The Marion Star from Marion, Ohio • 5

THKRl2jisa Star THURSDAY, February 13, 1997 EnGDQSSlISQDDDnCID 5A Page Briefs OBWC to begin out-sourcing its claims Workers' compensation cases will be handled by private companies By KURT MOORE Staff Writer they know what to expect. HealthFirst and other organizations will follow the claim until the worker is back at work. They will check the billing to make sure medical services were related to the 00 Good healHH management does not take a cookie cutter approach." James M. Speros HealthFirst Marion's HealthFirst will be handling both short and long-term claims, HealthFirst Director of Government Programs James M. Speros said.

With minor injury claims that do not require a significant time off work, the organization will make sure the worker gets the short-term health care they need. If it is more serious and requires seven or more days off work, it will use more intensive management technologies. "Good health-care management does not take a cookie cutter approach," he said, explaining that claims will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Managed care organizations will be comparing treatment plans from a treating physician in lost-time cases to national standards and clinical practice averages of the community, according to Speros. Any questions about the plan will be discussed between the organization's medical director and the treating physician, and the organization will make sure the employee and employer know what the treatment plan is so return to work sooner, saving companies money on lost-time claims.

According to his estimates, the bureau processed $1.1 billion in lost-time claims in 1995 and $620 million in medical claims. He said that having lower long-term health care costs may reduce workers' compensation costs for businesses by 15-30 percent. Companies may notify the bureau of their choice this week, or have the choice made by the bureau. Every year an open enrollment period will be held where companies can change their managed care organization if they want. This change in operations is a first, both Samuel and Speros said.

"Ohio is truly on the cutting edge of this technology of managed care," Speros said. He said this is not done anywhere in the industrialized nations. Any kind of change tends to make some people uncomfortable, Speros said. There will be a period of adjustment as the new system goes into effect, but he said that overall he sees it as a positive change. Hoping to revamp how it does business, the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation is out-sourcing its medical-management responsibilities to private managed care organizations.

The switch in operations, which is a first in the country, is expected to benefit both workers and employers, OBWC spokesman Jim Samuel said. Though businesses have until Saturday to select an MCO, the bureau will make the selection if it is not made this week. "Ohio's being looked at as a nationwide leader in this. A lot of states are watching us and we're poised to be the leader," Samuel said. diagnosis and were necessary, and that billings were properly made.

This will benefit the workers because they will get quicker and higher-quality health care through a managed care organization, Samuel said. The employers will save money because workers getting better care may be able to such as charge against blind man dropped men. Friedlander was struck and cited while walking from his downtown group home to catch a bus to his book bindery job in the suburb of North College Hill. He pleaded innocent Tuesday and a trial date was set for March 5. His attorney, Doug May, said Friedlander was relieved that the charge was dropped.

"I think he's looking forward to getting back to his routine," May said. "He's been working at the bindery for years. It keeps him active and keeps his life interests ing." Overhaul requested COLUMBUS Lawyers, dentists, priests and Ohioans over the age of 70 are among those who would lose their exemptions from jury duty under an overhaul of the jury system Chief Justice Thomas Moyer requested Wednesday. "Juries are the essence of democracy in our' courtrooms," Moyer told a joint session of the Legislature in his annual "state of the judiciary" speech. It was the second he has delivered before the Legislature.

He usually gives the speech in other venues, before lawyers' groups and others. Moyer said two-thirds of the states already have eliminated occupational and age exemptions. Warning that low payments to jury members in state courts were a hardship on some potential jurors, he asked legislators to raise the ceiling from $15 a day to bring it in line with the $40 a day jurors get in federal court. Apart from recommending changes to the state's jury system, Moyer broke little new ground. Instead, he focused on areas where the courts and the Legislature have worked together in the past.

