The people of Horton are waiting for word from Atchison Hospital on its intentions for their closed local medical center.
In March, Horton Community Hospital shut its doors after failing to meet various financial obligations, including employee payroll. Up until that time, it had served as an essential bastion of emergency medical services for southern Brown County, the only center capable of grappling with significant medical emergencies within a drive of at least 20 minutes.
Atchison Hospital purchased the land and facilities associated with the closed hospital at auction earlier this month in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ahead of Horton Community Hospital bankruptcy proceedings, which are expected to continue evolving, Atchison Hospital said it will decline for now to comment on its intentions with its $245,000 purchase. A judge is expected to rule on whether or not the acquisition can go forward on Thursday.
(Read more: Hiawatha World Online)