CENTERBURG — Though the skies were gray, many gathered inside the well-lit, newly constructed Knox Community Hospital Centerburg Health & Wellness Center on Friday afternoon for its ribbon cutting ceremony.
“It’s a great time to celebrate this,” said Knox County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Carol Grubaugh. “This is not only exciting for the village, but for our community.”
Grubaugh’s message was shared with elected officials from the county, village and Hilliar Township, all of whom were present at the $9 million, 17,000-square-foot health care facility that includes primary and specialty care and a variety of outpatient medical services.
“It’s been a long time coming,” KCH CEO Bruce White said. “(The vision was) making a legacy for the future, particularly in healthcare for our community and generations to come.
“I found people in the village, in the township and the county who all shared that vision for us — and because of that shared vision, you see the building you’re standing in today.”
When the land deal closed in May 2020 and with construction beginning in December 2021, Centerburg Mayor Greg Sands said he got to see the building’s progress every day.
“To see the finished product is beyond my belief,” Sands said. “The challenge we now have as a community is to support them.
“I understand we have 120 members already signed up and I’m thrilled about that, but I’m also very thrilled about the fact that we have so many people that are familiar faces to meet here today. We just ask for your continued support.”
County Commissioner Bill Pursel spoke about the geographical importance of the facility, noting it’s a new gateway into Centerburg and Knox County.
“We hope they come to visit Knox County not to come in for medical care,” Pursel said with laughter filling the room. “But if they need it, it’s here.”
