Heart Of The Rockies To Open Pharmacy Inside Hospital District Clinic Building
by Fred Hernandez
The Custer County Hospital District (clinic board) has allocated an area, described as a “corner” in their building which is roughly 585 sq. ft., to be dedicated as a pharmacy. They had to adhere to strict regulations from the Board of Pharmacy which follows their Design Manual in these types of constructions. Everything has to be by the book: for instance, service counters have windows through which the customers are served; these counters need to have roll down security covers which pulls down at night, the service space in the working area (where the pharmacists work) has to be ADA compliant (in case they hire a worker who has need of it), of course the whole store has to be ADA compliant, space between the equipment is strictly measured and enforced. The plan is to replicate the pharmacy at the hospital in Salida.
Apparently planning started in February of 2022. The design and architecture is now complete and they expect to start construction in January of this year with an opening date sometime in May 2023. Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The estimated cost of the project is $307,000. The board insisted that the general contractor (already contracted from Colorado Springs) hire local county workers and subcontractors as much as possible to give locals the opportunity since the hospital district (clinic) income is from taxpayer dollars (Mill levy) . It is noteworthy that the clinic board turned down an opportunity for community grants from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) because of the “string” attached. The string was the Davis-Bacon Act which states that when availing of federal funds, hired workers need to be paid union rates which would have increased the cost of
construction substantially. Not to mention it would have taken work away from local construction workers.
This project will be paid for by the clinic (hospital district) which will then lease the space to Heart of the Rockies Hospital
(HOR) in Salida. The financial situation of the clinic has turned around and they are now “in the black” since they made the deal with HOR because they now enjoy Medicare enhanced reimbursement. In fact, they are able to pay the paramedics $30 an hour and the EMT $20/hr. These rates are now
competitive with those of Colorado Springs.
They have hired a specialized Colorado Springs company that will analyze the relationship between the hospital district and HOR and recommend a lease value based on ROI (return on investment) to determine what the clinic will charge HOR for leasing the pharmacy space/equipment.
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Press release
Press Release
In early 2020 the Custer County Health Center (CCHC) governed by West Custer County Hospital
District (WCCHD) began to offer prescription medicine delivery at the clinic from the Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center (HRRMC) pharmacy in Salida.
This convenience was initially limited to clinic clients but quickly grew in volume. By mid-2021 as many as 350 new prescriptions per month (excluding refills) were being picked up at the Clinic’s front counter. Concurrently, clinic staff and WCCHD Board members became aware that the load, distraction, and congestion at the front desk was becoming burdensome. Thus, at a minimum, remodeling was needed to relocate that process.
Around the beginning of 2022 HRRMC’s pharmacy manager presented a novel proforma to both organizations demonstrating that an in-house full service, walk-in pharmacy at the clinic was financially viable. In addition, the ability to divorce medicine pick up from the Clinic’s main entrance held numerous health, safety and patient benefits. The most recent monthly report had new prescriptions approaching 430, and patient visits at 694, with 72 of those as new patients.
The WCCHD Board held many public meetings and study sessions throughout 2022 to carefully deliberate the impact of an in-house pharmacy on our campus. Every deliberation resulted in unanimous consensus that it was the most desirable next offering of community service for the clinic.
Fundamentally, WCCHD firmly believes that the clinic’s successful growth contributed to the creation of a commercially viable prescription drug market in Custer County. WCCHD are enthusiastically grateful that 2023 brings residents viable and locally available choices for prescription medicine.
Concurrently, the Hospital District’s governance of the Clinic, CCEMS, and our ever-evolving community engagement has led us to an exciting next step. This month we are forming a long-term planning committee to help us consider where we go next with these two critical county- services. This Committee will be comprised of a Board member, select WCCHD staff and several members of the community at- large. There are big ideas, and some great little ones on the horizon. Come join us and help plot the future. The first planning was at the Board meeting (3 p.m. on Friday 1/27 Clinic Board Room.) You can connect by attending meetings in person or see the posted Agendas at our website for the ZOOM login. Or contact us online at: research@westcustercountyhospitaldistrict.com
We intend to have the Long-Range Planning Committee’s inaugural meeting in February. (Editor’s note: see press release announcing that meeting here. )Also, look for our new monthly columns on CCEMS developments!