He did not mention the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state's system of financing public education. The Ohio Supreme Court is expected to issue a decision soon. Java prices jacked TOLEDO So, what are you willing to pay for a cup of coffee? "Name the price, said Sandy Roberts, a secretary as she ate lunch Wednesday in Sufficient Grounds, a trendy downtown coffee bar. Ms. Roberts, 27, of Toledo, has heard the rumors that coffee prices might be going up.

Shell pay whatever it takes. Coffee prices in futures markets are at nearly two-year highs because of an expected small harvest in Brazil, fears that a strike will choke off exports from Colombia, and generally tight supplies. Folgers, a division of Procter Gamble, announced Tuesday it would raise the price of its 13-ounce canned coffee 7 percent next month. Other coffee companies are expected to follow. While coffee lovers are bracing for higher prices, few said they would be willing to give up or cut back on their daily dose of caffeine.

Ken Black, 44, of suburban Sylvania Township, is an avowed "coffee nut" who drinks five cups a day. One exception: Kathy Conners, 31, of Toledo, a teacher and mother of two. 1 She said she might stop buying I coffee if the price skyrockets. She drinks one to two cups a day. From Wire Reports To Be Exact A story in Monday's paper incorrectly reported there are two Revco stores in Marion.

There are three stores, two on Delaware Avenue and one on Mount Vernon Avenue. None of the stores are expected to be affected by CVS purchase of the Revco chain. The Marion Star regrets the error. PROFESSIONAL Income Tax Preparation 125 Executive 11 N. Franklin St Suite 101 a rxi Marion, OH 43302 614-387-3788 614-943-3483 Federal -State -City ELECTRONIC FILING HSFi Ikiter Ingredients.

Better Pizza. IM.UmHnllU'flKTyAni wHr-liirktniinor I I. Boiler lngnilients. Coupon Nniwral) I I One Large Works I One Large Two Toppings MM Jan. 22.

They said he crossed a street improperly because he was not in a crosswalk. The driver of the pickup was not cited. "It was a shame that the officer was portrayed as the Grinch who stole Christmas," Rubenstein said. "The officer did his job, and you can't fault him for that." He said the decision to drop the charge was made after talking to the officer Wednesday morning. "The officer has his job to do, and he did it; we have our job to do, which is not exactly the same thing," Rubenstein said.

"To seek justice, it was not necessary to prosecute this gentle member of Eagles Lodge 337 and Elks Lodge 889, both Marion. He is survived by three sons, Charles A. Hopkins, Belleville, Patrick A Hopkins, Claridon, and Theodore F. Hopkins, Caledonia; a stepson, John McCoy, Florida; two daughters, Linda Sue Hopkins, Marion, and Jean Ann Hopkins, Clairdon; a stepdaughter, Rose Fremont, McComb; and 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters.

The funeral is 2 p.m. Friday at Boyd Funeral Home, Marion, with the Rev. C.L. Fuqua officiating. Burial is in Chapel Heights Memory Gardens.

Friends may call 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Mary A. Malley GALION Funeral arrangements are pending with Mark A. Schneider Funeral Home for Mary A.

Malley, 82, former Galion resident for 38 years. She died Jan. 27 in Florida. Daniel J. Nelson MOUNT GILEAD Daniel J.

Nelson, 34, Mount Gilead, died Tuesday at his home. Born June 18, 1962, in Alexandria, he was the son of Jack L. and Barbara A. (Feichtner) Nelson, who survive in Iberia. He married Jolene Doubikin and she also survives.

A 1980 graduate of Northmor High School, he had resided in the Iberia area since 1967. He served in the U.S. Navy as a boiler technician. He has worked for Cosmos Plastics the past five years. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Galion.

He is also survived by a son, Jordan L. Nelson, at home; a ing hour 5-8 p.m. tonight at the funeral home, Forrest R. Hlpsher celebration life, 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Schoedinger Worthington Chapel, 6699 N.

