Hurram Sultan, who was born as Aleksandra Lisowska in Poland. Public domain

Married to Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, a 16th-century ruler of the Ottoman Empire, Hurram Sultan, also known as Roxelana, was one of the most powerful women in the world. But before she rose to prominence from the sultans harem she was born as Aleksandra Lisowska in Poland, far from Ottoman lands.

Lisowska was born in 1505 in the town of Rohatyn, near Lviv, then a part of the Polish Kingdom. Her father was most probably a Ruthenian Orthodox priest. Little Aleksandra was captured during a Tatar ride and sold to the Ottoman Empire.

The husband: Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.Public domain

Known for her beauty, the Slavic girl received a new name, Hurrem, the cheerful one, converted to Islam, and entered the imperial harem as a slave before the year 1520 and Suleimans ascension to the throne.

The smart, charming, and alluring woman quickly rose through the ranks she gained her freedom and in 1531 officially married the sultan. A rulers marriage to a former slave was something unheard of at the time, and Lisowska went on to have six of his children, including his successor Selim II.

Hurrem converted to Islam, and entered the imperial harem as a slave before the year 1520 and Suleimans ascension to the throne.Public domain

She also used her love to exert influence over matters of state. As the sultans advisor and confidante, she was the first to receive the title Haseki Sultan the chief consort. Hurrem also managed to ensure that it was her son, and not one from the other wives or concubines, who inherited the throne.

Another break from tradition was allowing Hurrem to stay at court with her husband for the rest of her life. Previous wives of the sultans would be sent away with imperial heirs to some remote locations unless they were chosen to succeed the throne.

The Haseki Hurrem Sultan Hamam bathhouse, built at her request.Public domain

The powerful Hurrem Sultan took an active role in internal politics and international relations, not just connected to the fate of her children. Often described as manipulative and power-hungry (she was accused of bewitching Suleiman), Hurrem was also involved in several charity initiatives.

Hurrem was also responsible for the construction of a mosque, two Koranic schools, and the Haseki Sultan Complex.Public domain

Among Hurrems legacy is the still functional bathhouse Haseki Hurrem Sultan Hamam. Constructed by Mimar Sinan at her request on the site of the ancient public baths Zeuxippus, it served worshippers in their traditional ablutions. It is worth noting, that a religious structure commissioned by a woman was a rarity.

Hurrem didnt stop there, she was also responsible for the construction of a mosque, two Koranic schools, and the Haseki Sultan Complex, which contained a temple, a school, a soup kitchen for the poor and a hospital.

Actress Meryem Uzerli playing Hurrem Sultan with Halit Ergen playing Suleiman in The Magnificent Century.Meryem Uzerli-Xourem Soultan/Facebook

Another object proving her importance is a letter dating back to 1549. Roxelana wrote to Polish King Sigismund II Augustus, in which she offers her condolences to Sigismund on the death of his father Sigismund I the Old.

Roxelana did not live to see her greatest ambition, the ascension of her son to the throne, become reality. She died on April 15th, 1558 eight years before her husbands death, and her son Selim becoming the ruler of the Ottoman Empire. She was buried in a mausoleum in the courtyard of the Sleymaniye Mosque.

Her last resting place.Bernard Gagnon/Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported, 2.5 Generic, 2.0 Generic and 1.0 Generic license

But her legacy and her fame live on. She became known to a worldwide audience via the popular by the Turkish TV series The Magnificent Century, which was seen by over 200 million viewers in 56 countries.

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The Polish woman in the Ottoman court: the amazing story of the Pole who married the sultan - The First News

Halene O'Connell, the 16-year-old Milton girl with COVID-19 who was clinging to life on a ventilatorjust eight daysago, has been moved out of the Intensive Care Unit and her family is "cautiously optimistic" she could soon fully recover.

Halenewas moved from the ICU to a regular hospital bed Wednesday evening after her condition improved steadily over the past week, according to her aunt, Carmen Barlianto. She had been in the ICU for a total of 18 days and on a ventilator and in a coma for 12 of those days.

RELATED: Northwest Florida teen fighting for her life against COVID-19; family begs people to wear masks

Yesterday they moved her out of the ICU, which is a huge step, Barlianto told the Pensacola News Journal in a phone interview Thursday. They did a little parade, and it was very emotional for her and my sister (Halenes mother, Carrie OConnell).

GOFUNDME FOR HALENE >>>>

Halene's medical team at The Studer Family Children's Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola got a pair of red boxing gloves for Halene as a symbol of being a "COVID-19 fighter," and all of her nurses and doctors signed the gloves. She wore them as she was wheeled from her ICU bed to a regular hospital bed.

RELATED: This is a miracle: 16-year-old Florida teen hospitalized with COVID-19 gets off ventilator

She cried a lot moving to the other floor, because shes just beginning to realize all the help that its taken and the dedication from the medical staff for her fight, Barlianto said. It was a very emotional day yesterday for the whole staff, they were all crying.

Halene first began experiencing a fever and nausea on June 22, but doctors initially sent her home without testing her for coronavirus, thinking it was just a bug. However, by June 28, she couldn't even breathe while walking to the bathroom and was rushed to the children's hospital in Pensacola.

Halene's condition was "up and down" every day, according to her aunt. However, she was finally removed from her ventilator July 9and has slowly been coming out of her coma ever since. Barlianto said the teenager has startedto do things like sit up and stand for a few minutes at a timeand can walk about 10 steps before becoming too tired and weak.

She still can't text or use her cellphone, which is "hard for a 16-year-old girl," Barlianto joked.

Mentally, she's also beginning to realize what happened to her, and how close she came to not surviving.

Shes awake and coherent, but she sleeps a lot because she gets tired so quickly, Barlianto said. Shes focused on her physical therapy. Its a process. They just shared with her that she was on such a high setting on the ventilator that they were really concerned she wasnt going to make it, even with her being so young.

Doctors are also continuing to evaluate what the long-term effects of the coronavirus will be on Halene, which could take some time. For now, Halene and her mom, Carrie, who has been quarantined in the hospital with her daughter since day one, are taking things day by day and hoping toreturn home soon.

Halene's father, Robert, and sister, Hailey, haven't seen the teensince she was admitted to the hospital due to visitation restrictions.

Barlianto said the O'Connell family is floored by the outpouring of supportfrom the community and hopes Halene's story can reach all corners of the earth so people can realize what happened to her can happen to them, too. They are still reiterating their pleas for people to wear masks, social distance and wash their hands frequency.

Her story has traveled the world, and we love it. It helps us get through this, Barlianto said. Also, wear your mask. This isnt political. A lot of people maybe have gotten COVID and their symptoms arent as severe, but why even risk it because you just dont know until it hits you, and then its too late. Mask up, its not a big deal.

Annie Blanks can be reached at ablanks@pnj.com or 850-435-8632.

