“Overlooked Orleans” – Vol. 4, No. 13

“I am waiting for my wife to grow up.” – Grover Cleveland

As a young bachelor in Buffalo, Cleveland was said to have muttered these very words to his sisters who frequently asked him about his intentions to marry. His statement, although witty, held a certain degree of truth and it is with that truth that the story of Frances Folsom is told.

In 1996 an historic roadside marker was installed at the corner of Main and Eagle Streets in Medina, denoting the structure that Folsom called home for a brief moment in her life during the 1870s. The marker reads:

“Frances Folsom lived here in the mid-1870s with her grandmother and attended Medina High School. In 1886 at age 21 she wed Pres. Grover Cleveland.”

The daughter of Oscar and Emma Harmon Folsom, Frances was born July 21, 1864 at Buffalo, New York where her father practiced law with Grover Cleveland in a firm known as Lanning, Cleveland and Folsom. Folsom and Cleveland became close friends after a failed run for the office of Erie County District Attorney left Cleveland with a sense of defeat. It was said that Cleveland doted on the young girl, purchasing the first baby carriage for Frances.

On July 23, 1875, Oscar Folsom was tragically killed when he was thrown from his carriage in Buffalo’s Black Rock district. Cleveland was made administrator of Folsom’s will, but sources vary on whether Cleveland was, in fact, made the legal guardian of Frances. Oscar’s widow and eleven-year-old daughter relocated to Medina to live with Ruth Harmon, the grandmother of Frances, while Cleveland settled the estate. During the approximately three years that she lived in Medina, “Frankie” as she was later known (a nickname much to her disliking), became a popular pupil among fellow students and teachers at the Medina high school. It was after Cleveland finalized his business partner’s estate that Emma and Frances returned to Buffalo.

Frances continued her studies at Central High School in Buffalo and eventually entered the sophomore class at Wells College where she was attending when Cleveland was inaugurated for his first term. Despite her best efforts to attend the prestigious event, she was not permitted to miss classes.

After her graduation in 1885, Frances was whisked off to Europe by her mother at the urging of Cleveland so that she could experience the culture of the old world. At this time it was suspected by the public that Emma was visiting Europe to purchase her wedding dress under the assumption that Cleveland was courting the elder Folsom. Upon their return to New York on May 27, 1886, an announcement was made the following day noting Cleveland’s engagement to Frances and not Emma as previously thought.

On June 2, 1886 Grover and Frances were wed in the Blue Room, the stately parlor on the first floor of the White House, becoming the only couple to celebrate their wedding in the executive mansion. Frances became an instant celebrity, the press following her every move. As a fashionable young woman, she frequently wore gowns that were edgy for the time.

Photo by Tom Rivers: There is a historic marker for Frances Folsom at the corner of Main and Eagle streets in Medina, near Hartway Motors.

The Women’s Christian Temperance Union was floored by her frequent wearing of gowns that revealed bare shoulders, claiming it negatively influenced young women. She quickly became a marketing tool for companies that used her likeness to sell goods. Others marketed goods on claims that she either purchased or used the goods herself, suggesting that Mrs. Cleveland was endorsing the products. Harper’s Magazine went as far as to feature her as a frequent cover subject, which undoubtedly assisted the periodical with the sale of issues.

While companies benefited from the marketability of the President’s wife, one Democratic Congressman attempted to pass a bill that would stop the widespread use of any woman’s image for commercial purposes without her written permission. Although the piece of legislation did not specifically address her by name, the bill was clearly aimed at alleviating the external pressures felt by the Clevelands at the hands of the corporate world. Suffering a heart attack at the age of 71, Grover Cleveland passed away on June 24, 1908; his widow 27 years younger than he, remained at Princeton, New Jersey where she would remarry to Thomas Preston nearly five years later. She died in her sleep on October 29, 1947 and was laid to rest next to her first husband in Princeton Cemetery.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Some snowdrop flowers by the towpath along the Erie Canal were spotted today around 6 p.m. just east of the Ingersoll Street bridge in Albion.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a high wind warning from 5 p.m. Saturday until 8 a.m. Sunday for Orleans and several other WNY counties, including Niagara, Monroe, Wayne, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming and Chautauqua.

