Caledonia Argus

County fills public health vacancy

Posted: 1/20/04

By Shannon McKinney
Argus News Reporter

Houston County will hire a new public health nurse, Sheila Jones, who will begin January 26.

The board approved hiring Jones at its Tuesday, Jan. 13 meeting. The new hire comes after three to four months of being unable to fill the vacancy because of the nursing shortage. The board took steps to make the position more attractive by increasing the wage.

The health department has seen much change in recent months with budget cuts and the resignation of five employees. Public Health Director Linda Grupa said they responded to the vacancies and the budget cuts by restructuring the department.

ìThe good thing is by people leaving I didnít have to sever anyone. After re-evaluating, we decided we needed one more public health nurse. The staff was working overtime and doing a fabulous job, but we donít want employees burning out,î said Grupa.

Students to work at courthouse

The board approved allowing the county to hire a student to work at the courthouse throughout Caledonia High Schoolís work experience program.

The student would need to be paid a training wage of $4.25 per hour or the employer can opt to pay more. After 90 days, students must be paid the minimum wage of $5.15 per hour.

Jon Lilliquist from the high school business office will coordinate the program. Four department heads expressed an interest in utilizing a student. The student would work 80 to 90 minutes a day, five days a week when school is in session.

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