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Milton teen hospitalized with COVID-19 is now walking, talking and out of ICU - Crestview News Bulletin

As coronavirus cases are surging across the country, a group of health care workers from the Milwaukee area are helping out in a state that's been especially hard hit.Texas has at least 282,000 confirmed cases across the state, but one hospital in Austin is getting some help from Ascension health care workers.WISN 12 News was there when the four nurses and two respiratory therapists left from Mitchell International Airport last week.They're in Austin treating coronavirus patients.Lisa Knigge is one of the respiratory therapists who made the trip.She told WISN 12 News they're seeing a lot of patients who are critically ill and need ventilators to help them breathe.What do you hope to take from this experience and bring back to Wisconsin when you return? WISN 12 News Sheldon Dutes asked. I think anytime you care for people that are critically ill, it takes a lot out of you, but I think that really is empowering in a way because it is so humbling; it does remind you that life is short and anyone could get sick at any time. I think when I go home Im going to be very grateful to go home and see my family and my friends, Knigge said. Knigge and the other Ascension health care workers are scheduled to return home this weekend.Another group of nurses from the Milwaukee area will leave for Florida, another hot spot, on Sunday.

As coronavirus cases are surging across the country, a group of health care workers from the Milwaukee area are helping out in a state that's been especially hard hit.

Texas has at least 282,000 confirmed cases across the state, but one hospital in Austin is getting some help from Ascension health care workers.

WISN 12 News was there when the four nurses and two respiratory therapists left from Mitchell International Airport last week.

They're in Austin treating coronavirus patients.

Lisa Knigge is one of the respiratory therapists who made the trip.

She told WISN 12 News they're seeing a lot of patients who are critically ill and need ventilators to help them breathe.

What do you hope to take from this experience and bring back to Wisconsin when you return? WISN 12 News Sheldon Dutes asked.

I think anytime you care for people that are critically ill, it takes a lot out of you, but I think that really is empowering in a way because it is so humbling; it does remind you that life is short and anyone could get sick at any time. I think when I go home Im going to be very grateful to go home and see my family and my friends, Knigge said.

Knigge and the other Ascension health care workers are scheduled to return home this weekend.

Another group of nurses from the Milwaukee area will leave for Florida, another hot spot, on Sunday.

Originally posted here:

Group of Wisconsin health care workers in Texas to assist in coronavirus 'hot zone' - WISN Milwaukee

A Wisconsin radiology practice is suing hospital giant Ascension after the company switched to an out-of-state imaging services provider earlier this year.

Milwaukee Radiologists Ltd. recently filed its claim against the Catholic health system in the local circuit court. Leaders are seeking a binding judgment against Ascension Wisconsin and its predecessor Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, the Milwaukee Business Journal reported Monday.

The Greenfield-based provideraround since 1969, employing 19 physiciansclaims that a new joint-venture agreement signed by Ascension earlier this year violates its contract with Milwaukee Radiologists. Rather than immediately switching to a new deal with Premier Radiology in Nashville, the local practice alleges Ascension was supposed to execute a staggered, multi-year phase-out of their relationship through 2026.

It was back in February that Ascension first announced its new imaging partnership with Premier. At the time, the two said they had already opened a freestanding imaging center in the town of Mount Pleasant, and more were in the works in Milwaukee, Glendale, Franklin,Wauwatosa and Brown Deer.

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Wisconsin radiology practice sues Ascension after hospital giant switches to out-of-state imaging partner - Radiology Business

Big Kon and Vik, formerly known as The Ascension, recently spoke withWrestleZone Managing Editor Bill Pritchard and discussed various topics. The duo reflected on their WWE careers, and two highlights include their reflection on Cosmic Wasteland:

Vik: I know I was excited when we were doing that, you know, because wed already been working with Cody and Dustin quite a bit, and we enjoyed working with them. Codys quite the character and Stardust, it was something else. I know, for us, it seemed like it all fit together really well. We were working with Neville and the Luchas, and doing that, we loved that stuff. I know, personally, I did, but everything in WWE is a struggle.

Big Kon: It looked like a comic book with the six of us, and it made it exciting, it looked good, it was different characters. Cody, you know, with the Cosmic Wasteland, it looked really good visually. We worked on the entrance, and you know, Neville with them looked incredible, too, so and, of course, we can all six go, so it was a payoff. I just wished they would have capitalized on it maybe a just a little bit more.

On why WWE dropped Cosmic Wasteland before they fully capitalized on it:

Vik: I dont even know if we have the answers to that one, in that situation. I know we got left feeling kinda confused at the end of it, so I dont know. If that was, I think that was at the time, too, that kind of, if Im not mistaken, pushed Cody to leave and do what hes doing now.

Big Kon: There was a lot of money left on the table, for sure, with that one. There was money left on the table.

Vik: I mean, its just like odd how, there are so many things, like WWE you just have to fight, fight, fight, fight and sometimes I just, I dont know what the right term is, like it just, stuff gets lost.

Big Kon: Or you just, like, kick a dead horse.

Vik: Its not like were the ones kicking a dead horse, but it is, you know what I mean? And its not by performance, I would say.

The full interview is available below:

RELATED:The Ascension Reveals Their New Name, Talk About How COVID-19 Delayed Their TV Return Plans

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The Ascension On Cosmic Wasteland, Leaving Money On The Table - Wrestlezone

Those having business at the Lawrence County Judicial Center in Mt. Vernon are now required to wear masks upon entering the facility. Victim impact statements and restitution can be returned by e-mail to cvestal@lawcopa, or by regular mail to: P.O. Box 69, Mt. Vernon, MO 65712. For more information, call 417-466-2846.

The Barry County Democrats will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 10, at the Golden Community Center, 28686 State Hwy. J, in Golden. Members encourage local residents to vote on Tuesday, Aug. 4. For more information, call Maella Blalock at 231-343-2727.

Lawrence and Barry County Democrats will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 23, at Angus Branch Steakhouse in Monett. Those wishing to dine should arrive by 5:45 p.m. Discussion will include fall activities and the Tuesday, Aug. 4 state primary election. Social distancing and the use of masks is encouraged. For more information, call Jim or Pat Kabell at 417-452-3287.

First Baptist Church of Monett, located at 2581 Highway 37, is collecting items for the Operation Christmas Child shoebox ministry. Soap, washcloths and other small items are encouraged. Toothpaste, candy and war-themed toys will not be allowed. For more information, call 417-235-7466.

Lawrence County Gospel Sing will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 26, at Buck Prairie Baptist Church in Marionville. Alan Littrell will emcee the event. All singers and musicians are welcome.

The last night of the 131st Barry County Camp Meeting will be held at 7 p.m. tonight, Saturday, July 18. The event will feature Ascension Quartet in concert. The venue is located next to the Log Church, located four miles west of Butterfield on Highway U, then one-half mile south on Farm Road 1115. For more information, call 417-847-2953.

The Monett Senior Center is seeking a volunteer to deliver the Tuesday meal route each week. The deliveries typically take an hour or less to complete. For more information, call Mavis Schlessman, regional lead, at 417-235-3285 or 417-678-5383.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Verona, will be hosting Vacation Bible School July 20 through July 24. For more information or to enroll, call 417-498-6054.

