. If Fluette wins his round against Bigelow, he would need to advance just one more round to gain the championship over Gunther, who currently leads by 21 points.

Trophy classes were also delayed because of the rain, and will continue at the next event along with the Bracket II battle September 18th.

Coming September 18th and 19 are the Fall Bracket Championships with over $10,000 in prizes to be awarded.

For further information visit the NMD web site or call (231)362-3439. http://northernmichigandragway.com

General seating tickets are $15 per person in advance and $17 at the door. They may be purchased on-line at www.grandtraversechorus.org or by phone at 231-933-9321.

Part of a tree fell on a power line crossing over East Harris St in Cadillac this afternoon.

Witnesses at the scene said they heard some cracking throughout the morning, then a loud noise as the power flickered — they looked outside and saw a tree on the line. It seems that strong winds were the cause of the problem.

The power went out to the 326 people around 11 A.M and was not restored until after 1P.M

The courthouse was also affected by the power outage.  The photos were provided by Eric Wotila.

As part of Munson Medical Center’s ongoing Women’s Heart Health efforts, area women will again have the opportunity for a one-on-one heart disease screening the week of Sept. 27 at Munson Community Health Center in Traverse City.

Screenings and tests will include blood pressure, body mass index, stress and depression levels, nutrition review, smoking and alcohol assessments, family medical history review, and a blood test for glucose, lipid profile, and cholesterol. Participants will leave with a personalized action plan, including an educational DVD, risk factor reduction material for improving health, and referrals for further cardiac care as needed.

Cost for the program is $45, and grants are available. To schedule an appointment, call (231) 935-8561.

Those who complete the comprehensive screening are eligible for a six-week women’s exercise class starting in October. Cost for the class is $90, and grants are available in October.

Munson Community Health Center is located at 550 Munson Ave. in Traverse City.

Members from Munson Home Health, the Traverse Health Clinic, and Goodwill Inn have established time on Thursdays for clients to have their medications reviewed, a basic health screening, and education to help guests care for any chronic health conditions.

“This is a really great program for us. We have people who come here without adequate health care, inadequate medications, or the wrong medications,” said Elizabeth Post, manager of the Goodwill Inn. “This is a great program for them to start back on their health care. We also wanted to reduce reliance on Munson’s emergency room. We can triage their medical concerns and make more appropriate medical referrals.”

The nursing triage time began in June after a series of conversations between the hospital, the Traverse Health Clinic, and the homeless shelter, Post said. Guests at the shelter are living in poverty and often arrive with chronic health conditions that require appropriate care.

Munson Home Health nurse Kristin Harrison, R.N., has written some protocols for staff to follow when shelter guests have health needs. She said the triage provides a time for education as well as addressing basic needs.

“It’s a time the new residents can come in and we can go over their medications,” she said. “We also look at their health history to see if there are any recommendations we can make to the Goodwill Inn and to the Traverse Health Clinic.”

Harrison said the joint effort between volunteer nurses from the community and the Traverse Health Clinic currently offers eight guests a two-hour time block on Thursdays for health reviews. The time could expand based on need, she said.

Traverse Health Clinic staff nurse Karen Comella, R.N., said the triage will allow the clinic to connect with Inn residents who are new to the area. It also benefits the overall health system.

“We want to try and catch those people who have not been established with the Traverse Health Clinic,” she said. “I consider it a consultation time that offers pointers on what they can do with their health regime. It also is a chance to do some very basic follow-up if they are coming to the Traverse Health Clinic.”

Post said Goodwill Inn staff also has an after-hours phone number to contact a nurse about health concerns prior to seeking a physician’s care. Guests at the Inn also appreciate the nurses’ time.

“We’ve had great feedback from the guests who have received services,” Post said. “We are grateful to the nurses for all of their time and efforts.”

The Goodwill Inn averages 84 people a night and had more than 700 people use the shelter during the 2010 fiscal year, Post said.

Nurses interested in volunteering for the program may contact Harrison at (231) 935-9126.

• Community Tailgate

4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

$5.00 per person, children 5 years old and under are free

• TC West Senior High School Varsity Football vs. Essex District

5:00 p.m.

• Special Recognition Ceremony

7:00 p.m.

Don and Gerry Oleson will be honored for their generous donation for enhancements to Thirlby Field. Marching bands from TC Central High School, TC West Senior High School, and St. Francis High School will perform.

• TC Central High School Varsity Football vs. Alpena

7:15 p.m.

General admission tickets will cost $6.00 per person. Tickets are good for both games.

Please contact Alison Arnold at (231) 933-8995 for more information.

The DTCA will collaborate with the Traverse City ArtCenter on a public art project throughout the evening. Attendees may contribute by painting small tiles that will eventually create a large mosaic to display on the side of Ace Hardware on W. Front St.

