The Winslow City Council held its regular meeting last week, which included a presentation from Little Colorado Medical Center (LCMC) CEO Travis Udall. “We are in the process of purchasing a new MRI for the hospital. We’re going to be taking this to the board for approval in the next couple months, but we feel it’s something that this area will greatly benefit from,” he said. This acquisition is expected to enhance diagnostic capabilities and improve patient care. Currently, residents have to drive at least 60 miles to Flagstaff to receive an MRI.

Udall also announced the initiation of a new dialysis program to meet the growing needs of the community. He shared exciting news about a telestroke partnership with the Mayo Clinic. “With this partnership with the Mayo Clinic, we get a direct line to one of the top cardiologists 24/7. They can assist with the decision making that will take place in a very, very timely manner, which leads to higher success rates in dealing with the stroke,” he explained. This program aims to provide immediate access to specialized stroke care something that would likely require a 400-mile round trip journey to Phoenix to receive.

Addressing the performance of the Emergency Department (ED), Udall shared optimistic news about reducing wait times. “The average wait time is about 100 to 135 minutes. And I feel that we can get that under two hours. We need to get it to an hour. And that’s our goal right now,” he affirmed. Udall also highlighted the high volume of deliveries at the hospital, stating, “We have delivered over 150 babies this year, and so with more to come.”

Udall noted that LCMC conducted a survey during the Navajo County Fair and found that community feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with residents commending the hospital’s responsiveness and compassionate care. He noted that one resident shared, “They really kept us calm, kept my mom relaxed. And we were in and out in probably 45 minutes.”

Following the hospital report, representatives from the Clear Creek Cowboys Association took the stage to showcase their ongoing contributions to Winslow’s community life. Tim Kelley, Teresa Pacheco, Enrique Pacheco, and Tammy Gray expressed heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support from local sponsors and the community. “We just wanna say thank you. We want to say thank you,” Kelley began, acknowledging the vital role of sponsors such as Lovett Insurance, Jim Gray’s Rock Shop in Holbrook and the Take It Easy Store in sustaining the association’s activities.

The association highlighted their active participation in local events, including the Navajo County Fair and upcoming festivities like the Just Cruis’n Car Show and InkFest. This dedication to being involved in community events and supporting the community is at the core of this group’s mission.

Looking ahead, the Clear Creek Cowboys Association is actively seeking additional sponsors and members to support their expanding events and initiatives. “We’re always looking for more sponsors and members. A lot of members,” Kelley mentioned, highlighting the ongoing need for community involvement to sustain and grow their positive influence. The association also encouraged collaboration with county boards and local businesses to secure further funding and support for future events.

In other business, the council:

* Approved two cooperative purchasing agreements with Axon Enterprise, Inc. to be able to purchase library furniture and police radios at discounted rates.

* Approved an agreement with Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona for dedication of vacant in the 500 block of West Second Street for a Route 66 monument.

* Approved a foreclosure of a building deemed by the city to be dangerous, located at 104 W. First St.

* Approved the adoption of the 2024 Navajo County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update.

* Approved an amendment to city code to require mobile food vendors be compliant with business licensing, building codes and health and sanitation codes.

* Approved a utility easement with Arizona Public Service for the new library.

The next meeting of the Winslow City Council will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, in the meeting room located at 523 West Second St.