Press Release
The West Custer County Hospital District Board of Directors will be developing a Long-Range Planning Committee. That committee will be examining the current and projected needs of Custer County, and discussing potential responses to those needs. The first meeting will be at 2 p.m., Monday, February 13., 2023, in the board room of the Custer County Clinic building. WCCHD Board President
Bob Tobin and Secretary Alma Golden will host the discussion and initiate the format and guidelines for future meetings, committee membership, discussions and planning. Community input is welcomed!
by Fred Hernandez
Off to a rocking start Liberty Rocks first meeting took place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 19 at Tony’s Mountain Pizza to a room packed with 45 attendees. Chairperson Ann Barthrop started the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by an invocation by Dr. Ann Willson reading from the Book of Presidents.
Noted physicist and entrepreneur Charles E. “Chuck” Bryson passed away on November 25, 2022.
Chuck founded several startups and was instrumental in the development and applications of surface science technology in engineering. He developed multiple electrical charge control methods and technical innovations, filing 16 patents and publishing numerous articles. Continue reading Charles E. “Chuck” Bryson passes→
by Charlotte Burrous,
Fremont Crusader
—Cañon City, CO
Words from concerned citizens fell on deaf ears when the RE-1 School Board placed the Standard Operating Procedure Cañon City Schools Guidelines for Supporting Transgender & Gender-Diverse Students on the agenda as an informational piece. This means that it will be voted on first reading in the next school meeting on February 13th then approved on second reading at the February 27th meeting.
Apparently, not much has changed since the original seven-page policy was presented by the board in 2022. When residents found out what the board planned to do, more than 100 people attended the June meeting to express their disagreement, but apparently, the board intends to do what it planned to do all along.
During the visitor’s section, Isabel Sandoval spoke against the policy.
“As a parent, we’re supposed to create culture for our children, but it is apparent that not all children have that kind of supportive upbringing,” she said. “When we the parents don’t create a culture or don’t do it effectively, that’s when immorality and evilness will eventually steal our children.”
When she was a parent, she said her biggest concerns were learning whether her children were behaving in their classrooms, sports or other school events. Continue reading RE-1 School Board Continues Toward Approval of Transgender Policy→
by George Gramlich, News and Commentary
The January 10, 2023 Custer County Board of County Commissioners meeting started at 9 am. All three royal musketeers were present: Chair Kevin Day and members Bill Canda and Tom Flower.
There was the usual dribble from all three muskies under Commissioner Items. Day said he wanted to bring back the Invocation at the beginning of the meeting. Canda and Flower said that was good.
Under New Business, the first topic was the annual county board appointments. The muskies had reports from the various boards on who they wanted and Day went through them. Of note was the Board of Zoning Adjustment recommended that Mary Mallory not be chosen. Also, the Planning Commission said they did not want the failed county commissioner candidate, Deb Adams, on their board. After some banter, the muskies voted to accept the recommendations.
Flower then talked about another grant he wants to get to help build a barn for the baled cardboard at the recycling center. After a bit, the muskies approve the grant application.
Next item was whether the coroner’s position should be full time or part time. It currently is part-time. Our newly elected coroner, Brad Baltzy was present and he said he just finished a week long coroner training course in scenic Denver. He then said he was on call 24/7. 365 days a year and the job should be considered full time. (The current part time pay is $33,340 per year.) The muskies voted to keep it part-time.
The Upper Arkansas Coalition of Governments (UACOG) “Self Help Housing” project was the next subject. Flower said they wanted to build some houses in Custer County and if the muskies donated seven lots the county owns in Silver Cliff it would be a big help to getting them built. The muskies pondered this item for a bit and then decided to give the county property to UACOG.
The muskies then went over the county’s Organizational Chart. They made a few changes then deemed it good. (This chart shows who works in each position and who they directly report to.)
Canda then brought up the county maintenance contractor proposal that was talked about a while back. He wants the muskies to enter into an agreement with a contractor to supply/fix any electrical, plumbing, or general contractor work issues that might arise re the county’s buildings. This company would be the sole contact point for this work. Currently, the muskies have to bid out each project that comes up and that takes time and hassle. Canda wants a “bidders conference” and have several contractors present proposals. The muskies agree.
And that was that.
