Quality assurance
November 29th, 2007 by 
Alica
I see the Dec. 3 City Council agenda has “Consider Quality Assurance Committee proposals” as an agenda item under “new business.”
Will you attend the meeting? I plan to be there.
The Sneakers relocation conditional use request is on the agenda also.
Posted in Uncategorized | 
November 29th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
EVERY PERSON THAT HAS EVER WRITTEN ANYTHING IN THE BLOG ABOUT THE EMERGENCY SERVICE ISSUE (EITHER PRO OR CON) OR THE SNEAKER ISSUE SHOULD BE AT THE MEETING DEC. 3RD. I KNOW I WILL BE THERE . SHOULD BE A GREAT TURNOUT AT THE COUNCIL MEETING… HOPE THEY HAVE TO SET UP ALOT OF EXTRA CHAIRS..
November 29th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
I agree! Mark and Katie have invested a lot of time and $$ on making their business a success here in Brandon and I think we all owe it to them to show up to show them our support!
November 29th, 2007 at 7:50 pm
I will be there too. But not in support. So Tracy lets put a sonic in your backyard. Instead of cherry fizzes lets have Sam Adams for everyone.This is the most ridiculous attempt at business I have seen in Brandon.
November 29th, 2007 at 10:11 pm
I’m out of town right now, so I wasn’t able to be at the meeting. Was anything decided on either of these issues?
November 30th, 2007 at 8:37 am
I wouldn’t mind it at all if it had a fence, storage unit, and the front door was almost a full football length away from my back yard…..WHICH IS THE CASE HERE! That is what is ridiculous here…I hope the council and everyone who comes to the meeting drives by the site and takes a look. IT IS NOT IN YOUR BACK YARD!
November 30th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
How do you like the apartments full of BLACK MOLD in your front yard. That would be more of a HEALTH concern to me if I lived there.
http://www.toxic-black-mold-info.com/moldhealth.htm
Check this out and see how you feel?
November 30th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
Good article CA, air borne spors transmit sickness that could come from black mold. Maybe Sneekers will not want to better the area now, that should be a concern also. That sounds like a better fight for the neighborhood than whether or not you should allow a restaurant/lounge be established a block away. The poor neighbor hood going to hell and back!!!!! I suppose now we’ll start hearing of sicknesses etc. from the neighborhood.
November 30th, 2007 at 5:48 pm
i will be supporting Sneakers whole heartidely
November 30th, 2007 at 7:54 pm
I will definetly be at the meeting Monday night, more for the ambualnce issue, but I’m interested in learning more about the Sneaker’s issue. What’s that all about anyway?? They want to move right?? Where to?? Why not let them??
December 1st, 2007 at 1:37 am
i wonder if those that live out by the bluff’s feel about the main floor apts of that ugly monster out there looking into everyone’s basements as well as kitchen windows, I would think they would love a football field btwn the back yard and the apt windows..so i cant see why the city would stop sneaker’s move based on entirely on a few people when the pretty much told that entire neighborhood out there to take a flying leap your opinions dont matter. that is why Medstar is allowed lower certification standards for liscensure, the large apt complex went up despite opposition, wade will be chief despite the public screaming for some one from the outside to come in..etc etc etc..god i love the single minded, narrowed vision, closed government of Brandon SD
December 1st, 2007 at 8:21 am
I want to go to the meeting to talk about the disappearance of periods from the last post. It’s a crime! Who stole all the periods?
December 1st, 2007 at 9:47 am
Decided #3 Obviously hasn’t tried Sneakers pizza which is the best in town..yes, better than PR…Sorry Darrell! Wings better than Buffalo Wild Wings, top of the line big screen TV’s to watch any sporting even at any given time..Every customer is met with a genuine smile and a desire to give each and every customer that walks through their door the very best service in town. Tell me Undecided, how is that a ridiculous attempt at a business? Seems to me it is a better business than any other in town…they are only try to grow to provide more of a great thing for the citizens of Brandon and surrounding areas.
December 1st, 2007 at 2:09 pm
To #9 Michelle: You can find out more about the Sneakers issue by looking on this blog. From the main blog page, scroll down to the Archives on the left side of the page.
Click on October and then scroll down to the entry titled Sneakers. There are 79 posts on that topic that should give you a pretty good idea of what’s going on.
December 1st, 2007 at 2:17 pm
By the way it’s been determined earlier that it’s not a football field (a hundred YARDS) it’s a hundred Feet.
December 1st, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Alica, will you be updating the blog like you did from the forum? I thought the idea had potential. I didn’t know you were doing that until the forum was over.
always listening, I think those apartments are a business brought in by a politician. Is it any wonder the residents don’t have any faith in politicians or businesses? My great, great grandmother always said ‘The first time, shame on them. The second time, shame on you”.
