Business Notebook: Saint Francis joins statewide network

Saint Francis Healthcare System has joined a statewide network of systems formed earlier this year to improve the quality and delivery of medical services.

Saint Francis became the sixth member of the network after a vote by the founding members of the Health Network of Missouri in September. The founding members include the University of Missouri Health Care in Columbia, Hannibal Regional Healthcare System, Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City, Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach and Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia.

The mission of the network, according to a news release, "is to improve access and better coordinate health care for patients in the communities served by the member hospitals."

The addition of Saint Francis will mean the network has more than 1,000 hospital beds, more than 10,700 employees and about 1,200 affiliated physicians, along with an expansion to 18 counties in Southeast Missouri to the areas served by the network.

"The Saint Francis Healthcare System's goal in joining the Health Network of Missouri is to continue to ensure our patients receive exceptional care," said Steven C. Bjelich, president and CEO of Saint Francis Healthcare System, in the release. "While remaining independent, the hospitals and health systems in this network will be in a position to drive positive change and improve health care for the patients in our communities."

Major initiatives of the network include improvement of health outcomes for patients; sharing data and best practices; improving access to care; coordination of patient care among various providers; and lowering health care costs and creating efficiencies to benefit patients and communities.

The CEO and a member of the board of directors from each member system are serving as the voting members of the network.

Skyview Animal Clinic breaks ground on new building

After nearly 40 years at 883 S. Kingshighway, the veterinary team at Skyview Animal Clinic in Cape Girardeau is looking forward to a move. The clinic broke ground Oct. 3 for a new building on Megan Drive just off North Kingshighway near Cape County Park South. Dr. Sean Byrd said its current building is too small and is having trouble suiting the needs of the clinic.

The new building will offer more exam rooms, be more cat-friendly with better-separated areas between cats and dogs and more client-friendly overall, Byrd said. The veterinary team plans to move in by the end of April, and in the meantime will stay open in its current location.

Wings Etc. opens new location

Wings Etc. Grill and Pub, a full-service restaurant and sports bar featuring wings, ribs, burgers, subs, salads and more, opened a Cape Girardeau location Sept. 30. It is the second area store for the franchise, which opened a first in Jackson in January 2013.

Franchise owner Joe Hobbs said in a news release he hopes to build on the success of the Jackson location with the newest opening at 3047 William St. in Cape Girardeau.

"It was a no-brainer," Hobbs said in the release. "The food and atmosphere have been well-received in Jackson, and we're excited to bring that to the people of Cape Girardeau."

Program needs volunteer tax preparers

The AARP is looking for volunteers to prepare taxes during the coming tax season for people who qualify for assistance in a program sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service.

Two programs, Tax Counseling for the Elderly and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, provide free face-to-face tax preparation and electronic filing for qualified taxpayers, according to a news release.

Volunteers need to have basic computer skills and complete an e-learning course, and are asked to participate at least four hours per week. For more information, contact Wendell Wyatt with AARP-MO at 339-7216 or wyattw@sbcglobal.net.

New party bus service making rounds

The recently opened BLAST! Event and Party Bus is offering designated-driving outings for birthdays, pre-wedding parties and other events, along with winery trips in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois and trips to popular family destinations like the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum in St. Louis.

The service, operated by Ashley Hahs, offers several themed party packages for various size and age groups that can include karaoke, dance lights, cake and other extras.

More information is available by calling 450-6790 or going online to blastpartybus.com.

Scott City fuel center hosts Staxx Diner

Staxx Diner opened over the summer in the Rhodes 101 Travel Center at Interstate 55 and Nash Road in Scott City.

The restaurant's owner is Nick Dajani. Huddle House formerly was in the location. The restaurant serves breakfast all day, in addition to lunch and dinner.

Business licenses filed

* Kadiem Entertainment, 1301 N. Kingshighway, Suite E, is owned by Kevin Moody. The business offers out-call promotions, marketing, advertising and appointment setting. No opening date was listed.