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•The board was informed of plans for a community celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 6, to commemorate the hospital's 50th anniversary. Tours on that day will include a history display; viewing of the specialty clinic, x-ray area, obstetrics suites, and chapel; live music; food; and children's activities.

•The board approved its June financial statements, which included a profit of $82,583 for the month, more than the budgeted profit of $54,704. Kirk Johnson, chief financial officer, reported that outpatient revenue led June revenue, but there was a higher mix of Medicare patients, which includes higher discounts, so net revenue was not as high as it could have been.

So far, in nine months of its fiscal year, the district had surpassed its budgeted $812,393 with profits of $902,507.

•The board learned that offers were extended to two family practice physicians who have shown interest in working for the Paynesville Area Health Care System. One currently practices in the area, while the other is practicing currently in South Dakota.

•The board was informed that board elections will take place with general elections on Tuesday, Nov. 7, and that candidates must file between Tuesday, Aug. 29, and Tuesday, Sept. 12.

•The board approved a $6,000 employee loan for Lora Eisenschenk, who is working toward her registered nurse degree at Ridgewater College in Willmar and will continue working full time while going to school.

•The board learned that the construction of a meditation area in the hospital is nearing completion, with only carpet and furnishings remaining to be finished.

•The board was informed that 43 or 44 parking spaces were added to the Paynesville facility when an additional area was blacktopped. •The board learned that Pat Solum, the hospital's laboratory director for nearly 35 years, retired at the end of last week.

•The board approved a small change in the medical staff bylaws, allowing 50 percent of voting members of a committee to be recognized as a quorum at a meeting. Previously, 50 percent, but not less than two members, were required. It was clarified that small committee business is always in the form of recommendations to the larger board and, therefore, more initial opinions are not always necessary.