The high winds will be mainly between the Thruway and lakeshore along Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, with the winds the strongest overnight, the Weather Service said.

There will be southwest winds from 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 60 mph. The winds could bring down trees and power lines, resulting in scattered power outages. Homeowners are urged to secure loose objects.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Joseph Brueckner, front, and Will Roush carry the cross along the sidewalk in front of City Hall during the annual “Cross Walk” by the Medina Area Association of Churches and the Medina Clergy Fellowship. The two boys attend the United Methodist Church in Medina.

The churches have been doing the annual “Pilgrimage to Golgotha” for at least two decades on Good Friday. They go to eight stops in the village, reading scripture and singing hymns.

Michael Stephenson (left), pastor of the First Baptist Church in Medina, gives an opening prayer for the group of about 30 people, who gathered with temperatures in the 30s.

Joseph Bruckner carries the cross next to Tony Hipes, pastor of the United Methodist Church. For the second year in a row, Neil Samborski dressed as a centurion.

The group stops at Rotary Park to read scripture, John 18:15-27, and sing a hymn, “Beneath the Cross of Jesus.”

Paul Wengrzycki, a member of the First Baptist Church in Medina, is in front carrying the cross down East Center Street as the group heads to the Canal Basin.

There will be a Good Friday service 6 p.m. today at Alabama Full Gospel and at 8 p.m. at the United Methodist Church.

There will be a sunrise worship service on Easter at 6:30 a.m. at Boxwood Cemetery.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature passed a formal resolution on Wednesday asking the State Legislature and Gov. Andrew Cuomo to approve funds to hire a school resource officer for every elementary and secondary school in the state.

“This would protect our most vital resource: our children,” said County Legislator Don Allport, R-Gaines.

The county’s resolution follows a push by the New York State Sheriffs’ Association to have a school resource officer in every school in the state. State Assemblyman Steve Hawley also supports the measure.

“We are, unfortunately, in an era where children in schools have too often become a target for evil persons wishing to cause mayhem and terror,” according to the County Legislature’s resolution. “Among the things that can be done quickly to increase the safety of our children and their schools is to provide an armed police presence in the schools.”

Hawley has urged Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie for $50,000 in state funding for each school in the state to hire an armed school resource officer.

There are about 4,750 public schools and nearly 2,000 private schools educating students in grades K through 12 in the state, according to the Sheriffs’ Association.

If the state approves the measure, it would cost $237.5 million to pay for 4,750 school resource officers at $50,000 a year for the public schools. Including 2,000 officers for private schools would cost another $100 million.

County legislators say the state is better able to fund the officers rather than the county which faces budget constraints, tax caps and limited sources of revenue.

“The current threat to the safety of our children in their schools is a public safety emergency requiring a statewide response by our state government, with its multiple revenue sources, to address this emergency,” the resolution states.

Provided photo

LYNDONVILLE – Lyndonville inducted 23 students into the Honor Society on Wednesday for their academic success and service to the school.

There were 12 students inducted into the National Junior Honor Society, including Morgan Austin, Connor Bell, Ethan Gardner, Amanda Garza, Shawna Grabowski, Alexis Hughes, Aasiya Huzair, Ella Lewis, Drayven Oakes, Kate O’Brien, Karlee Rounds and Jack Whipple.

There were 11 students inducted into the National Honor Society for high schoolers, including Madison Austin, Angelina Black, Mason Boyd, Faith Chaffee, Allyson Deslatte, Oskar Heinsler, Tamara Huzair, Emilee Kassey, Sage Moore, Jonathan Slingerland and Sawyer Wilson.

Alisha Schwarzott is the advisor of the National Junior Honor Society at Lyndonville, and Paula Bachman is the advisor for the NHS.

Press Release, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County

Provided photos: Master Forest Owner Jena Buckwell demonstrates the effect of tillage on water filtration at last year’s Spring Ed Day.

KNOWLESVLLE –  It may not feel like it, but spring has sprung, and Master Gardeners at Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension are jump-starting their event season with their annual Spring Into Gardening Education Day.

The event this year will be Saturday, April 7, at the Education Center at the 4-H Fairgrounds, 12690 State Rt. 31, Albion. The full-day event will feature four different gardening topics as well as lunch from a local restaurant.