Roger, I. found. the. periods. and. even. a.?. No need to bring it up at the meeting.
December 2nd, 2007 at 12:34 am
Actually Betty it has been shown in the previous Sneakers thread to be right around 300 feet from the eat fence to the back of the houses, which would be 100 yards
December 2nd, 2007 at 1:21 am
To #15 confused: I won’t be live blogging from the council meeting Monday, but I will be covering the meeting and writing a story the same night. I believe the plan is for the story to be posted on brandonsd.com Tuesday morning and to be published in the Challenger.
Live blogging from the forum was sort of an experiment to give me some practice at it. There has been good feedback about it, so I’m sure I’ll be live blogging from events in the future. My editor and I will plan it so there is plenty of notice.
Blog on, Wayne. Blog on, Garth.
December 2nd, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Thank you wallywo…It is misinformed people like Betty that are opposed to the conditional use permit for Sneakers…Which is why I suggest AGAIN…drive by and you will say, what is the big deal here?
December 2nd, 2007 at 8:10 pm
Did I say I was opposed? I don’t believe I did.
December 2nd, 2007 at 10:45 pm
I think the city council should be the QA committee, they want control every other thing, let them do this also. Hell, make Harry Buck chief.
December 3rd, 2007 at 8:00 am
Hail Harry!
This is not the place for this question but this site is active.
Who is paying for the yard signs promoting the YES issue on the school???? is it our taxes or did an individual or business donate the money?
December 3rd, 2007 at 8:06 am
So, if you have good wings, cold beer, and smiles you should be able to put your business wherever you want. Sounds good to me.
December 3rd, 2007 at 8:40 am
always listening - They are using your childs lunch money to pay for the signs.
December 3rd, 2007 at 10:02 am
Anonymous, thanks I thought it was my kids parking fee. I’ll just send more money to school with them I guess for lunch.
December 3rd, 2007 at 10:24 am
always listening,
The marketing dollars spent either for or against a bond issue like this can not come from the muncipality. The signs were paid for by donations from supporters of the Yes group.
Your child’s lunch account depletion is probably because your child chooses al carte items instead of meals. I also seem to send $$ into that account all the time!!! (haha)
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:11 am
Thanks Todd. It’s rumormongering like #23 and #24 that, even in jest, causes strife and infighting in our community. Let’s stick to the facts, please.
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:27 am
I enjoy the humor BUT unforutantely some people BELIEVE the comments.
December 3rd, 2007 at 1:37 pm
From Afar,
Good grief, lighten up, can’t you tell the difference between a serious comment and humor?
December 3rd, 2007 at 4:13 pm
It’s what Todd said in #27. Some people think that those “jokes” are the truth. I don’t want the bond issue to be affected by people spreading rumors. Pass or fail, it should do so on its merit, not on rummors. That’s my beef with that kind of humor.
December 3rd, 2007 at 4:16 pm
Todd is correct. The district cannot use taxpayer dollars in order to promote a bond issue. They did receive outside donations from YES supporters which has paid for all of the promotional materials you have received or are seeing. The important thing to remember is to show up at the polls Tuesday and vote.
December 4th, 2007 at 12:46 am
Pizza Ranch pizza subpar, on a good day. Their chicken is solid. But they really ought to be called “Chicken Ranch” because it would be more honest. Perhaps the “pizza ranch” is to refer to the wild and untamed filth that is their pizza. It’s sort of earthy, with a hint of manure.
Nevermind. Pizza Ranch is a good name for the livestock quality of their pizza.
December 4th, 2007 at 9:42 am
Roger,
I love the chicken and desert pizza!! I also enjoy going in after a game and letting my 10 yr old run in the game section while I watch sports highlights and drink BEER!!!
December 4th, 2007 at 10:09 am
Where is Craig Jacobus a Dr at? The only information I can find on him is that is is a NREMT-P.. I have searched and called many places, and every time all I find out is that he is a paramedic.. Somebody please explain or correct me…
December 4th, 2007 at 11:18 am
Well, we officially know where the newest council member stands. He is in perfect lock step with the other good ol’ boys on the council. Yes for Sneakers, Yes for Med-Star. Figures.
December 4th, 2007 at 11:47 am
I can’t find that out either.
I heard he was a chiropractor, but was quoted on one site saying he was a “physician.”
What are the chances that his quote would be exactly what our ordinance says???
The other bid was 5 times his, why?
December 4th, 2007 at 11:55 am
The new council member that complained about a DAYcare next door voted to put a bar in someones backyard? Sounds hypocritical to me.
December 4th, 2007 at 12:02 pm
ya, that makes you wonder why this “so-called” Dr only wants $2,000 compared to $10,000 from the Ohio Dr.
