Page Two Thursday, July 29.J976 Nyssa Gate City Journal, Nyssa, Oregon on nn ann n a p LETTERS TO EDITOR Hospital Costs Are Increasing There is at least one thing that the general public agrees with the bureaucrats on and that is the COS! of health care, h is too expensive, but what are the reasons? Actually, there are numerous causes behind the health care cost increases experienced by consumers in recent yean. Our inflating economy, government, and the patients themselves have been the biggest culprits. Our local hospital has experienced the same type of inflationary cost increases in labor and supplies as the shopper confronts when purchasing food in the grocery store. Some of the supplies and services which hospitals depend upon have risen so rapidly, that their increased cost alooe can jeopardize financial stability. Malpractice insurance, which has risen some 600 percent in the past year at our facility, is a perfect example. As for government, it too should not be overlooked in causing costs to rise. Because of its significant influence upon hospital operation, its own inefficiencies are evidenced la hospitals. Compliance with rules and regulations are often costly and neither practical nor economically feasible for the small hospital. Also, government sponsored patient bills are discounted. The biggest share of these discounts are for Medicare and Welfare patients who represent about S3 percent of our facility's total business. Payment averages about $.85 on the dollar. This 15 percent discount causes the nongovernmental patient's bill to be higher, since somebody has to pay for these expenses. The net result burdens non government patients with approximately $23.00 per day additional charges on his bill. Another cause of rising costs is the patient himself. Patients directly influence the type of services a facility offers. They demand the very best of care, which utilises costly professional personnel and specialized equipment. The public interest and pursuit of better health, causes equipment to be obsolete long before its useful life is expired. The demand for increased technology and more medical innovations has not been without results. We have seen the almost complete elimination at some ephkmir diseases such as polio, which once threatened many lives in our community; and we can now enjoy longer and healthier lives. In summary, a hospital's only means of defraying these burdensome expenses is to either pass them on to the patients in the form of higher charges or seek alternative sources of revenue. Our hospital is limited in its ability to raise charges, and patients do not want to be burdened with even higher bills. Therefore, in order for our hospital to absorb operating losses and continue providing quality patient care at reasonable cost, we need additional tax support in our new fiscal year. Voters will be given a chance for the first time since 1965 to provide additional operating funds for the hospital. If passed, it will be a one-time-only tax to subsidize operating expenses, recruit physicians, and begin a building and equipment improvement program. CARD OF THANKS The family of Mrs. Ina Coffman wish to thank their many friends and neighbors for the prayers, beautiful cards and flowers, food and other acts of love and sympathy shown us in the lorn of our loved owe. Wilbur Coffman Melvin and Dolores Mar­ cum and family Dorothy Wilson and family Iona Greig and family THANK YOU I I want to take this way to see me, eent me cards and brought me cards while I was in the hospital. And thanks to all those who have called while 1 am rocuparrttng. Earl Chard a a • A man to what be to, aet whrt he tom. The Light Touch t By Ernie Metcolf « at wwav Il N. 2ad Myteo, Oregon 372-2254 FULL MILITARY HONORS were displayed last week in funeral services at the Nyssa Cemetery for long-time Nyssa resident. Bill Mayden. Joint efforts of four military : t agencies. the American Legion, VFW, DAV ,nd the Ontario National Guard were performed with dignity and pride for Bill who was a veteran of World War 11 a Astrid Stephen Astrid Stephen, long time Nyssa resident, pasaed away Wednesday. July 28. 