3-17 Rotary Club meeting

Cherokee Ballard, spokesperson for the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Office, updated Rotary Club of Chickasha members at the club's 3-17-2011 meeting about the state agency's plans to consolidate some investigative districts and change the way some investigators are paid as a way to curb up to $300,000 in budget cuts. Ballard said nine investigative districts, staffed by 18 investigators would be consolidated in two four quadrants, with one to three investigators per quadrant. Other investigators would be paid on a "per case" basis instead of the full-time salaries they draw now. She said the medical examiner's office primary purpose is determine the cause and manner of death in homicides, unattended deaths, etc. They also must sign death certificates before any body can be cremated. Ballard said in addition to saving the agency money, the consolidation plans will make the agency more efficient. She also said the office was close to getting a new permanent Chief Medical Examiner after a series of setbacks in trying to fill the position. President Mark Tibbets announced that Friday's board meeting was being postponed until a later date. Prayer concerns included Barry Steagall's family after the passing of wife Linda. Also, Jean Chamberlain, wife of Rotarian Ed Chamberlain. President Mark reported that club member Steve LaForge was doing much better and was looking forward to getting back to meetings. Guests at the meeting included Logan Tibbets, son of President Mark and Jeremy Thomas, son of George Thomas. Visting Rotarians included Wallace Wade of Dallas and Harry Meister of the Bricktown Rotary Club in Oklahoma City. The meeting concluded with recitation of the Rotary 4-Way Test.