Rooks County Health Center issue overwhelmingly passes voters

The voters in the Rooks County Health Center hospital district overwhelmingly gave their approval for the hospital board to begin construction of a new $15.2 million facility at the polls on August 22, 2006.  With 1,362 votes (81%) in favor, and 328 votes (19%) against the new facility, the board essentially received the go-ahead to start construction before October 1, 2006.

The new facility will be located on the north side of Plainville along U.S. Highway 183, and would essentially double the amount of space that is available in the current facility.  With increased square footage, the hospital will be able offer additional services such as cardiac rehabilitation, cancer treatments, and telemedicine, to name a just a few.

Each of the townships in the voting district voted in favor of the new hospital except for Stockton Township #3-1 (12-12), Hobart (6-7), and Rush (3-5).  The voter turnout for the election was very high for a special election with 48.8% of eligible registered voters turning out.  The two Plainville townships and Fairview Township all registered over 50% turnout.