The Pleasant Ridge Special Road District will hold its monthly meeting in the basement of the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church at 6 p.m. on July 20, and is open to the residents of the road district.

The Monett Area Farmers Market, sponsored by Tyson Foods, has implemented a masking policy. Service providers and servers are required to wear masks when social distancing is impossible. Customers are encouraged to wear masks as well.

Members are encouraged to attend Ozark Electric Cooperatives 84th annual meeting at Mt. Vernon High School on Friday, July 31. Members are encouraged to attend to discuss co-op business, enjoy food and receive giveaways. Registration opens at 10:30 am. Free steak sandwiches or hot dogs will be available. There will be live music by The Marks Family. Drive-thru registration will be available for those who wish to remain in their vehicles and not participate in the full meeting. While these members will still receive a $10 credit on their electric bill and a registration gift, meals will not be available in the drive-thru line. There will be parking lot shuttles along with well water testing and Mercy health checks. Participants must have a mask for the health checks.

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Local News: News in brief (7/18/20) - Monett Times

Halene O'Connell, the 16-year-old Milton girl with COVID-19 who was clinging to life on a ventilatorjust eight daysago, has been moved out of the Intensive Care Unit and her family is "cautiously optimistic" she could soon fully recover.

Halenewas moved from the ICU to a regular hospital bed Wednesday evening after her condition improved steadily over the past week, according to her aunt, Carmen Barlianto. She had been in the ICU for a total of 18 days and on a ventilator and in a coma for 12 of those days.

RELATED: Northwest Florida teen fighting for her life against COVID-19; family begs people to wear masks

Yesterday they moved her out of the ICU, which is a huge step, Barlianto told the Pensacola News Journal in a phone interview Thursday. They did a little parade, and it was very emotional for her and my sister (Halenes mother, Carrie OConnell).

GOFUNDME FOR HALENE >>>>

Halene's medical team at The Studer Family Children's Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola got a pair of red boxing gloves for Halene as a symbol of being a "COVID-19 fighter," and all of her nurses and doctors signed the gloves. She wore them as she was wheeled from her ICU bed to a regular hospital bed.

RELATED: This is a miracle: 16-year-old Florida teen hospitalized with COVID-19 gets off ventilator

She cried a lot moving to the other floor, because shes just beginning to realize all the help that its taken and the dedication from the medical staff for her fight, Barlianto said. It was a very emotional day yesterday for the whole staff, they were all crying.

Halene first began experiencing a fever and nausea on June 22, but doctors initially sent her home without testing her for coronavirus, thinking it was just a bug. However, by June 28, she couldn't even breathe while walking to the bathroom and was rushed to the children's hospital in Pensacola.

Halene's condition was "up and down" every day, according to her aunt. However, she was finally removed from her ventilator July 9and has slowly been coming out of her coma ever since. Barlianto said the teenager has startedto do things like sit up and stand for a few minutes at a timeand can walk about 10 steps before becoming too tired and weak.

She still can't text or use her cellphone, which is "hard for a 16-year-old girl," Barlianto joked.

Mentally, she's also beginning to realize what happened to her, and how close she came to not surviving.

Shes awake and coherent, but she sleeps a lot because she gets tired so quickly, Barlianto said. Shes focused on her physical therapy. Its a process. They just shared with her that she was on such a high setting on the ventilator that they were really concerned she wasnt going to make it, even with her being so young.

Doctors are also continuing to evaluate what the long-term effects of the coronavirus will be on Halene, which could take some time. For now, Halene and her mom, Carrie, who has been quarantined in the hospital with her daughter since day one, are taking things day by day and hoping toreturn home soon.

Halene's father, Robert, and sister, Hailey, haven't seen the teensince she was admitted to the hospital due to visitation restrictions.

Barlianto said the O'Connell family is floored by the outpouring of supportfrom the community and hopes Halene's story can reach all corners of the earth so people can realize what happened to her can happen to them, too. They are still reiterating their pleas for people to wear masks, social distance and wash their hands frequency.

Her story has traveled the world, and we love it. It helps us get through this, Barlianto said. Also, wear your mask. This isnt political. A lot of people maybe have gotten COVID and their symptoms arent as severe, but why even risk it because you just dont know until it hits you, and then its too late. Mask up, its not a big deal.

Annie Blanks can be reached at ablanks@pnj.com or 850-435-8632.

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Milton teen hospitalized with COVID-19 is now walking, talking and out of ICU - Destin Log

WINCHESTER A new exhibit at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley salutes the strength of breast cancer patients.

The Bodice Project features nearly two dozen plaster torsos creatively transformed by artists from West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. In addition to several painted plaster casts, other sculptures are made of wood, yarn, clay and metal.

Each sculpture is accompanied by a statement from the artist about the person who inspired them.

The Bodice Project all began due to the friendship between Cynthia Fraula-Hahn and Lou Ann Thompson, who have been friends since their girlhood in Frederick County.

Fraula-Hahn, an artist, started the Bodice Project in 2014 after she found out Thompson needed treatment for breast cancer. She created and painted a torso as a way to honor her friend as well as to channel her anxiety for her. Ascension is painted with an allegory of birds and feathers to represent the healing process.

Im a painter. I didnt know what I was doing, said Fraula-Hahn, who now lives in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. But I kind of never do anything in a small way.

Other artists found out about Fraula-Hahns new passion project and wanted to participate.

The sculptures have been displayed in art galleries, at special events including the 2018 National Conference of the American Association for Cancer Research in Chicago and at universities.

After the exhibit closes in November at the MSV, The Bodice Project will go to The Huntington Museum of Art in West Virginia and the Visions Art Museum in San Diego, California.

This show could go anywhere, and Im totally proud of it, said Fraula-Hahn, who made several of the pieces in the show.

Every breast cancer patient has a different story to tell, Fraula-Hahn said.

Artist Christian Benefiel created Network out of wooden lattice to honor his mother, a breast cancer survivor. Fraula-Hahns Big Heart plaster sculpture of a male torso with a mastectomy depicts a physicians assistant who cares for hospice patients and has helped other male breast cancer survivors. Hidden Prayer by Anne Rule-Thompson is an earthenware clay shell that contains an illuminated prayer in honor of a dear friend who is a yoga instructor.

If Fraula-Hahn created that first torso for Thompson as a way to cope with her worries, her latest is simply an expression of her love.

When Fraula-Hahns husband died in 2008, Thompson delivered a moving eulogy incorporating the imagery of a golden thread connecting friends and family.

The torso Fraula-Hahn created just this year and called The Golden Thread is adorned with apple blossoms connected with a golden thread to represent Thompson, who was a volunteer for the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival for more than 35 years. She served as president of the festival in 2014, the very year she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent treatment.

Im really proud of it, so proud of it. Lou Ann was the catalyst and the inspiration, said Fraula-Hahn, giving her friend a hug. And now Im going to need to get a tissue.

