In February 1952 the Newton General Hospital Authority was established to meet the health care needs of Newton County.

They did their job well because in October of 1954, 55 years ago today, Newton General Hospital opened.

Over these past 55 years, the hospital has grown from a 36-bed facility to a state-of-the-art health care center with rooms for 90 patients. It also boasts a modern birth center and surgical center.

During those years thousands of local families have visited the hospital to have a myriad of medical procedures performed.

Today the hospital is called Newton Medical Center and we are fortunate to have such a facility in our community. Not only is it a place where ailments are cured and lives are saved, but also it is one of our area’s largest employers.

We salute the administration, doctors, nurses and other employees of Newton Medical Center; we are grateful for everything you do for all of us.

Today there is a golf tournament being held at the Oaks Golf Course located on Crowell Road. The tournament is hosted by the Hospital Auxiliary — a group of volunteers who have raised millions of dollars to purchase the best modern equipment for the hospital.

It’s not too late for you to head out and sign up for this fun and worthwhile tournament.

The tournament begins at noon with registration beginning at 10 a.m. Your $125 entry fee includes lunch, beverages, green fees, carts, a vendor fair and prizes.

The money raised today will help support the hospital’s new level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Happy 55th birthday Newton Medical — we count on your continued growth and excellence of care.