BAKER CITY — J. Phil Harrop has been named permanent president of St. Alphonsus Medical Center—Baker City.

Harrop has served as interim president of for the hospital in Baker City since Jan. 9.

Harrop has been with the St. Alphonsus Health System since 2012, when was hired as executive director of operations for the system’s Nampa, Idaho, facilities and provided leadership for system-wide cancer care and breast care service lines.

He also served as interim CEO for Walter Knox Memorial Hospital in Emmett, Idaho, as executive director of John Stoddard Cancer Center in Des Moines, Iowa, and as director of Indiana University Health Goshen Center for Cancer Care.

Harrop serves on the boards of the Nampa Chamber of Commerce, the Idaho Healthcare Executive Forum, and the University District Association of Nampa. He was elected Idaho Regent for the American College of Healthcare Executives in 2015.

Harrop earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Brigham Young University and four advanced degrees from The Ohio State University, including an MBA, Master of Health Administration, MS in public health, and a doctorate in health services management and policy.

Farm Service Agency offers guaranteed loans

The Farm Service Agency Guaranteed Loan program allow lenders to provide agricultural credit to farmers who do not meet the lender’s normal underwriting criteria. Farmers and ranchers apply for a guaranteed loan through a lender, and the lender arranges for the guarantee. FSA can guarantee up to 95 percent of the loss of principal and interest on a loan.

Guaranteed loans can be used for both farm ownership and operating purposes. Farm ownership loans can be used to purchase farmland, construct or repair buildings, develop farmland to promote soil and water conservation or to refinance debt. Operating loans can be used to purchase livestock, farm equipment, feed, seed, fuel, farm chemicals, insurance and cover other operating expenses.

FSA can guarantee farm ownership and operating loans up to $1,399,000. Repayment terms vary depending on the type of loan, collateral and the producer’s ability to repay the loan. Operating loans are normally repaid within seven years and farm ownership loans are not to exceed 40 years.

Producers should contact their lender or local FSA farm loan office for more information on guaranteed loans.

La Grande’s Best Western Plus Rama Inn & Suites honored

The La Grande Best Western Plus Rama Inn & Suites, located at 1711 21st St., has received the Best Western Director’s Award for outstanding quality standards. The Director’s Award recognizes Best Western hotels scoring in the top 20 percent of more than 2,100 North American properties in cleanliness and maintenance. Hotels must also meet Best Western’s requirements for design and high customer service scores to qualify for the distinction.

“The Director’s Award is an important symbol of success,” says Regional Manager Krystie Davidson. “This award confirms the Rama Inn & Suites’ commitment to providing quality accommodations for our guests. Our housekeeping and maintenance departments have worked hard to achieve this level of excellence.”