For you to remember that golden thread, caught me off guard, said Thompson, who had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis before she found out she had breast cancer.

The Bodice Project has drawn the attention of local health-care professionals.

Dr. Laura Dabinette, a gynecologist with the Womens Center of Winchester, had know Fraula-Hahn for years and always admired her work. When she first saw The Bodice Project she knew she wanted to help with fund-raising to make sure it could be seen by as many people as possible.

I thought how wonderful it is was to exalt a body that is not perfect, Dabinette said. I believe firmly in the power of art to heal.

Dabinette said 10 percent of her patients have cancer. Through early detection, new treatment options and DNA testing to determine high-risk individuals, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer patients has improved from 60% to 90%, she said, giving her the opportunity to offer hope to her patients.

I am passionate about all my patients, but my patients who have survived breast cancer are nearest and dearest to my heart, Dabinette said.

The MSV is located at 901 Amherst St.

The Bodice Project will be on display until Nov. 1.

Admission to The Bodice Project which includes admission to the special outdoor exhibition David Rogers Big Bugs is $15, $10 to youth (age 1318) and to seniors (60+), $5 to ages 512, free to ages 4 & under, and free to MSV members. MSV gallery admission is always free to ages 12 & under and free to all on Wednesdays; however, these free admission offers do not include Big Bugs.

Along with Dabinett, the MSV display of The Bodice Project was made possible thanks to the sponsorship of Myriad Genetics; Winchester Obstetrics and Gynecology, PLC; Drs. Anita Minghini and Paul Lambert; Shenandoah Oncology, P.C.; Valley Health System; and Tracy Fitzsimmons and J. Knox Singleton.

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The Bodice Project: Artists salute spirit of breast cancer patients - The Winchester Star

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System and Ascension St. Vincents have entered into a strategic alliance that will increase access to high-quality, innovative medical care through multiple outlets and health programs.

In January, the health systems announced their intention to form a strategic alliance and began a period of due diligence. The formal alliance began July 1.

Having received necessary approvals, including that of the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees and the Ascension Board of Directors, the new strategic alliance will enable the two entities, which have a long history of collaboration, to further enhance patient care and address Alabamas most challenging health threats. The strength of the collaboration between the two health systems has been on display throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, says Jason Alexander, CEO of Ascension St. Vincents and senior vice president of Ascension.

Our ability to coordinate our efforts in response to COVID-19 benefited each organization and the patients and communities we serve, Alexander said. Ascension St. Vincents was able to leverage our network to obtain personal protective equipment that was urgently needed by both systems but in short supply, and UAB has accepted the majority of the volume of COVID-positive patients. This alliance will now allow us to be able to collaborate even more.

UAB Health System CEO Will Ferniany says, now that the alliance is formalized, he looks forward to working with Alexander and the Alliance Board to ensure the alliance is a win-win for patients, the community and both organizations.

We have a great opportunity to improve health care delivery in Alabama for our patients and communities, and doing so will make each organization stronger, Ferniany said. Our physicians, staff and leadership are now better positioned to deliver on our community service-focused missions.

Ferniany and Alexander serve as the administrative leaders of the alliance Ferniany as CEO/president and Alexander as executive vice president with coordinated governance and administrative responsibilities.Both say that efficiencies created by the alliance will also strengthen each organization both clinically and financially.Though the two entities will share resources to better serve the community, they will maintain separate, yet aligned, operational structures.For example, the medical staffs will remain independent at each system. Medical staff privileges to work within each system would be obtained separately.The historic missions of the organizations will be preserved.Ascension St. Vincents remains a ministryof the Catholic Church, and UABHS remains an academic medical center with public, charitable and research functions.

The alliance will utilize innovative strategies to address health disparities, mental and behavioral health, and diabetes, with an emphasis on expanded access for poor, vulnerable and rural populations.

UABHS and Ascension St. Vincents leaders say the new alliance enhances their longstanding relationship and affirms each organizations ability to help patients receive the right care in the right setting at the right time.

As health care continues to evolve, it is important for health systems to work with each other to provide innovative, person-centered care, Ferniany said. It has always been our shared commitment with Ascension St. Vincents to remain on the forefront of this vital health care transformation.

UABHS facilities will retain the UABHS or UAB Medicine brands. Ascension St. Vincents facilities will continue to be branded as Ascension St. Vincents.

Original post:

UAB and Ascension St. Vincent's plan health care alliance - Newsaegis

There is a certain tragedy within Siobhan Shiv Roy, only daughter in the Logan Roy (Brian Cox) family empire. Arguably the smartest, savviest, most liberal member of the brood, Shiv still cant manage to avoid the emotional pitfalls that ensnare brothers Kendall (Jeremy Strong), Roman (Kieran Culkin), and Connor (Alan Ruck), no matter how much clear-eyed strategy she employs.

She is forever Wile E. Coyote to the Road Runner of her fathers affection, smart enough to devise foolproof plans to catch her prey, only to end up running head-first off of a cliff, time and time again.

In the stellar second season of HBOs Succession, Sarah Snook, the Australian actress who brings Shiv to life, found new layers to the character. Snook finds the nuance in a woman who is self-assured enough to know exactly what she wants, but still damaged enough to allow her plans to be completely derailed by the empty promises of her manipulative father. By the end of the season, Shiv is left in a place of uncertainty and not even Snook can say what her next move might be.

Shes pretty smart, Snook said of her character in a recent interview with IndieWire. Shes not going to take any shit, but shes also stuck between a rock and a hard place now, where Kendall goes out against [Logan], and she cant now align herself with Kendall because shes then second to him. She has to align herself with her dad in order to not be second, for the long-term.

And while Shiv is now soundly embroiled in her familys drama after spending so much of her life trying to hold herself above the fray thats not the only one of her relationships experiencing turbulence, as the Season 2 finale shows things might finally be boiling over with her newlywed husband Tom Wambsgans (Matthew Macfadyen). Luckily, those tensions are a far cry from what the actress experiences in real life with her fake husband.

Matthew is like one of my favorite, favorite humans, Snook said. Hes such a lovely, lovely man. And hes just so good at his job. So generous, so kind, so gentlemanly, so upstanding. And Tom is so different from that in so many ways. Not everyones capable of playing that, which is kind the kind of actor he is. Its amazing.

Zach Dilgard/HBO

We do together have a lot of fun doing our scenes, and I find them easy because you get to watch and listen to him and then it kind of all happens. And then we have some of the most outrageous things to say, which is really fun to play.

According to Snook, its not just scenes with Macfadyen that are a joy. Succession is the type of series that thrives when featuring a large portion of the ensemble, in no small part because the way the show is filmed captures so many background reactions and expressions too often either neglected or overlooked in other shows. The camera operators are so adept at their jobs that Snook said theyre keenly monitoring the actors movements at all times, seeing small things unfolding as the main action takes place.

