News

Medicaid Cuts: A Threat to Every Arkansan

By Bo Ryall, President and CEO Arkansas Hospital Association Today, Arkansas hospitals face significant challenges. Analysis from the most recent Medicare Cost Reports data shows that over 40% of Arkansas hospitals and more than 70% of rural hospitals operate at a loss in our state. When hospitals are not adequately reimbursed for providing care, they are forced to reduce services and staff.
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MAIL THEFT UPDATE

Marion County Sheriff Gregg Alexander reports the arrest of Kathleen Smith (39 Years of Age) of Mountain Home, in connection with recent mail thefts in Marion County. A joint investigation by the Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Home Police Department, and the Gassville Police Department resulted in charges against Smith.
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Summer Hunting

I was walking along a wooded ridge top trail years ago when a young fox squirrel fell from a limb above me and landed with a thud not more than ten feet from my boots. He didn’t waste any time leaving but he would have been a goner if I had wanted to shoot him. I just couldn’t do it. The little rascal had hidden in that treetop well enough to keep me from seeing him, but his curiosity had caused him to lose his balance and his dignity at the same time. As I walked on down the trail he sat on the limb of a nearby oak and barked at me. In my younger years I would have been less forgiving of that kind of insolence, and he would have ended up in a potful of dumplings.
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VA Research Wrap Up: New findings on caregivers, Alzheimer’s disease, and toxic exposure

Researchers from the Durham and Minneapolis VAs, and the Mayo Clinic, created a program to help rural family caregivers prepare for the transition of patients with severe and life-limiting illnesses from the hospital to their homes. Transitional palliative care is an 8-week program administered by palliative care nurses by video and designed to teach family caregivers how to prepare for the patient’s care needs, as well as how to communicate effectively with the health care team.
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MC Airport Board Meeting

Several concerned Marion County residents attended the May 22 meeting of the Marion County Regional Airport Board, its first meeting since the recent arrest of longtime Board Treasurer Doug Starkey. Charged with felony theft of property and abuse of office, Starkey’s arrest came after an investigation by the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division uncovered over $117,000 in Airport funds allegedly taken by Starkey. The investigation was commenced at the request of the 14th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney David Ethredge.
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Bull Shoals Losing Again

Just so everyone hears it from me. Today at 4:30 p.m. when I get off the river, I’ll be effectively resigning from Bull Shoals City Council. Throughout the last year I have had one goal, make a difference in this town so the next 20 years will look bright.
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