BOCC Workshop: Day, Flower Try to Suppress Citizen Input on County Manager Proposal Why? Because They Can’t Make a Case For It
by George Gramlich, News and Commentary
Some of the following has some very bad, but real optics, with two of our County Commissioners trying to ram through a completely unprepared, and unneeded proposal which will create a new hugely powerful Custer County government position, County Manager (“CM”, or County Administrator). Such a position would be the biggest structural change to our county government in living memory. One of the issues associated with this push is that these two commissioners (Kevin Day and Tom Flower) are trying to suppress citizen input on this proposal because a) the VAST MAJORITY of the citizens of Happy Valley don’t want another layer of bureaucracy with the attendant huge expense, b) It is totally unnecessary and c) the commissioners cannot make ANY kind of business case for the position. But these two muskies want this waste because they are not doing the jobs they were elected to do and citizens be da**ed. Continue reading BOCC Workshop on County Manager: Day, Flower Try to Suppress Citizen Input→
by Dale Klingbeil Custer County, Colorado
The movement of our transportation modes are being pushed to Electric Vehicles, (EV). By now everyone knows, what EV is and most can relate to Tesla.
I come from an agricultural background. I grew up with horses on a Wisconsin farm. Albeit those were work horses. I commend the riders that I see here, for they are probably the most environmentally friendly of all the modes available here in Colorado.
I have been an engine guy, (they call us, Gear Heads) since I could hold head bolts in my hand. Studied and ground in some of the highest engine production companies in the world. My thermodynamics professor, stated clearly that engines are about 1/3 efficient. One third is dispersed in heat directly from the engine. One third is exhausted straight out the tail pipe. Finally, one third is used for powering the wheels which makes us move on our highways, roads and fields.
My “Thermo” professor at Milwaukee School of Engineering was also clear that the very best electric steam turbine generated electric plant was just less than 40% efficient. I was impressed and amazed at the steam tables to investigate and show the comparisons.
But, since those days, (at the direction of the Government), we are moving toward a different mode of transportation. I wish to provide some considerations to the purchase of an EV. It is clear that Government does not have a clear understanding of this extreme change. We, the public will be the testing ground for their “Green Energy” experiment.
First, I want to try to express the support of our rural electrification that occurred in the years when America was working with gas lamps to see at night. It was a monumental evolution. Edison’s light bulb changed the world.
But, now the perfect application of electric power in a mobile vehicle, is different. The power is created in a large coal fired central location. Again, we are told something around 40% efficient. My information some would indicate that a typical automotive engine is 40% efficient. Either can be argued today.
The electric lines losses have been reported to be 6.8%. In a California report. I would guess that these lines losses are greater in Colorado as a normal result of temperature. This was gleaned from a Stanford report for “Physics 240”. If I could estimate, probably closer to 8% here in Colorado. Further research would be needed to dig in and report or refute this.
The batteries current installed in EVs are very heavy and use many very special minerals. For example, cobalt travels about 20,000 miles from the Congo mines to the California factory to be added in the battery assembly.
Once the battery is installed and you have taken delivery of your EV with grand hopes of providing efficient and clean transportation, you can be happy. That is the best satisfaction that you will receive. https://news.yahoo.com/brother-sister-had-stop-6-090000489.html
Six charges for the day, as this brother and sister team from Orlando to Kansas. The trip was lengthened by nearly six hours to accommodate the charging of the battery. No unusual weather conditions or accidents were noted.
Electric motors which drive wheels are very efficient. You will normally hear of 90 to 95% efficient. This is true, under full load conditions and ideal temperatures. By the way, ideal temperature as noted in reports available online are; 53 degrees F to 113 degree F for a high temperature. Hmmm…Seems a bit optimistic in Westcliffe or maybe even in Colorado. https://www.torquenews.com/ 2250/battery-degradation-extreme-temperatures-might-not-be-bad-aaa-says
The article referred to above shows test results. ““The average range of the vehicles was 105 miles at 75 degrees, but it dropped a shocking 57% to just 43 miles at 20 degrees and 33% to 69 miles at 95 degrees. According to Greg Brannon, the director of automotive engineering at AAA, “We expected degradation in the range of vehicles in both cold and hot climates, but we did not expect the degradation we saw.””
As soon as you turn on the windshield wipers, A/C or heat, powered seats, powered windows when in operation and any device, the battery charge diminishes. More rapidly in cold weather.
Another point of exacting motor
performance must be stated. EV has a characteristic that must be understood. It is called, Zero-RPM, maximum torque.
Engines must build up this power by engine RPM acceleration to get to maximum torque. Thus no, gas/diesel engine vehicle will beat an EV off the line with a fully charged battery in ideal temperatures. Once the two imaginary vehicles are off the line all bets are off, the variables become, too great to determine. It is kind of like trying to have a conversation with two technicians… One is an auto mechanic and the other is an electrician. Tough going!
Now that our EV is on the road and cruising along, we need to understand that it only takes, 10 to 15 and maybe pushing 20 HP to keep your vehicle in motion, even at say, 65 MPH. So, the HP ratings provided for either of the EV or our conventional gas/diesel engine are pretty much meaningless.