Refreshments will be offered at various locations throughout the evening. Purchase a commemorative wine glass and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Downtown Public Art projects. Participating galleries will also be offering prize drawings throughout the evening. Walking maps will be available at each participating gallery and the Downtown Traverse City office. Here’s a glimpse of who will be featuring an art exhibit:

? Americana Gallery ? Horizon Books

? Artisan Design Network ? James C. Smith

? Angela Schuler Gallery ? Kay’s

? Art & Soul Gallery ? Krissie’s

? By Candlelight Amish Furnishings ? McMillen’s

? Cherry Republic ? Orvis Streamside

? Evergreen Gallery ? Red Hare Tack & Togs

? Gallery Fifty-Downtown ? Sweet Pea

? Harbor Wear ? Wooden Gallery

The Annual Downtown Art Walk is provided by the over 200 merchants, restaurants and businesses who are members of the Downtown Traverse City Association. Please contact the Downtown Traverse City Association at 922-2050 or e-mail colleen@downtowntc.com for further information.

www.downtowntc.com

“There have been many community discussions regarding local renewable generation and in response to that, L&P staff developed the Net Metering Policy,” said Ed Rice, L&P Executive Director. “The Policy will allow those ratepayers who qualify and are interested in installing a wind or solar generator on their house or business, the ability to do so.”

The Net Metering Policy allows for the installation of wind and solar projects on property owned by the ratepayer. Interested ratepayers will need to submit an application to L&P to participate in the program. Once the application is received, an engineering analysis will be performed by L&P staff to determine if all proper utility standards are met. Ratepayers will then be contacted by L&P with information on how to proceed.

All projects undertaken will ensure the general safety of L&P employees and the public, while maintaining the integrity of the L&P distribution system.

For more information on the Net Metering Program and how to submit an application, please contact the L&P Engineering Department at 231-932-4564.  Net Metering documents will be available on the L&P website (www.tclp.org) at the beginning of October, 2010.

Contact Info for this event:

Saturday Sep 11, 2010

10:00 – 1:00 pm

Downtown Manistee

Contact Info for this event:

Phone:	231-398-3262
Email:	tbalden@manisteedowntown.com
Web page:	http://www.manisteedowntown.com

Saturday Sep 11, 2010

3:00 – 6:00 pm

Manistee Fire Hall

Contact Info for this event:

Northwestern Michigan College hosts the regional office of the MMTC. The center is part of the nationwide Manufacturing Extension Partnership program under the National Institute for Science and Technology.

The expansion – taking MMTC’s service area from 10 counties to 21 counties – is part of a statewide redistricting. It also aligns with NMC’s strategic agenda calling for the college to increase its role in support of economic development, workforce development and community growth.

“For the Northern Michigan region to grow and prosper, the manufactures here must employ highly-skilled and educated people, use world-class quality processes and apply advanced manufacturing technology in order to continually improve their global competitiveness,” said Richard Wolin, Director of the regional office. “Workforce education is increasingly a key component of business retention, growth and attraction efforts of economic developers.”

The MMTC is required to achieve performance metrics regarding the number of clients served as well as client-reported impacts to ensure the effective use of state and federal tax funds for support of business and job growth. Through the regional MMTC office assessment services and basic improvement advice are offered at no cost along with a number of low cost introductory training topics. The office is required to maintain an average of 15 to 1 return on investment as reported by clients using the services. Client organizations are surveyed by a national, third-party firm between six and 12 months after project completion to assess project impacts.

“We will provide the training services necessary to enhance the global competitiveness of Northern Michigan’s small to mid-sized manufacturers,” Wolin said. “We will work with each client to assess needs and design solutions aligned with organizational strategies. We can provide access to state and national resources through our partnership with the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center.”

Learn more about NMC’s manufacturing training at www.nmc.edu/mmtc

We are moving into a new studio and getting some new presentation equipment that increase the quality of the weather update.

We would like to thank you all for staying with Local Edition and hope that you all will enjoy these new changes.

Volunteers are needed for friendly visits or respite care in the patient’s home, extended care facility, or adult foster care residence in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Osceola, Otsego, and Wexford counties. These include the cities of Buckley, Cadillac, Gaylord, Manton, Mesick and Reed City.

Volunteers also may choose to offer their services at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City for a four- or eight-hour shift between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Help is especially needed on weekends and evenings. Couples are encouraged to consider this volunteer opportunity. Volunteers may choose their level of involvement at Hospice House and are trained accordingly.

Munson Hospice House is an eight-bed residence and provides a home-like setting for hospice patients who may be unable to stay in their own home, or may not have a caregiver or family to assist them near the end of their life in their place of residence.

All volunteers are trained through an independent self-study course in addition to a training class with other new volunteers in Traverse City, Cadillac, Gaylord, Manistee, or Reed City.

Volunteer applicants must be at least 18 years old, available for an interview prior to training, and willing to make a time commitment of a minimum of eight hours per month on a regular basis to Hospice House or four hours per week in a patient’s home. Volunteer beauticians and massage therapists also are needed.

Those who have experienced a significant loss in the past year and wish to volunteer for direct patient care are encouraged to wait at least one year before completing the application process.

For more information, please contact Judy Goodrich, Munson Hospice and Palliative Care volunteer supervisor, at (231) 935-8485 or 1-800-252-2065 ext. 5-8485 or jgoodrich@mhc.net