By HOLLY GASKILL
The public hearing regarding the removal of Public Health Officer Dr. Kay Johnson was canceled preceding the health board’s final meeting of the year.
The board initiated the process for Johnson’s removal Dec. 6 and was scheduled to have a hearing Wednesday. The News-Banner received notice of the hearing’s cancellation from County Attorney Ted Storer the evening prior. Although the matter was not addressed during the regular board meeting, Interim Administrator Marlene Hoag said Johnson was out of town.
A new hearing has not yet been announced.
Meanwhile, Hoag advised the department has continued through a busy season of vaccinations, end-of-year renewals and septic inspections. Regional Sewer District Superintendent Lewis Brown said the RSD has connected over half of Craigville to the sewer system.
Public Health Nurse Lynn Blevins also reported the department had interceded with some recalls of applesauce and Quaker oatmeal bars. Ryan Bennett, who is contracted to help with food inspections, said the department pulled affected products before they reached shelves, but advised caution with online and gift basket purchases.
The board also received public comment from Jennifer Brink, 920 River Rd. in Bluffton, regarding the county’s choice not to participate in Health First Indiana. Wells was one of only six counties that did not participate in the program’s first year, which would have allowed the county over $50,000 to support healthcare opportunities.
While the decision belonged to the County Commissioners, Brink criticized the board’s inaction in the decision and months following, asking them to voice a desire to the commissioners to opt in next year. “Wells County is just so special that there’s (86) other counties that got their questions answered, but you didn’t think there was enough answers?” Brink asked. “I’m mortified. Why couldn’t you?”
Brink also stated she was associated with the “Good Trouble Coalition,” a healthcare advocacy group, and would continue to bring attention to the matter.
All current members of the board were present — Chris Esterling, Steve Bales, Tom Longenberger, Dr. Mary Donley, Molly Hoag and Ann McNabb. In 2024, the board will be Esterling, Bales, Donley, Hoag, McNabb, and new members Dr. Bartholomew Hott and Tamara Troutt.
The board unanimously voted to continue meeting every other month at 6:30 a.m. on the third Thursday, with Esterling saying it unnecessary to meet more often in the new year.
holly@news-banner.com