You might not think a persons in the scene. They might not be in the regular setup, but anything is up for grabs, which I love, Snook said. And as an actress, its such a gift because it means when were on the schedule for a day, we will work. You will be doing something. You will be active. You will be in the scene, create. Your imagination is allowed to run wild. And then it feels more like its teamwork. Thats my favorite part of filmmaking.

Peter Kramer/HBO

Its all slightly unreal for the actress who was certain she didnt have a prayer of being cast when the project originally entered her radar. I read it and was like, Oh, well, Ill watch this. I want to know what happens after that final scene of the pilot episode, but obviously Im not going to be in it, so whatever, Im not going to audition, Snook said.

But when I first heard about it, I had some doubts. I didnt know what character she was likely to become. She could just become the kind of handbag, pretty face, sort of trotting around as the female member of the family, she said. And because of that, she goes to the sidelines, which women really face in this world. In reality theres still inequality in gender and gender pay gap and getting into business at that level. Clearly we see that within the show. And that wasnt something I was really interested in, if that was the case.

To their credit, yes, theyre showing the reality of it. Its a lot of white men in business at that level, but they are also willing to elevate and make interesting characters on the sides as well, and then Shiv had a chance to kind of crowbar that open, she said.

In Season 2, both the show and Snook established Shiv as a real power player, both within her family and the family business, and in the meantime sparked a lot of internet conversation about another recent development: Shiv Roy, fashion plate.

Its kind of crazy, because thats so far from what I am as Sarah. Im not a fashion icon by any means, in any stretch of the imagination, Snook laughed. It was weird, it was sort of unbelievable. Im sort going along and seeing people dress in that kind of costume. I was like, What? And then I was like, Oh, come on you just threw that outfit together because you got invited to a Halloween party, like, 10 minutes ago. But also, it was just super fun and I tripped out, seeing people dressed up as Shiv!

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Succession: Sarah Snook on the Ascension of Shiv Roy - IndieWire

Following an extensive national search, longtime healthcare executive Ed Lovern, MHA, FACHE, has been selected to serve as Health System President and CEO of Ascension Saint Agnes in Baltimore, effective July 20. Ed is a transformational leader with more than 25 years of experience in executive roles with successful healthcare systems.

Ed currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, flagship hospital of Piedmont Healthcare, an 11-hospital integrated healthcare system with more than 20,000 employees and annual net revenues of $3.1 billion. Piedmont Atlanta is a 643-bed tertiary hospital in a competitive urban market with annual net revenues of $1 billion.

Prior to his time at Piedmont, Ed was the Washington, D.C., Bureau Chief for Modern Healthcare magazine. Earlier in his career, he served in several leadership positions at Ascension Borgess in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Ed earned a Master of Health Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, and a Bachelor of Arts in Business/Economics from Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, Virginia. He has served on the boards of several community and non-for-profit organizations, including as Board Chair for Odyssey Family Counseling Center in College Park, Georgia, and Board member for Jewish Home Life in Atlanta and Rotary Club of Buckhead in the Atlanta metro.

"I am especially grateful for the leadership of the interim president of Ascension Saint Agnes, Chris Chekouras, and want to recognize the achievements of our Baltimore ministry over the past year," said Craig Cordola, MBA, MHA, FACHE, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Ascension. "The efforts of our Ascension Saint Agnes caregivers in treating stroke patients again garnered national recognition in 2019 by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. The hospital is also playing an important role in plans by Baltimore County to accelerate its response to the opioid epidemic. In addition, Ascension Saint Agnes is working collaboratively with the city, community and local hospitals to address homelessness for vulnerable individuals and families. We wish Chris continued blessings as he leaves our ministry."

This search process was a collaboration among the Ascension Saint Agnes Board, the medical staff, and the leadership team who led this search process under the guidance of former Ascension Saint Agnes Board Chair Irene Knott, whose term ended June 30. "We are excited to have Ed join our ministry and know that his deep experience and commitment to our Mission, in partnership with Ascension Saint Agnes associates, caregivers and providers, will serve the community well as we provide care for those most in need," said John Wheeler, Board Chair, Ascension Saint Agnes.

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Ed Lovern to Lead Ascension Saint Agnes in Baltimore - Patch.com

Posted on July 14, 2020 at 2:14 pm by Carol Tannenhauser

St. John the Devine.

By Rene Roden

On July 14th, one of the Upper West Sides storied landmarks reopens its doors. The Cathedral of St. John the Divine announced that the Cathedral will reopen seven days a week, for individual prayer, reflection, and meditation.

Photo-snapping tourists are out of luck, but individuals seeking some solace in the historic Episcopalian sacred space will find the front doors open from 7:30 am to 1 pm each day.

There will be some conditions for admission to the Cathedral. In its press release, the Cathedral noted: Health screenings will be administered upon entrance, and masks and physical distancing will be mandatory. Visitors cell phone numbers and email addresses will be collected for contact tracing and communication purposes.

The Cathedral preemptively cancelled all large in-person services and events until the end of 2020. The Cathedral has made the difficult decision to cancel large in-person events and major services for the remainder of 2020 in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The Cathedral anticipates resuming in-person services of worship and large-scale events after January 15, 2021 if allowed by governmental guidelines.

The Cathedral is allowing some services in person, next week. Small funeral and memorial services are also anticipated to resume beginning July 21.

Given that religious services at the Young Israel Congregation in New Rochelle sparked an early March super spreader event, houses of worship are cautious to avoid becoming new occasions for COVID transmission.

The Cathedral is not alone in charting a new course through the uncertain waters of public safety. Several Catholic churches on the Upper West Side have opened for in-person masses, their naves newly decorated with taped-off pews mandating a six-foot distance, markers on the floor, and hand sanitizer dispensers replacing Holy Water fonts.

Just four blocks south of the Cathedral, Ascension Church has remained open throughout the pandemic. Pastor Rev. Daniel Kearney said that their church building was rarely ever empty over these past few months.

Inside Ascension Church.

Ascension opened for Sunday masses July 5th, reducing their number of masses from seven to four. Their distinctive Sunday night jazz mass has been canceled throughout the rest of the summer. Rev. Kearney said usually Ascension sees between 1,200 and 1,400 people over the course of seven masses on a weekend.

But this past weekend, only two hundred people total attended Ascensions four masses. Kearney said the Archdiocese of New York calculated the government-mandated 25% capacity for each of the diocese churchs and Ascensions is 125. Kearney said each mass totaled well below that, and hovered around Ascensions independently calculated safe-capacity of 78 to 80.

A recent court case in Albany raised the cap from 25% to 50% capacity, but a spokesperson for the New York Catholic Conference stated that they would adhere to the previously mandated cap of 25% capacity.

Parishioners attending mass have been diligent about the rules, keeping social distance and wearing masks, Kearney attested. Ive found people to be very responsible, and just happy that theyre able to be back, he added.

A committee of six parishioners advised Kearney through the reopening process. Every two weeks they will re-evaluate the policy to ensure parishioner safety.

