MOUNT VERNON – An eight grade student from St. Vincent de Paul school told Knox County Health Department board members about his award winning science fair project, “Germination,” at the board’s regularly scheduled meeting Thursday night. Justin Thomas was one of several local students selected to display their projects at the state science Fair this spring in Columbus. Thomas received a Superior rating for his project. Justin says he would like to work in agriculture.
St. Vincent de Paul student Justin Thomas, left, shared comments about his superior science fair project on germination with the Knox County Board of Health. Environmental Health Director Nate Overholt also pictured – KnoxPages.com photo by Marty Trese
Board members also heard from department staffers on a number of topics. Environmental Health Director Nate Overholt relayed that two cases of legionnaires disease have been reported at a local nursing home. Overholt also reported that mosquito spraying is continuing this week.
Nurse Jackie Fletcher said that as of September 2nd the measles outbreak will be officiallly be over in Knox County.
Health Commissioner Julie Miller reported that Knox County has been designated as a “medically underserved” population by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration meaning that the community, not just the health department, is eligible for grant funding from the federal government for medical, dental and mental health services. Miller said establishment of a community health center is being pursued.
Miller reported that applications have been received and interviews will be conducted to fill the position of fiscal officer. Linette Vance is retiring from that position at the end of September.
The board approved a five-year contract, at $5500 per year, to lease a 2014 Ford F-150 truck from Enterprise Fleet to be used to by the department’s environmental health division.
