Four Corners Health Department celebrates major renovation of office in York

YORK – Many people were in attendance for an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony this week, at the Four Corners Health Department office.

​A massive renovation project in what used to be the old medical clinic is now complete, after years of grant writing, planning and eventual construction.
The Four Corners Health Department moved into the site a number of years ago – it was already way back in 2016 when it was fully realized the building badly needed to be renovated and there were many issues needing to be remedied in order for the building to be fully used. Director Laura McDougall started writing grants and in 2022, funds became available.
“This really was a team effort,” McDougall said, thanking her present team and past team members.
She pointed out how former Four Corners director Vicki Duey was in the crowd. “Vicki was here until 2016 and when she retired, she told me, ‘Well, this building is your problem now, good luck,’” McDougall said, laughing.
There were many challenges along the way – “we found termites. Nine of the 11 furnaces didn’t work. We had a sewer collapse, plumbing problems and asbestos,” McDougall said. “I hope to never see a termite again and I’m thrilled to say all the toilets flush now.”
This renovation was a $1.6 million project – all done through grant funds.
York County did not financially participate in the project – however, the county acted as a pass-through agent for the grant funds to be funneled to the Four Corners project. Just this past week, a public hearing was held before the York County Commissioners, with the Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD) officially closing out the project.
McDougall thanked the Nebraska Department of Health, SENDD, the York County Development Corporation and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. “I also need to thank the York County board and the county clerk for all the work that had to be done regarding the grant funds.” She also thanked the Four Corners Board of Directors and all the staff.
“We truly appreciate you all being here,” McDougall said to the crowd, which included the York Ambassadors who presented her with a plaque from the York Chamber of Commerce. “We have a lot of plans for using this space and continue our work.”