Craighead County justices discuss nursing center, Bono Bridge

A pair of Craighead County justices on Monday (May 23) continued debating the Craighead Nursing Center with one of the justices asking for more details on the center’s operations.

Justice Ray Kidd, D-Brookland, said he had the opportunity to attend a recent board meeting for the nursing center and was impressed. The issue has been discussed since earlier this year when questions arose about the center’s ownership.

The 52-acre site and building on Harrisburg Road is owned by Craighead County. However, the nursing center, which has a director running day-to-day operations, is operated as a non-profit organization with a five member board of directors. The board is appointed by the county judge and approved by the Craighead County Quorum Court.

Kidd, who formerly served in the State House of Representatives, said he believes the center is being operated in a good manner.

“I was really pleased with the decor. They said they have 90 to 95% occupancy,” Kidd said, noting he has gotten good reports from residents. Kidd said the board is looking to update its facilities.

“I hate to see politics get involved in it,” Kidd told justices.

Finance committee chairman Josh Longmire, R-Jonesboro, said his goal only was to find answers about the center’s finances.

“No one is saying they are doing a good job,” Longmire said. “Ray, did you ask for a (financial) report?”

“No,” Kidd responded.

“All I am asking for is a report,” Longmire said.

BONO BRIDGE
One of the oldest bridges and roads in Craighead County may soon receive help, Craighead County Judge Ed Hill said.

However, Hill said it may be August at the earliest before work on the Bono Bridge project will go out for bid.

Hill told justices that officials are waiting on a deed on property before seeking a right of way for the bridge. The bridge and nearby road, which were built in the 1880’s, connects Craighead 352 and Craighead 353. Hill said negotiations over the property have been complex.

“Right now, we’re dealing with the highway, the railroad and a group of lawyers,” Hill said.