Is it good that we are going out of state to find someone to monitor Med-Star? Just wondering, I dont know what other agencies use.
Alicia, could you please verify the Dr. status. Thank you
December 4th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
Here’s another couple of facts from the meeting awhile back.
An audience member asked Jay Masur (actually the council had to ask, because audience isn’t allowed to) who had done his QA in the 2 previous towns he served, as maybe they would be interested in doing ours? He stated that the state of South Dakota, Bob Graff and the state EMS office did it. That is not true. The state doesn’t do QA ask Bob Graff yourselves, he has an email address searchable on the state EMS website. All they do is inspect equipment.
Also Masur stated that Rural Metro is his backup. Funny that Rural Metro didn’t know anything about that. Rural Metro will aid in a disaster situation but can not be counted on as day to day back up.
The decisions are made, now the only way the truth comes out is in the actions of our new service. Time will tell, but do not stop asking questions and asking to see the important “stuff” from city hall.
December 4th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
There is nothing that can be done at a higher level such as the state EMS board, about the lies Med-Star has used to get the contract?
Is there anything we as voters can do to recall this decision and have a public vote? We can not give up, Med-Star has lied to many times and his stories just dont make sense! Jay is a slime-ball that needs to be stopped before it is to late
December 4th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
It is a new ordinance and has been re-rewritten since the last vote. We can put it up for a vote again. The no vote clause is no longer in effect.
December 4th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
So what do we need to do to make this happen!?
December 4th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
Un f—- believable, take a hint even if it gets put on the ballot again IT WILL PASS!
December 4th, 2007 at 1:01 pm
#42… Bring the f_____ facts to the table then…
1. Who the hell is Dr. Jacobus
2. Where is the RM mutual aid contract
3. Who was Med-Stars previous QA
4. Experince of employee’s
5. How can he guarantee that his business is not goingo to flop again, like his other two times
6. Does his rigs finally meet standards?
Well if you are so confident that it will pass again, then what are you worried about? Go to the poll and vote for it then. The talk around town, I think it will not pass.
December 4th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
It really is as if you people are afraid that he might succeed
December 4th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
#44…I dont think that is possible for him to succeed..He has failed TWICE, has no $$$$, and is not the best paramedic around…O by the way, rumor is he has a temper also!!!! Not the kind of business owner that succeeds.
Maybe if Jay was not such a coward and would give the public the answers they are searching for, things would be different
December 4th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
#44. By the way thanks for answers to the questions.. LOL
December 4th, 2007 at 2:29 pm
There is no since answering your questions, its obvious your opinion is set and nothing will change it, so why would I bother. KMD
December 4th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Hey, my mind is not set, I want answers, if i get facts to my questions, my opionion on Med-Star might change. But nobody seems to have any answers
December 4th, 2007 at 7:05 pm
Dr Jacobus is a DR in Omaha and is known for his experience nationally as well. He is also a NREMTP. He really does not need the money but wants to help and do something for what he feels is right.
RM will have to be the back up or whom ever is closest and metro sends to aid MS. RM still has that part of the county for now, so yes they can help out.
Rigs were enspected by the state EMS office and YES they PASSED. Dr Jacobus will also look at them when he checks out their business.
Experienced staff? I believe that there are some that have 911 experience that work there PT now.
What else?
December 4th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
#45 Where have you been? He has answered several questions at the mtgs. Maybe you have missed those? Call him and ask him if you need something answered for yourself.
December 4th, 2007 at 8:00 pm
Here’s the facts,
Dr. of what?
Kind of like Jay not needing the money but just wanting to help.
How many of his 5 rigs passed?
Hope I get one that is experienced, no guarantee though huh?
Did any of his employees fail the SD background check?
Who did his QA in Aberdeen and Huron?
Who has he SIGNED a mutal aid contract with?
December 4th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
You have GOT to be kidding me!!?? What ever happened to the whole, “….this won’t cost the city a dime….” BS!! Nice lie to cover the facts. I guess that’s out the window. As for this clown, Craig Jacobus, he is NOT LISTED anywhere as a DOCTOR. What are his supposed credentials? The only thing that would link him to anything “medical” would be his association with the Nebraska Emergency Medical Services Association, and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. As a former EMT with National registry, I would qualify to be in the NAEMT….does that qualify me to provide QA for an ambulance service in Brandon….NO FREAKING WAY! Is anyone surprised? I have one word for all 7 members (Mayor included) of that joke of a Council, “R-E-C-A-L-L”
December 4th, 2007 at 10:00 pm
#52 Where have you gotten this info? Do you know this DR? I guess not? You need to do some more checking onyour facts because they are incorrect.