The topics this year are: Dried Florals, Lasagna Gardening, Climate Smart Gardening, and Multiplying Plants. Instructors for the classes are all trained volunteers with Cornell Cooperative Extension.  The first three classes are all informational with subject matter ranging from decorative to practical. The final class, Multiplying Plants, will offer basic information on plant propagation as well as a hands-on activity where participants will go home a hand-made project!

“The line-up for Spring Ed day this year is fantastic, and I think it appeals to a broad spectrum of interest,” said Katie Oakes, Horticulture educator and Master Gardener coordinator.

The Master Gardeners chose to offer just one class per time slot this year to accommodate the participants who in the past have been disappointed they couldn’t attend all of the class offerings during the day.

Previous Spring Ed events have offered the choice between two different class topics at each time, making it difficult for a participant who might have wanted to attend both topics. This year’s simplified schedule will allow participants to enjoy the day without feeling they’re missing out.

“We will also be having a Fall Education Day for the first time this year, so we can feature additional topics at time of year when gardening at home is slowing down,” Oakes said.

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. There is a fee for the four educational sessions and lunch. For more information or to register, please contact the Kim Hazel at 585-798-4265 ext. 26 or krh5@cornell.edu.

Master Gardener Alex Greene assists a participant of the 2017 Spring Ed Day with supplies for the hands-on activity.  This years “Make-It Take-It” class will be on Multiplying Plants and the different methods of plant propagation.

Photo and article courtesy of Albion Central School

ALBION – Three high school art students received poppy poster recognition. Pictured holding their winning posters are, from left: Madison Dugan (first place), Kaleigh Albanese (third place), and Janae Doty (second place).

The contest is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, Sheret Unit #35. Event chairperson Joyce O’Conner and Auxiliary president Donna Boyce congratulated the students and praised them for their artistic abilities.

The annual contest has very specific criteria that the students must follow in order to be considered.

The posters will advance to the State Convention in Albany where they will be judged against a whole new group of posters from other counties. The winner of that level will advance to be judged at the National Convention.

The students will be invited to a dinner hosted by the Legion Auxiliary and receive a cash prize for their efforts.

Photos and article courtesy of Albion Central School

ALBION – Albion High School incucted 26 students into the National Honor Society on Wednesday. These members met the criteria set forth by NHS of scholarship, service, leadership and character. The new inductees were welcomed by current members.

The new members include, front row, from left: Alexa Adams, Emma Mathes, Malory Adams, Madison Narburgh, Brylie Hapeman, Kirsten Struble, Trinity Allen and Tess Pettit.

Middle row: Gricelda Maldonado, Jace Conn, McKenna Boyer, Kaylyn Holman, Hannah VanEpps, Chantel VanDeGenachte, Emily Caldwell, Marie Reynolds, Jessica Schleede and Natalie Lathrop.

Back row:  Devin Olles, Jacob Ettinger, Matthew Kovaleski, Enoch Martin, Evan Allen, Harrison Brown, Kirk Ellison and Jessy Cruz.

Jennifer Blanchard receives the Excellence in Teaching Award from Natalie DiCureia. Mrs. Blanchard is a high school special education teacher and sophomore class advisor.

Mrs. Blanchard addressed the audience. She encouraged them to step outside of their comfort zone and to embrace their own journey, whatever and wherever it may lead. She reassured students that sometimes the path they are on may change, and there is nothing wrong with change. She told students that they are the only ones in charge of their lives and that they need to own it and make their life the best it can be.

The National Honor Society also took time to recognize staff members who exemplified the organization’s ideals. The following were recognized, from left: Nancy Wickman, Jennifer Rowe, Eric Christiansen and Gary Simboli.

• Chemistry teacher Nancy Wickman received the Character Award from NHS member Elisabeth Baker.  Elisabeth said Mrs. Wickman has a caring relationship with everyone, is understanding, and easy to talk to. She is also very dedicated to making her AP and Regents level chemistry classes a fun experience for everyone. She takes time out of her own day to make sure each and every one of her students understands the material thoroughly.

