Hospital seat remains open

Diverting from normal practice to allow board members time to digest information about a full slate of candidates, the Weston County Health Services board of trustees tabled the appointment of a new board member until its July meeting.
On June 16, the board met with Esther Murray, Dorothy Briggs, Bob Hartley, Loa Dickinson, Brandon Sams and Ian Thurgood, all six interested in filling the vacant board seat until the 2024 election. The vacancy is the result of the resignation of Lisa Foster. 
Murray, a newcomer to Newcastle and Wyoming, has experience in the health field. She said that serving on the board would provide her the opportunity to learn about the community. 
“This (health care) is an area I have interest in and experience in, and I want to know the community,” she said. 
She noted that she would need more information on the hospital district’s situation before she could actively participate. 
Briggs is also new to Newcastle, moving here from Pennsylvania a year ago. A retiree, Briggs had worked in health care since 1971. She first served as a nurse before working for an insurance company. 
“The reason I am interested (in serving on the board) is, I may have some valuable experiences to share with you guys,” Briggs said. “To learn more about the community but really to be a positive influence in the community. So far, in a year, it is endearing for me to be here. It is a beautiful, wonderful place.” 
Another Weston County newcomer, Sams said that since he moved here three years ago, his stake in the game has gotten bigger with a wife and young children. He noted that although his background has nothing to do with health care, he is passionate about the facility, his family and the community. 
“I think we are very fortunate to have a facility like this in a community this size,” Sams said. 
Thurgood arrived in Weston County a few years ago when his wife, Sara Thurgood, joined the team at Weston County Health Services. He said he could bring a perspective of analytical thinking to the board. 
Two long-time Weston County residents have also thrown their names in the ring. 
Hartley, former city engineer for Newcastle, has served on boards and in leadership capacities in the county for years. He said that medical facilities are a necessity for community growth, a belief that sparked his desire to serve on the board. 
Dickinson has lived here since 1969 and has watched local health care services transform over the years. She recalled the various hospital locations and various services that have been lost, noting that she wants to see the district continue to succeed. 
Trustee Connie James suggested that the board appoint a new member that evening, noting that it would get the new board member involved faster. 
Newly elected board member Kari Drost, on the other hand, requested time to consider the information provided by the potential candidates before making a decision. 
The appointment of the new member is expected to happen during the board’s July 21 meeting.