#51 All of the rigs passed the state inspection. No one failed the background check. Why do you need someone to QA transfers? Sioux Falls is the ONLY place in the state that has a board to QA there charts.
December 4th, 2007 at 11:50 pm
You state you have the facts but it seems you are the only one - Makes me wonder which facts or what facts.
Here a question — Jay says no mutual aid contract is needed — its automatic then after a month I have sent a the contract To RM for mutual aid but no response yet. Which is it? Has a signed agreement been filed with the council? or is not needed again? State EMS office reviews Calls or not? now we hire an out of state NREMT-p why no one locally would touch him? That why you don’t ask Jay you can not get the same story twice.
But to no avail Jay is going to be running the 30 minute gurantee express in brandon with 1 or 2 or 1 paramedics in a maybe fully staffed licensed rig — lets roll the dice. Aberdeen and Huron lost now its our turn.
December 5th, 2007 at 1:34 am
#44 always listening,
It’s not that people are afraid Med-Star will succeed, it’s that they are afraid it will fail. With Rural Metro, Brandon had guaranteed ambulance service that met all the highest standards in SD. Now, we don’t know what we have. Are you willing to take that chance if it is you or a loved one in Jay’s ambulance? Drive times did not become an “issue” until the Mr. Masur showed up. As with any other service, fast is always good, but fastER does not mean BETTER.
December 5th, 2007 at 1:48 am
Also, be careful if you are doing your own research on Dr. Jacobus. If you Google his name, two different doctors with the same name appear. One is a chiropractor (not the QA guy for Brandon), and the other is the Vice-President of the Nebraska Emergency Medical Services Association. This is the guy they picked to cover our QA. Just thought I would let everyone know.
December 5th, 2007 at 4:43 am
#55 Drive times were an issue LONG before MeDStar built a facility in Brandon.
Also, I cannot seem to research much on Dr. Jacobus. Not much shows up on Google or Yahoo when his name is entered. What kind of physician is he and where does he actually practice?
I am not saying he isn’t qualified but it seems strange nothing much shows up on a search for him.
December 5th, 2007 at 5:32 am
I did find a few facts regarding Dr. Jacobus.
On the website (www.nebraska.gov/LISSearch/search.cgi) a Mr. Craig Howard Jacobus of Schyler, NE is listed as an EMT Instructor and Paramedic. It also shows he graduated from National College of Chiropractic 4/30/93. He does not have any disciplinary infrations listed.
I also went to the Nebraska Emergency Medical Services Association (NEMSA) website (nemsa.org/officers.htm). He IS NOT listed as a NEMSA officer (as stated in # 56 above). He did receive the EMT-PAramedic of the year award in 2003.
December 5th, 2007 at 5:43 am
Something I just noticed when trying to verify his Chiropratic licensure status in Nebraska. Dr. Jacobus is not on the list. It is the same website (www.nebraska.gov/LISSearch/search.cgi) listed above. He is only listed as licensed as EMT instructor and Paramedic.
I hope I am confused and missing something.
December 5th, 2007 at 7:23 am
Is it too late to kick this horse? We’ve really made a lot of progress. I’m seeing all sorts of new and innovative arguments from people on both sides over the past year on this blog.
This ought to be called, “Super Debaters Forum” because it’s full of amazingly insightful debate that goes beyond name calling and unsupported trash arguments.
I am continually impressed by how people find exciting ways to present their point of view, 47 times over in each post about this topic.
Personally, I love the hatred and wheel spinning foolishness from everyone. But the ambulance haters seem to be the most fervent. I’m quite sure there’s a lot of spittle covering computer moniters all over Brandon.
But don’t worry, haters. I too am rooting for Brandon to have no ambulance service. No medstar, no rural metro. Nobody. I love the drama.
December 5th, 2007 at 7:33 am
BRANDON CITIZENS HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW THE FACTS!!
And Jay will not give us ANY…He is a fly-by-night company, Uses the council to get him approved without having to nut-up and bring the facts to the public.
For you guys that are just the regular public and have never been around any EMS service, I feel sorry for you. Because Jay has used many scare tatics to get this contract. And there is no way to tell you guys that over 80% of his statements are false.
So I guess the only thing that we can do is let him have the contract for a year and then maybe the general public will realize there was nothing wrong with the old way and we should have never changed, because now we have even bigger problems. I do not blame the public for the way this has worked out, I blame Jay and the council for this, they have used so many different tatics to get this job , it is sick. I have never heard of any other company that had to beg and jump through as many hoops as Med-Star.
We have made a huge mistake and it will be only time before everyone realizes it. I think I will go to the NEW Sneakers and get hammered and try to figure out what to do with my family.
Because who wants to live in a town whos council does not listen to the public and is only using their postion in office for their personal agenda
Peace I am out of here!!!