• Middle School math teacher Jennifer Rowe received the Scholarship Award from NHS member Natalie DiCureia. Natalie said Mrs. Rowe is very passionate about scholarship. She has impacted the lives of many with her outstanding ability to teach. She goes above and beyond to make sure her students know their material and truly understand the connections that they need to make. She will go the extra mile to help any student that may be struggling.

• School psychologist Eric Christiansen received the Leadership Award from NHS member Garrett Derisley. Garrett noted Mr. Christiansen has a great way of interacting with students and takes pride in being able to provide advice to a student or tell them about a program that helps change the student’s life for the better.

• Choral director Gary Simboli received the Service Award from NHS member Riley Seielstad. Riley honored Mr. Simboli for consistently taking on the role of service not just in school but in the community. She said, “He goes out of his way to spread compassion and acceptance in our school.” She also noted that the students see him as a role model because he volunteers his time and talents in the community through local benefits, events, concerts and service projects.

Victor Benjovsky and Elisabeth Baker present a National Honor Society pin to Gricelda Maldonado.

New members recite the National Honor Society pledge.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – An elementary student gets a close look at chick that recently hatched in the Albion ag shop.

There were many of the chicks, just a few days old, featured at Mini-Farm Day today at Albion Central School.

FFA members introduced elementary students to a variety of animals and farm equipment.

Abbie Pappalardo, a sophomore at Albion, introduces elementary students to a Holland lop-eared rabbit as part of Mini-Farm Day. Abbie was joined by Kendall Derisley, left.

Myra Rosario and Paige Derisley show off a goat named Gus.

Nick Sacco and Bryce Pritchard discuss a sprayer and its long booms to a group of fifth graders. Panek Farms brought the sprayer and two tractors for the Mini-Farm Day. Poverty Hill Farms, a dairy in Albion, also brought a chopper for the display.

Meganne Moore walks Oops, her miniature horse, before returning to the ag shop where Oops was popular with the elementary students.

Medina FFA will host its farm day on April 19.

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo issued a letter to the U.S. Chair of the International Joint Commission requesting that the entity maximize outflows from the Lake Ontario system to reduce the flooding risk for New Yorkers living and working along the shoreline.

The letter was issued in advance of the Commission’s scheduled decrease in outflows today, March 29, ahead of the shipping and navigation season. In addition to the letter, Governor Cuomo has directed a number of state agencies to begin implementing proactive measures to assist residents, business owners, and local governments in the event of flooding this year on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

“After the disastrous flooding situations on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River last year, it is critical that we remain vigilant and take whatever measures are necessary for ensuring that history does not repeat itself,” Cuomo said. “While New York has undertaken a wide range to preventative measures to protect against flooding, it would all be negated if the IJC mistakenly reduces outflows. With dozens of communities still recovering, the Commission must make the right decision and continue to maximize river and lake outflows.”

In the letter, the Governor urged the IJC to sustain or increase the outflow levels in order to decrease the chances of potential flooding. While current Lake Ontario outflows are significantly higher than this time in 2017, despite this increased outflow, the lake’s water level remains high and is forecast to rise six inches by April 23.

Given that a matter of inches of water determines whether a house is habitable or a road is passable, the Governor is requesting that outflow decisions be made in accordance with the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty which calls for the equitable sharing of this burden. New York is in no way seeking to cause flooding in the Montreal region, but is simply looking for the IJC to take all reasonable actions to limit flood risks along Lake Ontario.

Prior to the Governor’s letter, multiple state agencies began initiating a number of measures to mitigate flooding that may occur in 2018. At the Governor’s direction, state agencies stand ready to deploy the multi-agency Lake Ontario Rapid Response Team, which includes experts from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Police, Department of Financial Services, and the Office of General Services, along with county and municipal agencies.

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has already begun to deploy nearly 250,000 sandbags, sandbagging equipment, Aqua Dams, and other response assets to ensure that the counties and towns can take appropriate action now before the water levels rise to the point of flooding. Additionally, the Department of Environmental Conservation has continued its emergency permitting process which allows property owners to bolster break-walls and other protective structures.