High where the family will welcome friends and neighbors following the service, contributions to Hospice at RiversideGrant, 3595 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43214 or the American Cancer P.O. Box 16308, Columbus, Ohio 43216. purpose in continuing with the prosecution at this point," said Charlie Rubenstein, chief deputy prosecutor. Rubenstein said the decision had very little to do with last week's prosecution of Sylvia Stayton, who was found guilty of obstructing official business. only thing that entered into it from the Sylvia Stayton case was, perhaps, the media's interest in it," Rubenstein said.

"There are often situations where facts not at the disposal of the officer come to the attention of the prosecutor's office." Police ticketed Friedlander on Obituaries Lucile E. Bumgarner COLUMBUS Lucile Ethel Bumgarner, 85, formerly of Marion, died Tuesday at Mayfair Village. Born Dec. 11, 1911, in Union County, she was the daughter of the late John and Emma (Cassiday) Reed. On June 25, 1930, in Covington, she married Raymond A.

Bumgarner. He died Dec. 31, 1992. She was retired from Quaker Oats, Marion, and a member of Northwest United Methodist Church, Order of the Eastern Star 299, Fort Myers, and VFW Auxiliary 3320, Marysville. She is survived by two sons, Samuel R.

Bumgarner, Dublin, and William B. Bumgarner, Marysville; and eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister, Helen Kirby; and a brother, Harold Reed. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at Ballinger Funeral Home, Richwood, with the Rev.

John Hickman officiating. Burial is in Claibourne Cemetery. Friends may call 4-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthur G.

James Cancer Hospital and Institute at Ohio State University. Cards are available at the funeral home. Charles A. Hopkins MANSFIELD Charles A. Hopkins, 71, Winchester Terrace Nursing Home, died Tuesday at the residence.

Born Sept. 18, 1925, in Marion, he was the son of the late Charles and Clara (Smith) Hopkins. He married Edna Marie Pertican in 1961, in Marion. She died Oct. 17, 1989, in Marion.

He retired after 37 years as maintenance man with the former Marion Power Shovel Co. He was a Funerals Virgil H. Carr private graveside Friday, Nevada Cemetery, no calling hours will be observed, Lucas Funeral Home is handling arrangements, contributions to the Oncology Department at Marion General Hospital or the Quality of Life Hospice at MGH, both in care Lucas Funeral Homes, P.O. Box 98, Nevada, Ohio 44849. Betty B.

Beard 1 p.m. Friday, DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home, Marengo, Marengo Cemetery, call Managed care organizations Jaywalking CINCINNATI (AP) Prosecutors say it was a matter of judicial discretion, not possible ridicule, that led them to drop a jaywalking charge against a blind man who was struck by a pickup truck. A week ago, the city won a conviction against a 63-year-old woman who put money in parking meters so strangers wouldn't get overtime parking tickets. On Wednesday, the city decided not to prosecute Jeff Friedlander, 48. "While this person technically was in violation, there just was no Hi 150 Court St.

Marion, 43302 (614) 387-0400 Fax (614) 382-2210 Newsroom Fax (614) 387-8255 Business hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday Vol.120 Issue 129 News Tips 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Laura Ustaszewski ext. 1 46 John Jarvis ext.

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to 7 p.m. weekdays 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays Main number 387-552? Distribution Manager Brian Barker ext.

109 Customer Service Manager Wendy Vansickle ext. 112 If your weekday newspaper does not arrive by 5:30 p.m., call circulation at 387-5529 by 7 p.m. to receive prompt attention. On the weekend, if your paper does not arrive by 8:30 a.m., call by noon on Saturdays or 1 p.m. on Sundays The Marion Star (USPS No.

329900) is print ed daily at the News Journal, 70 W. Fourth Mansfield, Ohio 44903. Telephone (614) 387-0400. Second-class postage paid at Mansfield, Ohio. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Marion Star, 150 Court Marion, OH 43302.

Home delivery is $2.40 per week by toot courier. Motor route delivery is $2.45. Mail delivery to post office addresses in Marion County and contiguous counties is $135.20 per year. Mail delivery is not available in area served by our carriers. Yearly Sunday-only mail subscription is $83.72.