December 5th, 2007 at 10:10 am
I have requested the Craig Jacobus’s credentials from City Hall. When I can make time, I will do some research on my own as well.
I will post whatever I find out.
December 5th, 2007 at 11:33 am
Thanks Alicia could you also check to see if a signed mutual aid agreement has been filed with the council?
December 5th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
Amen to #61, you pretty much put the whole thing in a nut shell with your comments. I just hope when you are not sitting at Buck and Karber’s table….which I am willing to bet you won’t.
December 5th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
“The City of Brandon will create an environment for its citizens to build a better life by using resources wisely, managing growth and providing quality services in a safe and professional manner.” I just copied that off the city website. I thought that the city council members who are on the blog might like to review what it says…..AND MAYBE MAKE IT THE MISSION OF THE COUNCIL…
December 5th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
When I am in the midst of a heart attack, (which I have had several) it will be pretty hare to get in an ambulance that you have NO CONFIDENCE in and have to leave your home. between the heart attack and the fear, I’ll ber lucky to live long enough to get to a hospital.
December 6th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
I wonder what all you Med Star bashers are going to say if he suceeds??? I’m sure you will find something to complain about…..Fly by night company??? I have lived here for 8 years and his office has been here the whole time!
December 6th, 2007 at 1:06 pm
#67.
“IF” he succeeds, if you are so confident in his company you should have said ” I wonder what all you Med Star Bashers are going to say WHEN he suceeds” Sounds like you are not sure either Anonymous..
Should we call Huron and Aberdeen and ask them how the company worked out for them? Lets face it, there is not enough call volume to support and ambulance service. Yes, I know they are doing transfers also, BUT, staffing an ambulance service 24/7 is alot of added expenses and I dont think 200 calls per year is going to offset the operating cost.
Also, still no word on this Dr from Nebraska. You think it would be easy to find the resume on a popular Dr like everyone says he is.
December 6th, 2007 at 1:20 pm
From #53 above:
#51 All of the rigs passed the state inspection. No one failed the background check. Why do you need someone to QA transfers? Sioux Falls is the ONLY place in the state that has a board to QA there charts.
So when did he ask the state to make another trip and inspect the OTHER 2 rigs?
Are you kidding me! EVERY run by an ambulance needs to be QA’d, transfer or 911.
Why is MedStar running lights and sirens both directions in Sioux Falls???
December 6th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
For all those who complain about how bad things are in Brandon, check out this link. It keeps things in perspective.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7zRtLptyc4
December 6th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
A chiropractor who has also been a paramedic…..nice choice. I predict a lawsuit for wrongful death within 6 months. Lawyer-up!
December 7th, 2007 at 10:18 pm
Sure sounds to me like no one would be good enough for you people, no matter what kind of Dr it was.
December 8th, 2007 at 7:02 am
Well, I am kind of interested to see Med-Star actually run calls first. I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt.
However, for someone to use a chiropractor as the QA lead is completely nuts. Sorry, but chiropractic care is pretty much quackery. It ranks right up there with feng shui and accupunture.
Maybe we need an aroma therapy specialist on the committee, too. How about someone that specializes in pet or music therapy? They seem equally qualified. “Dr” in this case is highly abused. “Dr” does NOT equal MD or DO, which are the credentials that NEED to be present from bona fide QA.
Brandon city people: “low bid” isn’t good enough for QA.
December 8th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
To #67, thats because your federal tax dollars are keeping him in business. His major source of income is the transporting that the service does for the VA. Not to hard to figure out when the real ambulance calls start, it is gonna hurt financially. But I hope for his sake he comes out of it okay, the guy has tried to make this work for along time. Now, being the idiots that the majority of the city council are he will have his chance, and we will all pay for that lawsuit that #71 is talking about. And by the way, I do not want any paramedic who has not had a background check done working on me in an emergency situation. Has anybody ever heard of that? I remember Jay telling the city council that it is just to tough to get all that information from other states….WHAT THE HECK IS THAT ALL ABOUT? And they bought it. Good Luck Med-Star, I think you are gonna need it. At least you have Huset’s to fall back on.
December 8th, 2007 at 4:40 pm
Alica - two questions
1 How are we doing on the mutual aid agreement? Has RM returned a signed contract back to Med-star and the city (Jay did stat that he sent one to them but no reponse yet at a council meeting)?
2 This one is open to anyone — Remember back to the early days and the med-star/karber”council” brochere. Point #1 Council Response is “As suggested by Bob Graff the state EMD Director we upgraded to a general practice physician license by the state of SD. This ensures a Physician with knowledge of ER procedures and EMS Protocal” Because we didn’t want just a chiropractor or foot docter issuing protocals but now this is good enough for QA to ensure that all EMS and ER procedures were performed on a a call.