Throttle position or guidance to our controller providing power to the wheels, is based on, desired speed, load, (weight) and temperature conditions. Electric Vehicles are much heavier than gas/diesel powered vehicles. Of course, wind resistance is a factor. That will produce its very own set of calculations. Wind resistance is a function of square feet of surface exposed to the wind. Vectors aside, we will ignore this. https://x-engineer.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Electric-motor-efficiency-map.jpg?838290&838290
The chart shows that the necessary power required to operate an EV at lower speeds is minimal, (city driving). Thus, the efficiencies drop off considerably.
The cold temperature chart starts to get below 50% efficient. This is where we really get to the point of comparison.
An example in which the battery output is diminished as a result of use. The temperature range could be a factor or not. We can speculate and call today, 40 degrees F, daytime temperature. (Recall that this temp is outside of ideal for battery operation range). Again, we can extrapolate and say that the efficiency is at 45 -50%. My gas/diesel is 40% all day. Same pollution, as the coal fired power source for the EV, and almost same efficiency.
The more expensive EV’s now have heat pumps to maintain the temperature of the battery. Heat pumps are powered by the battery in the EV. Again, this will drain the battery faster. When the battery is exposed to temperatures and will perform based on its physics. In general terms, the colder the temp that lower the output from the battery. Also, note that the power lines to your house or to the charger on the street are performing at less-than-ideal power outputs during colder temperatures. The last charging station I recorded an output of 7,300 watts to charge the EV connected to it. The quick charge of approximately 45 minutes at this rate of charge. (Just imagine 73 100watt light bulbs at this charge station). These outputs will vary with the number of EVs connected to the adjoining charge stations.
My current gas/diesel fired engine runs at about 220 Degrees F, (normal operating temperature). The variation of this temperature is very minimal. It does not matter if is zero degrees or 100 degrees, F. outside. The thermal efficiency of this has been improved over the last 120 years. This is of course when running and warmed up to temp, (we call this normal operating temperature).
Our EV, however, is never up to temperature and is always subject to ambient temps.
Here is my bottom line.
Power generated at 220 Volts is now less by 8% at ideal temps. The local power station will kick this up to match what their requirements are. A loss of power to the atmosphere again.
My normal EV operation puts me at something between 90% and 50% efficient in normal operation. This is dependent on the battery charge, and battery age. The degraded battery at lower temperatures and further degraded charge as is the case as you drive, the efficiency drags to even lower levels.
Again, to be clear, the pollution created is similar with coal fired power plant to our normal gas/diesel engine driven vehicle. We are something pretty close to 80% coal produced electricity here in Southern Colorado. EV implementation has driven coal production to a record high in 2022. Power outages in regions of the USA are becoming more prevalent, and cost is not even a consideration when you add all the shortcomings of EV.
Life expectancies of an ideal battery is stated to be 400,000 miles. Well, no one drives in ideal conditions. The EV warranties seem to be good indicators in these conditions. Most EV warranties have limits of 100,000 miles. Historical information would indicate that 150,000 miles is an actual battery life. The replacement of a battery is somewhere between $12,000 to $20,000 plus installation. The shortcomings may be isolated but could be deadly. The car heater will not operate when the battery is dead. The EV will not move. You can hope that you have enough charge in your phone to call 911 for help.
Leaving your EV outside on below zero nights will provide new experiences with power and drivability. Think about the overnight stay at an high elevation ski resort with subzero outdoor temperatures. Even plugged in will not produce the charge as compared to the indoor heated garage. The accident conditions or stuck in a snow drift, mired in stalled traffic on the freeway will be reported. I can only assume that more death and anguish will be reported during this winter as EV’s become more prevalent.
These EV’s can provide service, but the care given to them needs to indoctrinated and observed. My advice would be to stay close to home and give particular care to this very sensitive piece of equipment. Temperature exposure is critical to operation.
Your gas/diesel can run and stay warm… NOT an EV.
On Sunday, December 18, 2022, Jimmie Ray Pierce, a beloved husband, brother and friend, passed away at the young age of 69. Born to parents Carl and Tessie Pierce on August 17, 1953 in Madisonville, Texas, Jimbo, as he was lovingly known, attended Erie High School, where he played football, baseball and basketball. Continue reading Services for Jimmie Ray Pierce→
Noted physicist and entrepreneur Charles E. “Chuck” Bryson passed away on November 25, 2022.
