The new Comprehensive Cancer Center of Andalusia could open as early as August, said Andalusia Regional Hospital C.E.O. Mark Dooley.
Dooley, who spoke to members of the Andalusia Lions Club earlier this week, said construction has “gone well” on the new center, which is being constructed through a partnership with 21st Century Oncology. That company operates a similar facility in Opp.
“From what I understand, Aug. 1 is the target occupancy date,” Dooley said. “I’ve been inside, and I can tell you, it’s a first-class facility.”
Dooley said the center was the ultimate goal of a three-year process that will allow residents to receive cancer treatment in Andalusia. The new center itself will house a linear accelerator to provide radiation therapy and the Sacred Heart Medical Oncology Group from Pensacola will come to Andalusia to provide chemotherapy and other infusion services, he said.
“The construction that you see going on right now is the medical oncology space, which is the part that is going to be leased to Sacred Heart,” Dooley said. “They’re waiting on a few pieces of equipment, so things should be up and running soon.”
Upon completion, the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Andalusia will occupy more than 10,000 square feet with the potential to expand by more than 2,000 square feet with the addition of a second linear accelerator as the patient base grows, he said.
Dooley estimated that the project will represent a $5 million investment in the community.
The hospital also is negotiating with vendors to provide PET scanning here, he said. PET scanning is an imaging technology that is used to detect cancer, determine whether cancer has spread, and assess the effectiveness of cancer treatment.
He said he hopes to be able to announce more about that service in the near future.
Firefighters – including a crew from Covington County– continue to watch five wildfires that began Thursday afternoon between Atmore and Flomaton, and now, Alabama Forestry Commission officials are warning locals the conditions are favorable for more fires.
“It’s extremely hot – there are high temperatures and low humidity – add to that the drought conditions in the area, and you have the right recipe for a fire,” said Mike Kyser of the state forestry commission Friday. “It could be that you start out with a small fire, but the conditions are right for that fire to quickly get out of hand and become a wildfire.”
Which is exactly what happened in Escambia County, he said.
Escambia County EMA Director David Adams said evidence indicates that a blown tire on a work truck created four small fires that led to devastation cof an estimated 1,500 acres. Although timber was lost, no other property damage was reported.
Adams said 20 fire departments responded to the fire that engulfed an area that took more than eight hours to bring under control.
“Totals show that in the last seven days, there have been 14 acres burned in one fire in Covington County,” Kyser said. “In Escambia County, less that one acre was burned in that same time. Now, it’s 1,200 plus acres, and four fires all going at the same time. That should show just how fast things can get out of control, especially with the dry conditions the way they are.”
Kyser said if burning is “absolutely necessary” check with local and state officials before beginning.
“If you must burn debris, and it’s anything larger than a quarter of an acre, you have to get a burn permit,” he said. “If you are burning less than 25 feet from a forested area, you have to have a permit. Be sure to check with the forestry commission, as well as your local municipality to make sure there are no restrictions in place.
“But as far as burning and the weather conditions – if you can avoid burning, do it until sufficient rain fall occurs.”
Some 230 turned out Thursday for the kickoff to the Andalusia Public Library’s summer reading series, said children’s librarian Caryl Lee Jackson. Things got off to great start with Melanie Rochat of the McWane Science Center, who enthralled children with a “science around the world” presentation. Rochat explained how fireworks are made, how air and sound waves travel and other interesting facts. The programs will be held every Thursday in the June at 3 p.m. Next week’s presentation is by the AKC Kennel Club of Dothan, Jackson said.
Today, the APL will hold storytime at 10:30 a.m. where children are treated to a snack, movie and craft. Above: A balloon release was held to official kickoff the start of the APL’s summer reading series. See Page 6 for more photos.
Parents in the Andalusia City School system will pay more for school lunches next school year.
Child Nutrition Director Stephanie Dillard said the increase is necessary due to increase in costs due to federal legislation for more healthy school lunches supported by First Lady Michelle Obama.
“The lunch price increase is federally mandated due to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, signed into law by President Obama,” she said.
Congress passed the Healthy, Hunger Free Act of 2010 in December to improve school nutrition in the National School Lunch Program.
The bill adds 6 cents to the federal reimbursement for schools that meet forthcoming updated nutrition standards for breakfast and lunch.
It also ensures that water is available free of charge during the meal service and that only lower-fat milk options are served.
Beginning Aug. 8, prices will increase from $1.75 to $2 for students. Adult lunch price will be $2.50; and a visitor lunch will be $3. Neither the adult lunch price nor the visitor lunch price includes tea, which is a quarter.
Student breakfast remains the same at 75 cents; adult breakfast is $1.25; and visitor breakfast is $1.50.
Dillard said lunch prices have not increased since 2008, and that the government reimbursement is approximately $2.62 per meal for children who receives free lunches and the government want those who pay for lunches to be charged that amount.
Opp City Schools and Covington County Schools both have implemented increases as well.
Those in the Andalusia City School System wishing to sponsor a fundraiser must obtain approval from the city school board.
This is not a new rule, but school officials want to remind heads of departments, athletic clubs and the likes, that this is board policy.
Sponsors for fundraisers should submit the request to the respective school’s principal, who will in turn present it to the board.
ACS Superintendent Ted Watson said the reason for the policy is to protect local residents.
“A few years ago, we had businesses solicit money from people, and no money went to the schools,” he said.
In a special-called board meeting Tuesday night, board members approved the Andalusia High School Quarterback Club’s Hall of Fame banquet on Aug. 12. The group hopes to raise between $2,000 and $5,000.
Watson said the policy is to help ensure that the board can try to keep track of the events.
Board president Bill King agreed.
“This lets the community know what is legit,” he said. “We don’t want to bombard the community with too much stuff.”
Watson said the policy isn’t about “flexing our muscles,” it’s about the clubs and community knowing what’s being sold and when.
“It’s to help avoid duplicated efforts,” he said,
Watson said residents who wish to see a list of approved fundraisers can visit the school system’s website at andalusiacityschools.net.