ONTONAGON, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Wednesday evening, the public was invited to hear from the newly created Ontonagon Health Care Committee about their plans for a new hospital. The committee, in conjunction with Ontonagon Twp., plans to build the new facility within the now-closed Maple Manor Nursing Center in Ontonagon, which was purchased and then donated to the committee by local contractor Norm Pestka.
“My goal and my purpose was to start a task force. There are four of us. You heard that, to try to bring something back to this community for our future,” said Pestka.
Over the last few months, the group has explored the feasibility of bringing emergency care back to Ontonagon and has a plan that meets the specific needs of the community. They plan to build a five-bed emergency room as well as a 36-bed assisted living facility on the site. State Representative Greg Markkanen said transparency is vital to the success of the plan
“This meeting tonight was really to get the community on the same page, dispel the rumors, and give people information on what’s happening, how it’s happening, who’s involved, and what direction we are going,” said Markkanen.
The next step is to acquire a certificate of need from the state and develop a partnership with an area hospital or healthcare company. The committee is also seeking funding, through state and federal grant programs, including a designation of “Rural Health Clinic” status. Although no timeline has been established. Officials are hopeful they can open sometime in 2027.