Redeemer West Side Church on 83rd has also re-opened its space for in-person services. Like St. John the Divine, Redeemer is mandating a contactless health screening prior to entry. According to its website, Redeemer is limiting attendees to 100 per service to ensure safe physical distancing. Worshipers will be required to register for the service they want to attend to ensure this.

One particular rule Redeemer instituted sets it apart from other congregations: they have banned singing.

New York recommends 12-foot distancing to allow singing, reads its online notice, and therefore we cannot allow congregational singing at this time. Feel free to stand, hum along, sway, but if you are attending in-person services, you will not be able to sing out loud.

Rev. Andrew Field, Executive Pastor of Redeemer West Side stated that the weeks of careful planning paid off for a smooth reopening weekend. The team definitely leans toward the side of extra caution, he said, they received advice from expert health professionals throughout the process. Field said that fewer than one hundred people attended s in a large, nearly 900 seat space that has high-quality airflow. Even though the service was conducted in-person he said, that most of our congregation participated at the same time online through our livestream.

St. Paul and St. Andrew United Methodist Church.

Some churches are remaining fully online but paying forward their empty sanctuaries. St. Paul and St. Andrew United Methodist Church on West End Avenue is delaying gathering in person for now. Rev. Lea Matthews, Associate Pastor, commented in an email that the Church is being put to other purposes.

The church building is fully functioning as a food distribution center for the West Side Campaign Against Hunger (the entire basement level and first floor of the church is laden with food and prep for that) and Goddard Riversides meals on wheels program.

She said the Church community has remained busy as ever with online worship, small spiritual support groups, racial justice programming, political education classes, and meetings, all conducted virtually. Their in-person focus at the church building has been keeping that holy and hard work happening with ease and as little risk as is necessary. She stated: We are being cautious and conscientious and do not plan to be gathering as a large group for quite some time.

All the reopened churches are continuing to live-stream services. Rev. Kearney expected that Ascension would live-stream services for the foreseeable future.

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St. John the Divine and Other Local Churches Partially Reopen; One Bans Singing - westsiderag.com

Roy Lott July 10th, 2020 - 2:04 PM

Ascension of the Watchers will release their second full-length albumApocryphaon October 9 viaDissonance Productions.Apocryphas concept was visualized by frontmanBurton C. Bell, . The album had been in development for nearly a decade. With plans of touring, the band continues to grow as Bells main creative endeavor, well into the future. In 2018, the band decided to utilize the crowdfunding platform PledgeMusic to jumpstart the project. After a very successful campaign, raising 124% of their goal, PledgeMusic went into administration, but then declared bankruptcy and in turn, would never release any of the funds dedicated to Ascension of the Watchers.

Apocrypha follows their debutNuminosumreleased in 2008 and their most recentStormcrow, released last year. Also envisioned by Bell, it provided sonic textures, dark melodies and lyrical melancholy, remaining true to the concept of the fallen angels (The Watchers) fromThe Book Of Enoch.It was recorded at Northstone Studios, based in the countryside of South Wales, connected to the two-hundred-fifty year old Court Colman Manor, was built by Lewis own hands using the ancient stones of the monastery that once stood there.

Ascension of the Watchers formed in 2001 and consists ofBell,John Bechdel andEdu Mussi. Bell is also a former member of groove metal band Fear Factory.

Apocryphatrack listing:01.Ghost Heart02.The End Is Always The Beginning03.Apocrypha04.A Wolf Interlude05.Honore06.Stormcrow07.Cygnus Aeon08.Key To The Cosmos09.Bells Of Perdition10.Wanderers11.Sign Your Name

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Ascension of the Watchers Announce New Album Apocrypha For October 2020 Release - mxdwn.com

ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERSwill release their second full length albumApocryphaglobally on October 9. The recording will be available on cd, two limited vinyl formats and through all major digital outlets.

A creative, and innovative journey of pioneering vocalistBurton C. Bell. Their latest recordingApocryphais a vision untold.

Born of life, love and spirituality, Bells unmistakable, harmonious inventory once renowned in one of metals finest pioneering acts has brought life to a new concept, a genre of its own.

Ambient atmospheres, melodies and introspective lyrics that sheds light of Bells visions, as seen in their purest form. An intimate nature thatAscension of The Watchersenvisioned, to draw the minds, hearts and aspirations of a people to a higher level of thinking to a feeling with cohesive celebration and reflection in the beauty of existence.

In early 2002 Burton retreated to the quiet, simplicity of rural Pennsylvania for seven months with his friend and musical confidantJohn Bechdel, escaping the onslaught of Los Angeles, and industry alike. A mentor in music, philosophy and demeanour, Bechdel unwittingly guided Bell along the creative path of this new conceptual movement.

With Burtons unprecedented vocal sound and style, coupled with the brilliantly orchestrated musical compositions of both Bell and Bechdel (synonymous with pioneering tags to the industrial/metal genre) The pair began experimenting with textured melodies of melancholic tones, best attributed to the 80s and 90s underground scene.Ascension of the Watchersechoes the sounds of a prophetic hallucination, fears and dreams with remorse of things lost and forgotten; but with a hope of redemption and light in the future.

In 2004,Ascension of The Watchersindependently released Iconoclast,printed only on cd and vinyl to a limited number.

In 2008, with the help John Bechdel andPaul Raven(RIP), Burton broughtAscension of The Watchersto Ministry legend Al Jourgensens label,13th Planet. With the guidance and special collaborations with Jourgensen during the recording and mixing in El Paso, Texas, AoTW added the guitar talents of Eduardo Mussi. It also featured Paul Ravens last contribution as a bass player on the track Mars Becoming.

In 2008, Ascension of The Watcherss debut LP,Numinosum,was released through13th Planet. Upon release, AOTW performed special, intimate shows, including the album release performance at Alex Greys Chapel of Sacred Mirrors in NYC. They also had the honor of supportingKilling Jokefor their reunion tour in honor of their fallen friend, Paul Raven.

In 2017, the friendship between renowned UK solo artistJayce Lewisand Burton brought in the essential camaraderie, talents and studio that perfectly suited the recording ofApocrypha.

Northstone Studios, based in the countryside of South Wales, connected to the 250 year oldCourt Colman Manor, the studio built by Lewis own hands using the ancient stones of the monastery that once stood there, the rustic detail proved a perfect setting for AoTWs very ownJayce Lewisto record, produce and mix theApocryphaalbum. A recording process thatliterallystirred the souls that remain within the stone walls of LewisNorthstone Studios. During the vocal recordings of the title track, a recording was inadvertently captured from the aether; an eerie, unrecognizable and untranslatable, syllabic phrase whispered within the vocal booth. The event is now the intro to the title track,Apocrypha.

In truth, the making ofApocryphahas been a decade long journey of writing and recording, from California, Pennsylvania, New York and Wales. In 2018 the band decided to utilize the crowdfunding platform PledgeMusic to jumpstart the project. After a very successful campaign, raising 124% of their goal, PledgeMusic went into administration, eventually declaring bankruptcy! and in turn, would never release any of the funds dedicated toAscension of the Watchers. Nevertheless,Ascension of the Watcherspersevered to complete the album.