Could some one explain the reason or logic behind this decision?
December 9th, 2007 at 5:27 am
hear the chant. RE CALL RE CALL RE CALL
December 9th, 2007 at 5:28 am
HEAR IT CITY COUNCIL..AT LEAST HORTON HEARD THE WHO’S. I HOPE YOU WILL HEAR IT TOO…RE CALL RE CALL RE CALL!!!
HEAR THE JAW’S MUSIC COMING AT YA.. CEPT IS THOUSANDS OF CITIZENS CHANTING RE CALL RE CALL RE CALL!! AND ITS GETTING LOUDER…………………….
December 9th, 2007 at 11:15 am
Lets do it “lost in Rhetoric”…I would love to see someone stand-up to this so-called council. Its time the citizens of Brandon stand up and up a stop to them before it is to late…
ALSO,
Alica asked for the creditials of the Dr on Dec. 5th, 4 days later we still have no information, you would think it would be easy to open the file at city hall and see what it says, BUT when the Dr dont add up to anything the council is figuring out a way on how to make this so called Dr work and LIE to the citizens once again
December 9th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
77 and 78, three words.
GET A LIFE!
December 9th, 2007 at 10:59 pm
#79..wade is that you? you better watch which side you stand up for. when the recall goes thru and you happen ( heaven forbide) to become chief? IT can be taken away just as easily
December 10th, 2007 at 7:56 am
RECALL, now I know whats going on. When ever mr. Tople attends church its for a reson, he’s running for office. This Sunday he was in church, can not remember when the last time I have seen him in church. I suppose we’ll be seeing alot of him now.
As for the recall, waste your time!!!!!
December 10th, 2007 at 8:46 am
Who is anyone to judge why we go to church? Or when we go to church. shame on you.
And PS, I’ve seen Heath in church, so you’re just being hurtful.
December 10th, 2007 at 9:11 am
Wow, I can’t believe how hateful you people can be. Thank you Kent for the support. Since, we are still a small town and there was less than 100 people at the service this week…it’s not hard to tell who “always listening” might be. No matter, when someone’s heart is so black and twisted as to question why someone goes to worship they will get their “rewards” on judgement day from a much higher power. Not that it matters, but I have been going to Church in Sioux Falls at Gloria Dei quite regularly the past two years, but I missed Brandon Lutheran and am happy to be back. I have received some very nice and warm greetings from several parishoners the past several Sundays. As for me running for office, I have no plans at this time, but never rule anything out. If a recall is to happen, and I think it might, I will be proud to help in that effort. Elected officials need to be accountable to those who elected them or they don’t deserve the job. Waste of time, I think not…or are you afraid for your Council seat Mr. Buck?
December 10th, 2007 at 10:16 am
#80, you’re drunk. Sober up.
December 10th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
Alicia, how is it coming on those creditials for that Dr?
December 10th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
City Administrator Dennis Olson confirmed that at least one of Craig Jacobus’s occupations is chiropractor. He also said Jacobus has done quality assurance professionally in the past.
In an e-mail, Assistant City Administrator Nick Lanning said this: “You may want to see if he has a Web site. I don’t know that he has a formal business name or anything like that so you may have to do some searching.”
I replied, asking Lanning what credentials Jacobus provided to the city, but I haven’t gotten a response yet.
I haven’t pursued it any further than that at this time, but I still plan to.
December 10th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
He doesn’t have a formal business name?? Well isn’t that comforting.
Our city doesn’t even know if he has a website? Another big surprise,, isn’t that their job!!!! And then tells Alica to do the searching! Does the city HAVE any credentials from this guy?
I distinctly remember (as the post above) Brett Karber saying that a chiropractor or foot doctor wasn’t good enough for us, and look what we got.
Truly amazing. Makes me sick. We’ve all been had.
December 10th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
ha ha ha ha ha!!! What a damn joke.. The city knows nothing about this Dr. Sounds like another inside job by our wonderful council.. What does a chiropracter now about EMS???
We go from a QA of Drs to a one man chiro show… I hope all you Med-Star lovers are happy, because all this QA quack is going to be able to review is a out-of-place back!
December 10th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Dont you think this should be looked into before we allow Med-Star to start? Is this even a qualified QA member? I would think you would need to be a Medical Dr to review cases
December 10th, 2007 at 5:16 pm
Let see - Improvement?
MS has their runs review by a chiropractor who also happens be a paremedic.
RM has their runs review by REMSA which consists of sevaral doctors/medical professionals in the field of EMS.
December 13th, 2007 at 12:04 pm
Still awaiting the resume of this Dr. Why is this taking so long Alica?