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The Marion Star observes 6 legal holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. On these days, Star offices will observe holiday hours. Holiday schedules will be posted in The Marion Star. of JEFF FRIEDLANDER Wagner, 53, Park Avenue West, died Tuesday at Mount Carmel East, Columbus. Born Jan.

25, 1944, in Mount Gilead, he was the son of the late William Richard and Ruth Nesbitt Wagner. On Jan. 6, 1979, he married Jody L. Nelson and she survives. A 1962 graduate of Mount Gilead High School, he attended Bowling Green State University.

He served in the Ohio National Guard six years, operated Wagner Brothers Appliances and TV, served as Vice President of MGI until 1984 and has been co-owner and vice president of Star Tec Inc. Satellite Systems Inc. since 1985. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, former member of Mount Gilead Jaycees, Morrow County Republican Centra Committee and was active in the sidewalk sales. He is survived by three daughters, Mrs.

Paul (Stefanie) Daily, Marion, Mrs. Mike (Nikki) Blanton, Edison, and Hallie R. Wagner, Bowling Green; a brother, Robert Wagner, Bryan; and two grandsons. The funeral is 1 p.m. Friday at Snyder Funeral Home with the Rev.

Okie Evans officiating. Burial is in Rivercliff Cemetery. Friends may call 7-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. As Jody is extremely allergic, she would appreciate it if friends calling would refrain from the use of perfumes or colognes.

Memorial contributions may be made to Morrow County Humane Society. 1040 O1hrwiS0. I pleas print or type -Jf President)? Eloctlnar 17' IT'S it i 'Pi'- OUiySTAY IN! Order A Piping Hot Papa John's Pizza! Delivered Right To Your Door! Marion 254 E. Center Street 387-9966 Human U.S. Individ' 1 For the yaw Jar JT I Label ralructoos I I 1 daughter, Erin M.

Nelson, at home; a brother, Mark C. Nelson, Portsmouth, a sister, Lori Ferrell, Canal Fulton; and a grandmother, Viola Feichtner, Bucyrus. Family graveside services will be held in Iberia Cemetery with Russell Howard officiating. Calling hours will not be observed. Snyder Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to his family for an education fund for his children. Bonita E. Sipes GALION Bonita E. "Bonnie" Sipes, 82, 1249 McClure died Tuesday at Fairview Manor, Bucyrus. Born Feb.

10, 1915, in Cardington, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Mae (Scribner) Price. On Oct. 17, 1931, she married Maurice M. Sipes. He died Dec.

31, 1991. She had held numerous jobs throughout her life including working at Weaver's IGA, Charlies Market, Holt's Restaurant, Deano's Restaurant and Tony's Pastry Shop. She also worked as custodian at Iberia Elementary School and Society Bank. She is survived by two sons, W. Jim Sipes, Centerburg, and Mike M.

Sipes, Galion; two daughters, Mrs. Bill (Evelyn) Cook and Mrs. Jim (Jackie) Quaintance, both Galion; a sister, Mrs. Dean (Betty) English, Galion; and 17 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Bernie and Mike Price; and a sister, Reva Keller.

The funeral is 10:30 a.m. Friday at Richardson-Davis Funeral Home with the Rev. Louis C. Boston officiating. Burial is in Iberia Cemetery, Iberia.

Friends may call 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. today. Memorial contributions may be made to Crawford County Hospice, P.O. Box 351, Bucyrus, Ohio 44820. John H.

Wagner MOUNT GILEAD John H. Caribbean FEATURING: SAVINGS UP TO 50 Pail lAILQES Travel Marion (614)389-6385 Bucyrus: (419)562-0048 1-800-878-6337 Kingston Assisted Livins RESIDENCE Senior Apartmmts with i i xt Personal Care A variable of MARION 464 James Way, Marion Ohio Call 3 89-23 11 for a Tour or Information Formerly "The Meadows" a part of Marion since 987..