To date, the State has distributed $19,655,848 in total recovery funds for Lake Ontario residents, businesses, and local governments.  New York Homes and Community Renewal administers funding to shoreline residents and municipalities impacted by the 2017 Lake Ontario flooding through the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence Seaway Flood Relief and Recovery Grant Program and Lake Ontario Infrastructure Recovery Program.  HCR has distributed $18,675,000 through the Relief and Recovery Program to assist homeowners with flood recovery and awarded $9,034,970 through the LOIP to enable municipalities to enhance their resiliency to inclement weather.

Moreover, Empire State Development administers the Lake Ontario Small Business Recovery Fund to assist small businesses with their recovery from the 2017 Lake Ontario flooding.  ESD has distributed nearly $1 million to small businesses in the Lake Ontario region through this fund.

Provided photos: Howard Watts, a Shelby volunteer firefighter, was among the participants in a “Stop the Bleed” training session on Wednesday at GCASA.

ALBION – The Orleans United Drug Free Communities Coalition sponsored a “Stop the Bleed” training on Wednesday at the GCASA offices in Albion.  Mackenzie Smith, Emergency Department nurse manager for Orleans Community Health, shared her expertise with 18 community members who attended the one-hour training.

“Stop the Bleed” trainings were motivated by the 2012  school shooting in Sandy Hook and the multiple tragedies that have occurred in the ensuing years. The resulting injuries from manmade or natural mass casualty events generally present with severe bleeding which, if left unattended, can result in death.

“The skills and basic tools to stop uncontrolled bleeding are able to provide immediate frontline aid until first responders are able to take care of an injured person,” Smith said.

Mackenzie Smith, Emergency Department nurse manager for Orleans Community Health, leads the training on Wednesday.

Due to many situations, there may be a delay between the time of injury and the time a first responder is on the scene. Smith shared the ABC’s of Bleeding: A – Alert – call 911; B – Bleeding – find the bleeding injury; and C – Compress – apply pressure to stop the bleeding.

Smith also shared how to apply tourniquets to stop the blood flow and the basics of wound packing.

Three actions that could save a life include:

• Apply pressure with hands.

• Apply dressing and press.

• Apply tourniquets if the bleeding doesn’t stop. The tourniquet may be applied and secured over clothing. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, place a second tourniquet closer to the torso from the first tourniquet. (A belt could be used as a tourniquet.)

Smith also recently offered a Stop the Bleed training for Lyndonville Central School staff. Aaron Slack, principal of the LCS Secondary School, coordinated the training through his role on the Board of Directors for Medina Memorial Hospital and Orleans Community Health.

Smith offers training to Lyndonville physical education teacher Laura Valley and health teacher Shane Phillips.

COVA will offer class this Saturday

This Saturday is “National Stop the Bleed Day” and COVA will be teaming with the Orleans County Health Department to offer a free training from 9 a.m to 12:30 at the Carlton Rec Hall on Route 98.

The program is designed to encourage bystanders to get involved and help until local emergency response personnel can arrive on scene. It promotes an all-hazards approach to this issue. It does not matter if the injury is accidental in nature, or the result of an act of violence. Giving people the confidence to act can save lives.

Barb Morlino, the training coordinator for COVA, will lead the class with help from Justin Niederhofer, Carlton’s assistant fire chief.

The program on Saturday is free. Click here for more information or to register.

Provided photos

ALBION – Two Orleans County residents were presented with a “Special Recognition Award” for their achievements. The top photo shows Mike Waterhouse receiving an award from County Legislator Ken DeRoller. Waterhouse is retiring after 13 years as the county’s sports fishing and tourism promotion coordinator. Dawn Borchert, left, is the county’s new tourism director.

“We do hereby acknowledge your outstanding service as our Sportsfishing and Tourism Coordinator for Orleans County for over 13 years,” according to the award from the County Legislature. “Your dedication and expertise has benefited our fishing and Tourism industries.  We appreciate your support and commitment in promoting the assets we have in Orleans County. This will forever be widespread, long lasting and extremely appreciated.”

Dr. Tom Madejski accepts a “Special Recognition Award” from County Legislator Skip Draper. Madejski on March 24 took office as President of the Medical Society of the State of New York. Madejski, an Albion resident, practices at General Physicians Medical Practice in Medina.