1976 in Malheur Memorial Hospital following a long illness Funeral services were pend­ ing at Lienkaemper Chapel at presstime Wednesday. The family requests no flowers, but memorials may be given. FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH NOTES Joseph M. Dority Editor. The Journal: The program to inform Oregon motorists of the state's new vehicle code has been extremely successfill, a fact we attribute in large measure to the excellent cooperation of Oregon’s news' papers We sincerely appreciate the uae newspapers made of' the public service messages we provided for publication in June. Newspaper uae of the releases provided by our Public Information Office on various provisions of the new code also was excellent. We believe this program has gooe a long way toward helping to ensure that drivers know the laws they are expected to obey, and also has helped to keep motorists informed of safe driving practices that «rill help them bvokt tramc acciaenu. Again, thank you for your cooperation in this program. Yours very truly, Chester W. Ott Motor Vehicles Division Salem, Oregon Editor, The Journal: We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who has expressed concern and sympathy to us during the time of our daughter’s sickness and death. Expressions of food, flowers, prayers and thou­ ghts are certainly appre­ ciated. With all the great people, Nyssa is indeed, a wonderful place to live. Thank you, Larry and Donna Blackburn Taft and Lisa We would like to take this way of thanking family members and friends for helping us celebrate the occasion of our 25th wedding anniversary. Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Jan Bruyn and Hans. Mr. and Mrs. Jaap Stam and Mrs. Trien de Boer-Stam who traveled from Holland to be with us, and to Mr. and Mrs. Herke Stam of Nampa and Mr. and Mrs Dirk de Boer of Nyssa for all their help and considera­ tions. The Cees Hopman Family cwkww tn f/F ■ 1 Lori A. Blackbum Editor. The Journal: The Agri-Business Council of Oregon can understand the Orange; the Farmers' Union; the NFO, and other organi­ sations' disappointment in their inability to secure the necessary number of signa­ tures for the Initiative Péti­ tion dealing with corporate agriculture. Although op­ posed to the Initiative. Agri-Business Council con­ gratulates these fellow agri­ cultural organizations' efforts in bringing some of the State’s major agricultural problems to the attention of the citizens of Oregon. The family fane is oue of the most important and prominent segments in our State's and Nation's agricul­ ture. These is little doubt that the progress of this Nation and this State can be directly attributed to the achieve­ ments cd the agricultural community. The family farm has been, and will continue to be. the major thrust of a progressive economy. All of Oregon's agricul­ tural organizations should look to opportunities which will bring about progress for this essential industry /«/ Tom Hartung, President. Agri-Business Council of Oregon THANK YOU I Mara M OBITUARIES Rosary for Joseph M. Dority. 66. who died Satur­ day. July 24. 1976 in a Boise hospital after a short illness was recited at 8 p.m. Saturday at Gibson Funeral Home, Boise. Requiem Mass was celebrated at 10 a. as. Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church by the Rev. Dennis C. Day. Interment was in Morris Hill Cemetery Field of Honor, with military honors by the Ada County United Veterans Council. He was born April 6. 1911 in Sargent. Nebr. He g* dusted from high school in Nebraska and worked in construction in the late 1930's until he went into the service during World War H He married Ruby Curren, February 26. 1930, in Schuy­ ler, Nebr. Mr. Dority was la business with his brother John from 1945 until 1959. operating Dority Welding in Nyssa. Mr. Dority worked la construction from 1960 entfl Ute fa« of 1975. He was a member of the Catholic Church. Elks Lodge No. 1690. Ontario, and Pipe Fitters Lodge No. 196. Surviving are his wuv, Boise; three brothers. Paul D., Bremerton. Wash.. John N. Nyssa, and Lawrence E., Fort Lupton. Colo, and a sister, Mrs. Bernard (Mar­ garet) Wlaschin. MahtomedL Minnesota. Memorials may be made to a favorite charity. Pallbearers were Carl Crane, Floyd Arnold, Al Bevelhymer, Clarence Weber, Al Cfay and BUI Heinbach. THANK YOU I A "Thank Yen” to every­ one who contributed in any way to making the home- coming for Shan Moss so successful. To the merchants and friends for their do­ nations; to the organizations, the Nyssa Band and Drill Team, Rene’ Van Biljouw and John Messick for making the motorcade a success; to Bishop Gary Thompson and the ladies of the Relief Society