Just about all of us are aware of the “new and improved” Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital and Clinics that have made living in and around Hillsboro a much nicer and healthier situation.

Many area folks–in fact, too many to name–are responsible for the very noticeable upgrade in all medical services, and most importantly emergency care.

The transition took a long time, including countless hours of studies, meetings, and discussions by the folks involved in the transformation, including the Hillsboro City Council and hospital board of directors, along with representatives from Gundersen Health Systems in La Crosse.

Like most similar situations, there were plenty of mixed opinions on the subject,  along with a record number of second guesses, and just plain old fashioned griping.  Finally, it all came together in possibly the most important decision in the history of Hillsboro.

We all owe those involved in the transition plenty of appreciation and a big pat on the back for bringing us outstanding medical attention and the best available emergency care in a time of urgent need.

The reason I decided to pay this tribute in my column at this time is the fact that recently I have had the opportunity to “review” the improvement through a number of unexpected situations.

They include two visits to the emergency room, one resulting in an ambulance ride to La Crosse and the other one stitches from a wonderfully caring, and practically painless doctor who really impressed me.

I also spent a few weeks with Mark Sullivan and his friendly, professional crew doing physical therapy after tearing an Achilles tendon.

In addition, I visited a foot doctor in the hospital’s newly remodeled and very efficient outpatient clinic.

In every one of  those experiences I was treated with friendliness and respect by all personnel that dealt with the situation.

For those of you who have had a recent experience at Gundersen St. Joseph’s, you know what I’m writing about. Others, who have avoided a need for medical care since the transition, will eventually agree. Hopefully, however, that won’t be in the near future.

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Terry Teed brought the following announcement into the Sentry Enterprise office. He saw it in a locker plant in Gays Mills and wanted to share it with our readers.

Note to all hunters: This is from a San Francisco newspaper.

“To all you hunters who kill animals for food, shame on you. You ought to go to the store and buy the meat that was made there, where no animals were harmed.”

Folks, just remember that the writer of this announcement probably drives, votes, and may have already reproduced!