By Heather McDonald

Portage County officials are looking for ideas from the public on a possible joint venture in order to keep the county’s Health Care Center (HCC) up and running.

Requests for Partnership (RFP) went out Tuesday, Oct. 17, to community, area, state and other public and private vendors, asking for proposals to work together for the skilled nursing needs county residents have.

Those interested will be able to attend a proposer conference, a meeting that will answer questions and provide tours of the facility, on Oct. 24 and 26. Each day will have identical agendas.

Proposals are due back to the county by Nov. 14.

“I feel good about it,” County Executive Patty Dreier told the Gazette. “It’s been a really long road, and you try everything you can, and under the Mega rule (new skilled nursing care requirements) and you name it, there’s so many facets to it.

“Getting something like this framed out, there’s hope of sustainability in future partnerships,” she said.

To read the rest of the story, pick up a copy of the Portage County Gazette at one of the many newsstands in the area, including gas stations and grocery stores. Or subscribe at shopmmclocal.com/product/portage-county-gazette/ to have weekly copies delivered by mail.

For more information or to subscribe over the phone, call 715-343-8045.