The Pharmacy Quality Alliance has recognized South Country Health Alliance with a Pharmacy Quality Alliance Laura Cranston Excellence in Quality Award for high achievement or significant improvement in Pharmacy Quality Alliance measures of medication safety and appropriate use. South Country is one of 25 health plans out of the 850 Medicare Part D plans nationwide to receive the award.

The Excellence in Quality Award recognizes Medicare Advantage Drug Plans that achieve at least a 4.5 star Part D summary rating and a 5-star rating on all five Pharmacy Quality Alliance measures. For 2022, South Country’s SeniorCare Complete was rated an overall 5-star Medicare Advantage plan by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

SeniorCare Complete adds Medicare Part D drugs to medical and dental services through an integrated Medicare and Medical Assistance benefit approach, to provide comprehensive health care coverage to members.
“The safe and effective use of medications is a high priority for care providers and the Medicare Part D program,” Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA) Chief Executive Officer Micah Cost, PharmD, MS, said. “PQA is proud to recognize 25 plans this year. These awards are a tangible recognition of their commitment to excellence and dedication to providing high-quality care for their Medicare members.”

Find the full story in the May 19, 2022 addition of the Arlington Enterprise

By Kurt Menk
Editor

A number of candidates filed for various Sibley County offices as the filing period opened at 8 a.m. Tuesday, May 17. Mark Brandt filed as a County Commissioner candidate in District 1.
Commissioner District #1 includes the City of Henderson, Alfsborg Township, Henderson Township, Jessenland Township, Kelso Township and Sibley Township.

This office is for a four-year term. Joe Kreger filed as a County Commissioner candidate in District 4.
Commissioner District #4 includes the City of Green Isle, City of New Auburn, Faxon Township, Green Isle Township, New Auburn Township and Washington Lake Township.
This office is for a two-year term.

Incumbent Steve Saxton filed for a County Commissioner candidate in District 5.
Commissioner District #5 includes the City of Gibbon, City of Winthrop, Cornish Township, Grafton Township, Moltke Township and Severance Township.
This office is for a four-year term.

Sibley County Auditor-Treasurer Marilee Peterson, Sibley County Recorder Kathy Dietz, Sibley County Sheriff Pat Nienaber and Sibley County Attorney Don Lannoye all filed for re-election.

Find the full story in the May 19, 2022 addition of the Arlington Enterprise

By Kurt Menk
Editor

A local resident who was recently denied a committee appointment voiced his displeasure to the Arlington City Council on Monday night, May 16.

Brandon Bracht spoke to the group during the Addressing The Council part of the regular meeting.
Bracht said he was asked by some people to apply for the open seat on the Planning & Zoning Committee. Bracht said he applied for the open seat but was denied over the telephone by Mayor Rich Nagel. The move left a bad taste in his mouth, he said.

Bracht said a resident who has lived in town a short time was recently appointed to the City Council. He said that move was favoritism.

Find the full story in the May 19, 2022 addition of the Arlington Enterprise

By Kurt Menk
Editor

The Arlington City Council, during its regular meeting on Monday night, May 16, voted 3-2 and approved a motion to hire a fourth full-time police officer for the Arlington Police Department.

City Council members Dave Meyer, Matt Scharpe and John Thomes voted in support of the motion.
City Council members Michelle Battcher and Joe Morgan voted against the motion.

Prior to the vote, Mayor Rich Nagel said it was time for the City Council to make a decision after numerous workshops on the issue. Nagel said a fourth full-time police officer will be helpful to the new police chief.
Scharpe, who was originally against a fourth full-time police officer, initially preferred three full-time police officers along with part-time officers. Scharpe, however, said it will be hard to hire part-time police officers. He further commented that it is a revolving door as full-time police officers are hired and eventually leave. Scharpe added that the police department will have no flexibility if the City Council does not hire a fourth full-time police officer.

Find the full story in the May 19, 2022 addition of the Arlington Enterprise

By Kurt Menk
Editor

Luke Ellanson, who was offered the job to fill the open police chief position, has withdrawn his application.
The full Arlington City Council was notified about the news by an e-mail on Thursday afternoon, Feb. 24.
The City Council, during its regular meeting on Tuesday night, Feb. 22, approved a motion to make a conditional offer of employment to Ellanson to fill the open police chief position.

Find the full story in the March 3, 2022 addition of the Arlington Enterprise

By Kurt Menk
Editor

Luke Ellanson, who was offered the job to fill the open police chief position, has withdrawn his application.
The full Arlington City Council was notified about the news by an e-mail on Thursday afternoon, Feb. 24.
The City Council, during its regular meeting on Tuesday night, Feb. 22, approved a motion to make a conditional offer of employment to Ellanson to fill the open police chief position.

Find the full story in the March 3, 2022 addition of the Arlington Enterprise

By Kurt Menk
Editor