After ten years of writing and recording, along with reflection on the very personal nature of this project,Ascension of The Watcherswill renew its journey in 2020!With the culmination of the long awaited release Apocrypha.With plans of conceptualized touring, Ascension of the Watchers continues to grow as Bells main creative endeavor, well into the future.

Burton C. Bell Vocals & GuitarJohn Bechdel KeyboardsJayce Lewis Drums, Backing Vocals & Programming

From them I heard all things, and understood what I saw, that which will not take place in this generation, but in a generation which is to succeed at a distant period, on account of the elect.

All shall be afraid, and the Watchers be terrified. The Book of Enoch

Label:https://www.dissonanceproductions.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/DissonanceProductionsUK/Twitter:https://twitter.com/DissonanceProds

Vinyl version released via Back On Black Records (Black and Clear double LP)www.backonblack.com

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ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS sign with Dissonance Productions - XS ROCK

A long-awaited project to widen a vital state highway through Prairieville that has sustained a myriad of delays will face just one more, parish officials say, before it's finished after more than six years.

The $27.5 million expansion of La. 42 is projected to be finished by the end of 2020 after delays from the novel coronavirus outbreak pushed back the previous finish date, which had been planned at Thanksgiving time, Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment said.

"Barring any other work stoppages due to unforeseen circumstances or adverse weather, the contractor is on schedule for opening all lanes of travel in late December 2020," parish officials said in a statement.

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PRAIRIEVILLE Construction of a $27.5 million expansion of La. 42 in Ascension Parish started Monday and is expected to take more than two ye

When state highway and parish officials broke ground on the construction phase of the project in December 2017, the highway was then anticipated to be finished in the spring of 2020. The new delay is the latest in a series for a project that began in 2014.

The project has involved widening two-lane La. 42 to four lanes with a median across nearly 3.5 miles from Airline Highway to just past La. 44. The new wider highway has already largely taken shape, with J-turns for left turns and U-turns, a sidewalk and a bike trail. The new road, once finished, will have 11-foot-wide lanes.

Since the early 1990s, the area along La. 42 has grown into a suburban zone of a few retail shops and many new neighborhoods.

The highway project had been stymied for years from lack of funding and was handed off from administration to administration following a mid-1990s fatal crash that first prompted calls to widen the thoroughfare.

Once finished, the job will have missed its very first projected finish date by more than four years.

Preparatory work on the widening project has been underway since March 2014, when the state kicked off land clearing. At that time, state highway officials thought the entire widening project could be finished by the summer of 2016.

But work was tied up for three years in utility installations when parish government contractors were called in to lay down new sewer lines required for the road widening to proceed. The new wider La. 42 doesn't have open ditches along the highway, which had formerly received sewer discharges.

PRAIRIEVILLE Loretta Templet and Sherri LeBas hugged outside an Ascension Parish library along La. 42 shortly after LeBas, the Louisiana sec

Cointment noted the importance of La. 42 as an east-west corridor.

Parish officials said contractors are currently working on the median near a Rouse's grocery story and moving east and on curbing along the road's edge on other sections of the road.

Once enough curbing is installed, contractors will begin applying the nearly 15 inches deep of asphalt for the road surface.

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After more than 6 years, this big Prairieville road project might be done in 2020 - The Advocate

ASCENSION PARISH- A highway widening project that started in March of 2014 is nearing completion over six years later, according to Ascension Parish officials.

Parish President Clint Cointment requested a status update from LA DOTD on the long-awaited improvements to Highway 42. He says work on the roadway has gone on "for a long time."

"Highway 42 is a major east-west thoroughfare for us," Cointment said. Work has been going on for a long time, and planning has gone on even longer. I wanted to find out where things stood.

The state claims the project is expected to have all lanes of traffic open by the end of the year, according to a news release from Ascension Parish's government on Wednesday. Originally, this completion was projected by Thanksgiving of 2020, however, coronavirus-related shutdowns changed that outcome.

The contractor is on schedule for opening all lanes of travel in late December of 2020, barring any other delays due to unforeseen circumstances.

Once the project is complete, the highway will have curbs, sidewalks, and two travel lanes in both directions. In addition, all travel lanes should be 11 feet wide with a center median island.

As of now, crews are working on curbs near Rouses and progressing eastward. The outside curb work is near Manchac Acres, Muddy Creek to John Broussard Road, and LA 44. Once the curbing is installed, the paving operation will begin applying approximately 15 inches of asphalt, the parish says.

Ascension Parish officials say the lanes on LA 42 may appear narrower or the drainage seems substandard, but the contractor is forming the required combination curb and gutter, then filling the roadway.

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Hwy 42 widening project nearing completion after over 6 years, Ascension officials say - WBRZ

Dexurs value analysis tracks a patients episode of care from the date of admission for 90 days and includes the index hospitalization, rehospitalization, home health, nursing home, and ED costs.

NEW YORK (PRWEB) July 14, 2020

Dexurs analysis of medicare claims of hospitals within a 50-mile radius of Columbia, TN, showed that Williamson Medical Center, Ascension Saint Thomas West, and Maury Regional Health had the best value outcomes over a 90 day episode for Heart Failure. Dexurs value analysis tracks a patients episode of care from the date of admission for 90 days and includes the index hospitalizations, rehospitalization, home health, nursing home, and ED costs. Total cost of care data helps patients make appropriate choices and helps local ACOs, such as Maury Regional Health Network, LLC, make appropriate referral choices. The analysis was risk-adjusted, for alive and non-hospice patients and was done at the DRG level, specifically DRG 291: Heart Failure and Shock with Major Complication or Comorbidity (MCC), to adjust for complications and comorbidities.

Williamson Medical Centers total cost of care over a 90 day episode was $21,443 (for the period between July 2016 and June 2019). The index hospitalization cost was $7,988 and the average rehospitalization cost per hospitalization was $7,291. The cost per rehospitalization was at an average of $16,371. Meanwhile, the average ED costs per hospitalization (when ED is involved) was $638.

Ascension Saint Thomas Wests total cost of care over a 90 day episode was $22,443 (for the period between July 2016 and June 2019). The index hospitalization cost was $8,547 and the average rehospitalization cost per hospitalization was $8,451. The cost per rehospitalization was at an average of $18,693. Meanwhile, the average ED costs per hospitalization (when ED is involved) was $976.

Maury Regional Healths total cost of care over a 90 day episode was $22,514 (for the period between July 2016 and June 2019). The index hospitalization cost was $8,150 and the average rehospitalization cost per hospitalization was $8,623. The cost per rehospitalization was at an average of $19,952. Meanwhile, the average ED costs per hospitalization (when ED is involved) was $1,043.

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Williamson Medical Center, Ascension Saint Thomas West, and Maury Regional Health have the best value outcomes for Heart Failure in Columbia, TN - PR...

