TODAY'S HEADLINES

Thursday, December 1, 2022

By Linton Johnson

[email protected]

Fiscal year 2023 continues to be off to a rocky financial start at Elbert Memorial Hospital. Chief Financial Officer Tim Wren reported to the Hospital Authority on Tuesday that EMH sustained a $152,251 operating loss in October and a net loss of $84,417.

Through the first four months of the fiscal year, the hospital’s operating loss is $744,185, and the net loss is $529,930. Wren said there were some positive signs that will hopefully reduce the red ink in future months, including the addition of new surgeon Dr. Jason Wells.

In October, there were 55 practice visits to Lake Russell Specialty Clinic, the first since last spring, and 23 surgical procedures were performed, compared to a total of only 10 in the previous three months. The hospital had an average daily census of 14.9 patients in October, down from 16.2 in September.



In other business, the authority board approved a new procurement policy for the hospital and renewed its telemedicine agreement with Augusta University Health. 

105.3 WSGC News - The Elbert County girls’ basketball team picked up a big road victory Tuesday, defeating Madison County 65-38 in non-region play in Danielsville.

The Lady Devils were led by seniors Aaniyah Allen with 27 points and Niya Moon with 24.

In the boys’ game, Elbert County came out on the short end of a 77-48 outcome.

This weekend, the Blue Devils and Lady Devils will host rival Hart County on Friday night in The Inferno and will travel to Burke County on Saturday.

For Friday’s games, fans are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets online from GoFan to ensure entry into the game as the Elbert-Hart clashes traditionally sell out, and no tickets will be sold once The Inferno reaches its seating capacity. A dedicated gate will be used for online tickets purchased through GoFan.

105.3 WSGC News -  A recently elected county commissioner in Franklin County has resigned even before taking office.

WLHR News in Lavonia reported Wednesday that Cole Roper, who was elected November 8 to the District 4 post on the Board of Commissioners and was due to take office in January, announced his decision in an email addressed to the Citizens of Franklin County.

Roper, a poultry farmer with a wife and young child, cited the time constraints involved in serving as a commissioner that would take away from time with his family. WLHR also reported that Roper was building a new home outside the District 4 boundary.



County Manager Derrick Turner was quoted as saying the commissioners are looking into what the process will be to fill the District 4 seat.