under the capable direction of Mrs. Garry Fife for a scrumptious potluck dinner and the use of the LDS Church to show the video tape; to Clint Turner of Hom« Dairies for donating th« punch and ice; to Miss Idaho, Rene Peterson for coming; to the Nyssa City Police for their help and considerations; to Steve Marez for driving the Nyssa Fire Truck. A most special thanks to Mrs. Wilton Jackson for being chairman of the gift committee and to Mrs. Hiro Kido for making the beautiful "Welcome Home Shan” banner. To each and all I deeply appreciate your help and concern and the unselfish giving of your time and efforts. Pat Savage their homes during their stay. Johnny Whittaker, second from right, has been in a TV series and the movie, ''Huckleberry Finn." Missionary Preparing For Return to Pakistan Frances Foster, who re­ turned from Pakistan in April, due to the sudden death of her mother, Ruth Foster is preparing to return to Pakistan within the year. She flew to St. Louis, Missouri, June 3. to meet the Mission board of the United Pentecostal Church. She was accepted and will be doing deputations! work following the Annual Conference of this group in Anaheim, Calif. She has already spent eight years in Pakistan. Miss Foster had some interesting experiences on her return trip from Missouri by bus. Among those visited was the former Virginia Voigt who taught for many years in the Nyssa schools. She is now Mrs. Ray Sauer living in Clmarrou, Kansas. She spent a week wtth her aunt. Mrs. O. L. Dever, a sister of the deceased, who lives in Meeker Park, Colorado. The highlight of th« journey was her first visit to Yellowstone Part. This was followed by a first visit of the Big Sky Country of Montana. Besides speaking in the churches. Miss Foster visited her brother Howard Foster, and his two sons. Don and Bob Foster in Lewistown, Montana. Of sepcial Interest also was her visit with Dr. Nazarene Church Newa Christian Education Clas­ ses. 9:45 a.m. Children’s Churches. 11 a.m. Morning Worship Service with message by Pastor Russen, 11 a.m. Evening service here will be dismissed so that as many as possible may attend the closing service of Campmeet­ ing in Nampa, 7 p.m. Vacation Bible School con­ tinues each morning, 9 00- 11:45 a.m. August 2-7, Junior High Camp at Victory Cove near McCall. Wednesday, Angnrt 4 - Bible Study at the Nursing Home, 4 p.m. Mid-week prayer and Bible Sudy, 7:30 p.m. “Prayer la the key ef the day and the leek of the nigh«." BUI McElroy, former resident of Nyssa, who io now au opto­ metrist la Havre. Montana. Bill and his «rife Jaa royally entertained Miao Foster one weekend Another former Nyssan visited was Mrs. Harry Durston aad her daughter Jean, now residing in Manhattan, Montana. She spent the Fourth of July In Spokane wtth the fine United Pentecostal Church folks in that interesting city. The final tour was made home July 6 by bus, after spending one day with former N.N.C. classmates Miss Foster spoke, showing her slides of Pakistan a total of nine different times in churches. Each entertained her graciously. She can say, "It's truly a joy to be at home this Bicentennial year aad to appreciate the many wooden of our great country. May God keep it free and cause its inhabitants to put their trust more firmly in Him as its true Father." Thursday night, July IS, Miss Frances Foster was a guest speaker for the United Methodist Church Womens meeting in Fruitland. Idaho. She wore her native costume, showed her slides and displayed souvenirs and pic­ tures collected in Pakistan. 1 • United Methodist Chu­ rch Camp at McCall. The Rev. Monroe will be at camp but will be back for the August I service. Sunday, August 1 • Pra­ yer Service, 9 a.m. Worship Service message, "Giving It Straight From God," by the Rev. Monroe, 9:30 a.m. Adult Sunday School. 10:30 a m. On the highways, slower speeds save lives, save energy. For example, traffic deaths were down by 9400 in 1975, as compared to 1973, when speed limits were higher than 55. And we could save eight and a half million gallons of gasoline a day if everybody slowed down. The point is, the 55 mph speed limit isn't something to take or leave lightly. It's vitally ---------—j important. To all of us. Meet to make ice cream for social. We need all the help we can get on this. Church School for the young people, 7-8 p.m. Friday, Angust 6 - Ice Cream Social at the Nyssa School lawn. 7-10 p.m. 4 4 4 Ii « - 4