Madejski is an attending physician at Medina Memorial Hospital and serves on the hospital’s Medical Quality Assurance Committee. He is also a clinical instructor in medicine & pharmacy at University of Buffalo. With a specialized focus in geriatric medicine, Madejski is the medical director of The Villages of Orleans, Absolut Care of Gasport Nursing Facility and the Hospice of Orleans County.

“Your dedication to your profession is outstanding and highly beneficial to the residents of Orleans County, and beyond,” according to the certificate presented by the County Legislature.  “We appreciate your support and commitment in providing quality health and wellness care to our friends and family, as well as our community. This will forever be widespread, long lasting and extremely appreciated. The Orleans County Legislature does hereby commend you for your professionalism and allegiance to our Orleans County community.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: A Mustang banner is displayed outside Medina High School.

MEDINA – The Medina Board of Education has adopted a $37,565,842 school budget that doesn’t include a tax increase in 2018-19.

The board approved the spending plan on Tuesday. It will go before voters on May 15.

The budget increases spending by $945,049 or 2.6 percent from the $36,620,793 budget for 2017-18.

The tax levy, however, will remain the same at $8,641,861. This is the seventh straight year Medina has either reduced taxes or held them in check, and the 10^th out of the past 11 years, said Mark Kruzynski, the district superintendent.

Medina is proposing to eliminate 6.5 teaching positions and 2 buildings and grounds staff, due to retirement or resignation, he said.

The district will maintain all of its existing programs with the budget proposed for 2018-19, Kruzynski said.

The National Weather Service is urging drivers to slow down and use extra caution this morning due to locally dense fog in Orleans County and across the Niagara Frontier.

“Areas of fog will be commonplace across the region until about 9 a.m. this morning, some of which will be locally dense,” the Weather Service said. “If you are travelling across the region, leave yourself extra time to reach your destination.”

ALBION – Orleans County legislators this afternoon accepted five construction bids totaling $7,006,600 for a 22,000-square-foot addition to the County Administration Building on Route 31.

Alternates for $495,900 push the total bids accepted to $7,502,500. In addition, the county will pay the Wendel firm $900,000 for construction administration, project coordination, additional design services, commissioning services and grant administration.

Construction is expected to start next month and continue for 15 months until the building is ready for the Health Department, Board of Elections, information technology department and the Legislative office and staff.

The bids accepted include:

• Holdsworth Klimowski Construction of Victor, general construction, for $4,557,000 (base bid), plus $202,600 for alternates, for $4,759,600 total.

• Michael Ferrauilo Plumbing & Heating of Rochester, HVAC, for $1,034,000 (base bid), plus $83,700 for alternates, for $1,117,700 total.

• Suburban Electric of Albion, electrical, for $1,057,000 (base bid), plus $209,600 in alternates for $1,266,600 total.

• MKS Plumbing Corporation of West Seneca, plumbing, for $273,000 (base bid) with no alternates.

• All State Fire & Security of Buffalo, fire protection, for $85,600 (base bid) with no alternates.

The Legislature also approved a $500 monthly stipend for Chuck Nesbitt, the county’s chief administrative officer, for serving as the capital project owner’s representative, to be paid from April 1, 2018 to July 31, 2019.

The Legislature said unforeseen circumstances may require change orders in the project. The Legislature authorized Nesbitt to review and approve change orders up to $25,000.

Nesbitt was appointed to Project Oversight Committee with County Legislators Bill Eick and John DeFilipps. That committee will review and be authorized to approve change orders that do not exceed $50,000.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The County Administration Building on Route 31, behind The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center, will have an addition to make room for relocated county offices.

The Legislature has approved a maximum bond of $10,063,881 for an addition the building on Route 31, behind the nursing home. The bond is expected to be significantly reduced from grants for the project. The county has already been approved for a $3,682,748 state grant towards the project and could receive more assistance. State Sen. Robert Ortt also secured a $200,000 state grant for the project.

The Board of Elections and Public Health Department currently are leasing space from Comprehensive Healthcare Management Services. Comprehensive purchased the former county-owned nursing home for $7.8 million in January 2014. The county has been leasing space from Comprehensive for Elections and Public Health because those offices are part of the nursing home complex.

Moving those offices from those sites will spare the county from paying those lease payments. The money the county was paying for the lease will go towards paying the debt for the addition.