4
T he C olumbia P ress
November 17, 2017
Hospital CEO
named rural star
Erik Thorsen, chief execu-
tive officer of Columbia Me-
morial Hospital, was named
a “2017 Community Star” by
the
National
Organization of
State Offices of
Rural Health.
His story is
among
those
featured during
National
Ru-
Thorsen
ral Health Day,
which takes place on the third
Thursday in November. The
day is an annual recognition
of medical professionals who
serve the health needs of
more than 60 million people
living in rural communities in
the United States, estimated
to be 1 in 5 people.
The health leaders are nom-
inated by the state Office of
Rural Health. They include
hospital and emergency first-
responder teams, and com-
munity health and volunteer
service practitioners who
make a positive impact on
those living in rural areas.
Christmas light
show live soon
Mike and Teale Adelmann,
who turned their home into
an amazing wonderland of
choreographed lights for Hal-
loween, reported collecting
more than $200 through a
donation box out front.
The donations, which were
matched dollar-for-dollar by
the Adelmanns, were given
to the Columbia Assistance
League.
More than 100 trick or
treaters came to the residence
on Halloween and more than
100 cars worked their way
past the front of the house to
watch the light show. During
the season, they averaged
about 40 cars per night.
Now Mike Adelmann says
he’s busy preparing for their
Christmas light show.