December 13th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
Like many other people, I’m swamped with work and holidays right now. Haven’t been able to set aside a couple-hour chunk of time to do the Web searches.
I still plan to, though.
December 13th, 2007 at 1:52 pm
Sorry, my blog sounded like a was attacking you..I wasn’t, it was more of a question of why is it so hard to get inportant information like this on a finalized deal. It should be in an easy access file at city hall. I think its funny that the council wants YOU to do the research on someone that they hired cause they have no idea. You know more about this issue then anyone and have an open-mind on it. Does this Dr from what you know qualify under the requirements set by the city?
December 13th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
Is this really a serious deal with the QA doctor? Is he a chiropractor? Guess the citizens of Brandon probably have the right to know the answer to that question. It will sure be interesting to see the answer Alicia posts. I cannot see why a doctor’s credentials would not be public record, although, maybe they are. If he was a chiropractor and has moved on to emergency medicine, that would be great. It would sure beat a specialist that has not been in an ER room forever and a day. But I guess we will see what happens. Does anyone know Med-Stars takeover date? Just wondering, it has not gotten any attention lately…….
December 13th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
After doing a quick search, this is what I found out about Craig Jacobus:
www.nemsa.org: He was named EMT-Paramedic of the Year for 2003. And as a side note, I saw that Sue Jacobus was named EMT of the Year in 2006. I think that may be his wife, because on
www.ci.schuyler.ne.us/govCity.asp: I see that Susan Jacobus, Ward I council member, has the same e-mail address as Craig Jacobus. I don’t know if she’s currently a city council member; the site had a link to the 2006-2007 budget, so I don’t know how up-to-date the site is.
www.dhhs.ne.gov: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services lists Jacobus under its Emergency Medical Services educator’s directory, so apparently he is an instructor. Nick Lanning at Brandon City Hall also has told me that Jacobus is a teacher.
www.naemt.org: The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians Web site has a link to one of its educational programs, the Prehospital Trauma Life Support. Jacobus is, or was, on the exeuctive council of PHTLS as interim EC member/regional coordinator-Western region. Elsewhere I found that the PHTLS Region 3 includes 16 states, each of which has its own state coordinator.
www.nebraska.emis.org/mentors.htm: This site lists Jacobus as one of 19 Nebraska Medical Instructors Society mentors. I couldn’t tell how current this listing is, though.
In addition, Brandon City Hall gave me this information:
Jacobus has been a certified firefighter and certified paramedic since 1977 and has been a PHTLS national instructor since 1987. He is currently the vice chair of NAEMT-Industrial Medical Division. He has had EMT articles published and is the author and creator of the 2003 course “Anatomy & Physiology for Paramedic.”
December 13th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
Is MS starting on Dec 17th? This is what I have heard. This DR sounds very quailfied.
December 13th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
Obviously Mr. Jacobus is an EMT/Paramedic and is quite involved in that arena.
I am wondering about the “Dr.” part. I would feel much more comfortable knowing what his background in emergency medicne is. I certainly hope it is more extensive than being an EMT/Paramedic instructor/author/firefighter.
If he were part of a 2-3 person oversight committee he would be fabulous. I think it is a bit of a stretch to have a Chiroprator (?? currently licensed, see my post #59) as our solo quality assurance person
December 14th, 2007 at 7:52 am
You Med Star baashers are pretty quiet now. Can’t think of a comeback on the credentials of Mr. Jacobus?Looks like he has more background on EMS service than all of you combined. Good Luck Med Star! I know that you will do a fine job.
December 14th, 2007 at 8:28 am
Here’s my comeback anonymous:
When we had REMSA with Rural Metro we had a panel of 11 members overseeing our service. (for free) That included 6 Physicians. Now we have ONE lonely Paramedic that we are paying for and he’s from Nebraska.
December 14th, 2007 at 10:09 am
It would not matter who is on this board, you people would still have something to complain about as long as MS is involved. But the game is soon over. MS will start 12/17 and this DR has what it takes so find something else to complain about.
December 14th, 2007 at 10:56 am
Well said resident.
December 14th, 2007 at 10:58 am
ONLY 368 DAYS LEFT BEFORE MED-STAR’S CONTRACT IS DONE!!!!!
December 14th, 2007 at 11:04 am
#100…I personally am all for MedStar to run the ambulance service for Brandon. I believe they will do a fine job. I am concerned about this oversight committe of one though.
Can you (or anyone else) please verify with FACTS what kind of doctor Mr. Jacobus is and where EXACTLY he is licensed as a doctor? That info does not seem to be available anywhere. It would help ease my mind quite a bit to find this info. out.
Thanks….
December 14th, 2007 at 3:55 pm
According to his curriculum vitae:
Licensed chiropractic physician, state of Illinois, 1983.
