Thursday's Internet Edition, September 09, 2010.
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| Architectural rendering providing a “bird’s eye view” of new construction planned for Culberson Hospital. |
Prepared by Rees, Associates, the architecture firm selected by the CCHD to provide project design services, building exteriors exhibit a contemporary interpretation of Southwestern style. Some of the signature buildings in Van Horn and surrounding areas were used as the inspiration for the design, according to Farooq Kirim, one of two project designers with Rees. “If the budget allows, elements of the new building will also be incorporated into the existing building,” said Kirim.
“The new building, which will house a 10-room inpatient unit equipped with 14 to 18 beds, a new emergency room, a new imaging center and a small chapel, will be connected to the existing hospital via an extended covered walkway,” said Ladelle Bates, Culberson Hospital administrator. “Other outpatient services, business office and administrative support functions will remain in the current hospital, along with the physician clinic,” Bates continued.
New construction plans call for a two-story entry to the Emergency Department with clerestory windows at the top, allowing a great deal of light into the area for the benefit of patients, family members and hospital staff responsible for inpatients and emergency patients.
“Both the patient and ambulance entry to the new building will be clad in brick, rock or cultured stone,” said Simon Harris, project manager for Rees. “We would like to use native stone if not cost prohibitive.” Laura Reyes, district member, recommended that the planning team contact some of the local ranches with rock quarries.
The CCHD officially approved the drawings as presented by Rees. “Members of the CCHD present at the meeting were very happy with the plans as presented,” said Don Collins, chairperson of the CCHD. However he also noted that changes to the plan may become necessary as more information about the site becomes available.
Representatives of Jaster-Quintanilla, Dallas, Texas, and Terracon, Las Cruces, New Mexico, were on-site in Van Horn on October 6 to initiate a survey of the property where the new building will be located, soils testing of the new site to evaluate the subsurface soil and ground water conditions, a Phase I environmental assessment to identify any recognized environmental conditions which might impact the project and a survey of the existing hospital to identify asbestos containing materials. Their reports are due by the end of October and may dictate some project modifications.
The CCHD meeting also included a discussion of the need for early contractor selection. According to Judy Blazek, project manager for the CCHD, selection of a contractor over the next few weeks will enable the project team to secure better estimates of cost and help to ensure completion of the project within the budget approved by the CCHD.
On October 21, 2008, the CCHD closed on the sale of $700,000 of the $7.5 million bond issue approved by county residents for the hospital project in the May 10, 2008 election. The remaining bonds are scheduled to be issued early next year.
General election is Tuesday....VOTE!
The general election is next Tuesday, November 4th. Because there are no local races to be voted on, the election, at least locally, is not attracting much attention.
But, we are going, as a nation, to elect a president, vice-president, a Texas senator, and a U.S. Representative, as well as state representatives who will represent us over the next two to four years.
It behooves each of us to cast our ballots for those who we feel will best represent us in the days ahead.
Locally, the polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. to give everyone an opportunity to cast a ballot. Early voting ends tomorrow.
The polls where you can cast your ballot are located as follows:
Precinct 1: County Barn.
Precinct 2: District Courtroom at Culberson County Courthouse.
Precinct 3: School Administration Building and Housing Area at Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
Precinct 4: Kennedy Hall of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.
Treat youngster to a safe Halloween
Texas drivers are asked to drive safely around areas where children are likely to gather this Halloween. And trick-or-treaters are asked to make sure they behave safely as well.
“We’re expecting more children and adults to be out on Halloween this year because it falls on a Friday. Slow down and watch for pedestrians. If you’re planning to attend a Halloween party, please designate a sober driver,” said Col. Stan Clark, interim director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
“Pedestrians should make sure to look both ways before crossing a street, and they should choose costumes that will be easy for drivers to see,” Clark said.
Following these safety tips will help keep trick-or-treaters safe.
Have a safe costume:
· Avoid toy guns and knives – they could be mistaken for the real thing.
· Wear costumes that are light in color and short enough to avoid tripping.
· Wear shoes that fit.
· Place reflective material on the costume, so drivers can see you.
· Avoid masks – use face paint instead for better visibility and peripheral vision.
· Carry a flashlight.
Keep these tips in mind:
· Look both ways before crossing roadways. Always walk, don’t run.
· Cross the roadway at intersections and crosswalks when possible.
· Travel in groups with adult supervision.
· Do not enter the cars and homes of strangers. Avoid homes without visible porch lights.
· Make sure children know their home phone number and how to call 911 or their local emergency number if they have an emergency or become lost.
· Take all treats home for an adult to inspect before eating anything. Never eat unwrapped candy.