Shady Rest Home Committee to Meet in August

Marshall County Commissioner Kurt Garner updated the county council on the formation of the Shady Rest Committee. Nine members will serve on the committee that will help decide what uses the building can support

The nine members include County Council President Judy Stone, Commissioner Kurt Garner, Plymouth City Council member Bill Walters, Veteran’s Service Officer Pam Betz, Ward Byers from Marshall County Community Corrections, Clerk Deb Vandemark, Dustin Schafer from the Neighborhood Center, and community members Dennis Beville and Scott Olds.

The Shady Rest Home is going back into the county’s hands by Aug. 1. The Bowen Center decided to cease operations at the facility due to a change in state standards that didn’t fit with the type of regulations put forth by the organization. They were moving all patients to other facilities, the community, with family members, or other nursing homes.

Garner told the county council that the insurance company is getting some estimates for when the transaction is complete.

The Bowen Center took over Shady Rest in 2001 where the staff gave care and housing to adults suffering with mental incapacities. The company made nearly $1 million in improvements and repairs to the building including improvements to heating and boilers, air conditioners, a sprinkler system and the renovation of rest rooms. Around 200 patients sought care at Shady Rest.

The commissioners are hoping that a non-profit agency can occupy the building.