The Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital Foundation recently forked over $36,000 to finish outfitting and remodeling the third surgical suite at the hospital in Hamilton.

Chief of Surgery Dr. Luke Channer said that the hospital was outgrowing itself and that the emergency room services were especially under stress. There are certain emergency procedures that cannot wait, he said, like emergency c-sections, and generally spleen, appendix, and colon or bowel perforations.

Channer said that emergency room visits at the hospital have increased from about 80 a month ten years ago to about 120 per month this year.

“We are ranked third in the state in the number of emergencies treated,” said Channer. “We were greatly in need of another operating room.”

More than the room itself, of course, is the need for necessary equipment to fill it and that can be expensive. Channer was especially pleased with some of the equipment that the Foundation has helped purchase such as new ultra-sound equipment and the optical glide scope with the camera.

Channer called the latest HD video equipment a huge benefit. He said it allowed him to see every little blood vessel with great clarity.

“This represents a huge increase in patient safety,” said Channer.

Last year the Foundation donated more than $100,000 to various departments at the hospital, mostly for equipment.

“But the needs are endless,” said Rummel. “We are putting a wish list on our Foundation web site,” he said, so that the community can join in on our efforts.

Ron Kullick said, “The hospital operates on a very narrow profit margin. That’s why the Foundation exists. We try to make things happen that otherwise wouldn’t happen due to lack of funding.” He urged people in the community to help the Foundation make a difference in the lives of Ravalli County residents by making a difference in their hospital.

Hamilton woman heads local March of Dimes campaign

Kathryn DeLong of Hamilton will be launching the Hamilton March for Babies 2011 fundraising campaign as the Community Campaign Organizer.

More than of 23 babies, every week, will be born premature this year, and DeLong will be working with the March of Dimes to change this.

Kathryn knows how important the March of Dimes mission is. Her and her husband, Chad, have four children, Jackson, Sidney, Wyatt and Samson. She took on the role to raise awareness and important funding to provide for babies who are born premature or with birth defects.

March for Babies, the March of Dimes' largest fundraiser, helps fund lifesaving research and educational programs aimed at helping moms have healthy babies. Kathryn hopes to bring in even more by focusing on building new revenue and helping to raise awareness in the area.

Kathryn will be spreading the word to local families and businesses to request their support in the coming months. The goal is that every baby is born healthy - it can be a reality, but it takes everyone in the community working together to make it happen.

You can sign up at www.marchforbabies,org and start a team with co-workers, family or friends.

"We're so excited to have Kathryn DeLong, as the Community Campaign Organizer in Hamilton for the community's March for Babies walk," said Kathy Ruff, Community Director for the Montana March of Dimes Chapter. "She has a passion for the cause and commitment in helping babies and it will be a huge driving factor in the success of March for Babies this year. We are grateful for the time and support she is able to lend us."

Engagement

Cloud-Carlson

Jim and Cari Cloud of Stevensville announce the engagement of their daughter, Amanda Holly Cloud, to Kelly Garon Carlson, son of Layne and Marti Carlson of Twin Bridges.

Amanda is a 2002 graduate of Stevensville High School and a 2009 graduate of Montana State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education. Amanda is employed as a pharmacy technician at Ridgeway Mail Order Pharmacy in Victor.

Kelly is a 2003 graduate of Twin Bridges High School and a 2009 graduate of Montana State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology and a minor in Business Administration. Kelly is employed as a machinist at Autopilot, Inc. in Bozeman.

Amanda and Kelly are planning an August wedding in Stevensville and a September reception in Twin Bridges.

Wedding

Mark and Georgiann Wright

Mark and Georgiann Wright were married on Saturday, January 22, 2011. The ceremony took place at Kuna Life Church Assembly of God, their home church in Kuna, Idaho.

The wedding party included Mark and Georgiann’s five beautiful children: Tierney Gillihan as Maid of Honor, Keaton Gillihan as Best Man (and Giver of the Bride), Delaney Gillihan as Bridesmaid, Eli Wright as Ringbearer, and Emmy Wright as Flower Girl.

Mark’s family includes parents Charles and Colleen Wright of Stevensville, and siblings Sheila Wright of Missoula, Terry Wright of McKinney, TX, and Leo Wright of Fremont, CA. Mark graduated from Stevensville High School in 1992. He also served in the U.S. Navy from 1992-1998. He currently works for IBI LLC in Caldwell, Idaho.

Georgiann’s family includes parents Ron and Martha Phillips and sister Crystal Olson, all from Kuna, ID. Georgiann graduated from Kuna High School in 1988, and from ITT Technical Institute in Boise, ID in 1989. She currently owns a daycare and homeschools her children.

Mark and Georgiann spent their honeymoon in Hawaii, and now reside in their new home in Kuna, Idaho.

Obituaries

Death Notices

Reta M. Blancher

Missoula – Reta M. Blancher, 87, passed away in the evening, Friday, February 18, 2011, at her home surrounded by her family. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com

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