If there's one thing you can count on every summer in Ascension it's the widespread success of the parish's American Legion baseball team, the Gauthier & Amedee Wombats.

If theres one thing you can count on every summer in Ascension its the widespread success of the parishs American Legion baseball team, the Gauthier & Amedee Wombats.

Theyre having another tremendous season in 2020. It brings up memories of 2018, when the Wombats won their first state title in five years.

The two-year anniversary of that state title win is just around the corner. They won the championship on July 11, 2018. Here is the article the Weekly Citizen published on the occasion:

Wombats take American Legion state championship

Two out of three aint bad. In fact, its pretty great.

Ascensions Gauthier & Amedee American Legion baseball team was hungry for their first state title in five years, but to win it, they had to go through a Jesuit-based Retif Oil squad. The Wombats took two of the three matchups

They earned the second victory in style, as they turned a tight 2-1 contest into a 9-1 laugher courtesy of a six-run fourth inning.

Gauthier & Amedee came into the state tournament in New Orleans as one of the prohibitive favorites. They only lost two regular-season games, and they completed their schedule with a six-game winning streak.

After defeating Refuel in the opener, the Wombats met Retif Oil for the first time all season.

Gauthier & Amedee came from behind to defeat the Oilers, 6-4. Dutchtowns Brayden Caskey supplied a two-RBI single in the fifth inning that proved to be the difference.

From there, the Wombats crushed Best Chevrolet (De La Salle), 16-2, and then squeaked by St. Landry, 7-6, in the semifinals.

The victory finally got them over the hump and set up a championship matchup against Retif Oil.

Just one victory away from a state title, Gauthier & Amedee fell short against the Oilers in the first game last Wednesday evening.

The Wombats fell into a hole right from the start.

Retifs Will Moran was hit by a pitch to lead off the the top of the first, and he was joined on base by Seth Dardar following a walk.

Brian Valigosky then came through with an RBI single, and Zack Casbonne drove in another run with a sacrifice to give the Oilers a 2-0 lead.

They added another run in the top of the sixth, before the Wombats finally got on the scoreboard.

At the bottom of the inning, Dutchtowns Jordan Badame drove in East Ascensions Carson Dabadie with a double.

However, Gauthier & Amedee would not score another run.

Retif put the game away in the seventh with a score of their own. The 4-1 victory forced a winner-take-all game between the two.

In the loss, Badame and Dabadie combined for four hits, but the rest of the Wombats were limited to just three..

Ace Dwain Guice (St. Amant) had been nearly unhittable all summer, but the Oilers got to him on Wednesday evening. In six complete innings, they produced five hits and four runs against him.

But the loss didnt discourage the Wombats.

In the next game, they were the team that jumped out in front 2-0.

In the bottom of the second, Retif committed back-to-back errors. This allowed Dabadie to score. East Ascensions Preston Thrash then came up with an RBI single.

The Oilers cut the Wombat lead in half in the third, but Gauthier & Amedee responded with the knockout punch in the bottom of the fourth.

Dutchtowns Layton Lee reached base on an error to begin the frame. He was joined by Dabadie following a walk.

Thrash came up big once again. His triple brought both runners home. Thrash then scored on yet another Oiler error.

Caskey walked, and Ascension Cahtolics William Dunn joined him on base with a single. Both players then scored on a base hit by St. Amants Zane Zeppuhar.

The Wombat flurry finally ended with an RBI single by St. Amants Reed Babin.

Gauthier & Amedee added an insurance run in the sixth after Thrash scored on a passed ball.

The 9-1 victory awarded the Wombats their first state championship since 2013. It was also their first under second-year head coach Marty Luquet.

Its the franchises eighth state championship, dating back to All-Star Ford.

In the title win, Thrash led the way as he went 2-2 with three RBIs and a walk. He also scored two runs, and he closed out the game from the moundpitching two scoreless innings with five strikeouts.

Dutchtowns Jack Merrifield earned the victory from the bump as he pitched five complete innings in which he surrendered just three hits and one run. He struck out four.

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Two years ago, the Wombats brought home a state title - Weekly Citizen

WOODRUFF, Wis. (WAOW) -- Ascension Wisconsin is announcing adjustments to its air medical transprot operations in northern Wisconsin.

The adjustments include the discontinuation of service of the Spirit 2 Helicopter based at Howard Young Medical Center by the end of 2020, and the sunset of an operational agreement at the end of August for Spirit 3.

There are many changing dynamics in the delivery of healthcare services in the region that created the need for these difficult decisions, said Stewart Watson, M.D., Vice President-Clinical, North Region, Ascension Wisconsin.

Watson says those dynamics include the current landscape of medical transportation services available in central and northern Wisconsin, the ongoing realignment of healthcare facilities in the region and patient volumes. Spirit conducted an extensive review of its operations thatfocused on past, present and predicted patient volumes and transportation needs.

Our review concluded that our air medical transport needs would be best met with a single helicopter strategically placed at the Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA) at Mosinee, said Watson.

Spirit will maintain a critical care ground base and resources for transport out of Woodruff from Howard Young Medical Center. Other Spirit ground bases are in Rhinelander, Weston and Stevens Point.

The response time with Spirit 1 from CWA to the Northwoods is consistent with the average time to diagnose and stabilize most patients in the emergency room prior to being ready to transport, said Ted Ryan, Director, Ascension Wisconsin Spirit Medical Transport. We will leverage the full resources of our dispatch center and the talents of our dedicated associates to continue to manage our patient transport needs safely and effectively."

Ryan states that an effort will be made to transition affected Spirit associates into current open positions within Ascension Wisconsin.

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Ascension Wisconsin Spirit 2 Helicopter to discontinue operations - WAOW

MILWAUKEE A group of Wisconsins brave nurses are heading to battle COVID-19 on another front line: Deep in the heart of Texas.

The group was sent off Sunday at General Mitchell International Airport to help in Travis County, Texas. The area, which holds Texas capital city Austin, has eclipsed 11,000 cases this past week.

Nurses gathered in a small prayer circle before taking flight.

Its kind of been a whirlwind. It kind of came up quickly, said Lisa Knigge, a respiratory therapist at Ascension St. Josephs.

Colleen Henley, an Intensive Care Unit specialist said she is anxious and nervous about the big assignment.

I didnt sleep last night. Im excited for the opportunity, Henley said.

The group will be helping out in many ways, as part of a greater 20-person team. Each person volunteered to go.

This week, there was a call for help and I put a call out to the state and asked... lets start with volunteers, Heather Schimmers, Chief Nursing Officer of Ascension Wisconsin said.

Kathleen Henley, Colleens mother, dropped off her daughter. Kathleen is also a nurse in the Ascension network.

Very proud. Im very proud of her, Kathleen Henley said.

The team is expected to return to the Milwaukee area in the next two weeks.

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Milwaukee-area Ascension team sent to Texas to fight COVID-19 - WTMJ-TV