Primary care physician, Chicago, Palos Hills, Palos Park, Illinois clinics and then director-LifeLink Medical Center, Orland Park, Ill., 1983-2000.
Flight team member, air ambulance of Florida, 1987-1993.
December 14th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
There’s a difference between a Chiropractor and a Primary care physician. A primary care physician is a medical doctor not a chiropractor. So which is he??
A Paramedic, an MD and a DC?
December 14th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
Thanks for the info Alica. Is he currently licensed as a physician anywhere now?
It appears Dr. Jacobus is a Chiropractor as well as an MD or DO. Those creditials along with his current EMT/Paramedic status help to alleviate my hesitations.
Good luck to MedStar! This is a positive step for the residents of Brandon!
December 14th, 2007 at 6:50 pm
I’ve told you all I know about his physician work. I can tell you that he’s spent practically his whole career in emergency medical training in one way or another.
December 14th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
Mr. Ruben, I have a racecar that will not meet the rules for the stock division at your track. I do not want to put more money into it so will you change your rules to match my car. I have no problem with Med-Star running his service in our community but why did we have to change the regulations to match what he has to offer. As for not being able to do national background checks, does Dr. Swango ring a bell to anyone? When the election comes, just remember with new people a new ordinance can be written and the standards can be raised. Good Luck Jay I do hope you do a good job.
December 14th, 2007 at 11:09 pm
Hey “Always Listening”, I just wanted to tell you and anyone else who has a twisted, black heart, that I will be in Church at Brandon Lutheran this Sunday at the early service. Feel free to come up and say, “Hello” if you have the courage. Otherwise, I look forward to your bashing comments to why I go to worship. Perhaps I will start Lectoring again, as has been requested by our Pastoral staff. That should get your tongues wagging. As for the QA…it sounds like we have someone that appears to be qualified and are ready to begin with MS. I hope everything turns out ok….thankfully it’s not my junk hanging out in the wind if it doesn’t. Consider that boys..or should I say, Good ole boys.
December 14th, 2007 at 11:18 pm
Still have not heard if we have a mutual aid agreement for the ambulance? did RM sign the the agreement Jay had sent? has a signed agreement been filed with the city?
many may feel this is unimportant but if you have mutiple calls after hours when only one rig is available, are we going to have backup? an accident with multiple victims, are we going to have backup? or are we going to have to wait for the one crew to get to brandon???????
December 15th, 2007 at 10:25 am
I called RM and they said no contract has been signed as of 12/15/07 1:14 pm
December 15th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
I think that if the city’s licensed provider doesn’t or can’t respond to a call the 911 center will dispatch as if there were not a city provider. In this case, that would mean paging Rural Metro because Brandon would be in R-M’s county-licensed territory but for the city ordinance.
December 16th, 2007 at 7:49 am
Gordy, how many extra minutes does that take??
If we’re going to be calling on RM anyway, why didn’t we just stay with them and keep the old, higher standard ordinance?
You hit the nail on the head when you said “because Brandon would be in in R-M’s county-licensed territory”…. Medstar can’t qualify for a county license.
We better hope Rural Metro has an available rig when we come a calling, or we won’t get an ambulance at all.
December 16th, 2007 at 6:52 pm
Citizen, you’re being just a bit dramaic….The 911 dispatch center will know almost immediately if MedStar is on another call and dispatch Rural Metro asap. We live in a highly developed communication world nowdays.
December 16th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Let us wait and see.
December 16th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
Rural Metro will be bailing us out until Medstars contract is up.
December 16th, 2007 at 10:05 pm
#114
NO MUTUAL AID CONTRACT NO CALLS. RM can;t come into city limits without a contract they are not insured nor covered to serve in the city limits with out a contract..
December 16th, 2007 at 10:38 pm
#117 Have you actually asked anyone (Rural Metro) if a signed contract is necessary?
I tend to agree with #112.
Best wishes to the MedStar team!
December 16th, 2007 at 11:30 pm
Dennis Olson, city administrator, told me that Rural Metro does not have a backup contract with Med-Star nor will it ever have such a contract. Rural Metro does not have a license to do runs in Brandon.
Only a service that has a license with the city can transport patients in Brandon.
December 17th, 2007 at 7:33 am
Did you forget that our GOB put that in our ordiance? You have to be licensed with the city of Brandon to operate in Brandon. The only way arouand this is in an emergency situation…like a catrastophy, then the county steps in and takes over. Since Brandon decided to write their own ordiance, they overrode the county…making the county ordiance in Brandon null. We pay the taxes, but no longer have the benefits it provided to us. Now we just pay and pay.
December 17th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
#120 Minnehaha county (our tax dollars) does not fund Rural Metro. RM does not cost us anything…..