ROLFE - Community leaders in Rolfe are seeking a new owner for the vacant nursing home in the Pocahontas County town.
''It looks like it's prime for another agency that needs the dormitory-style housing,'' said Bill Winkleblack.
He's a member of two entities that are involved in the effort: Rolfe Betterment Inc. and the Rolfe Lions Club.
Rolfe Betterment Inc. acquired the building in December. Lions Club members are doing the needed maintenance.
Two government agencies and a private company have expressed interest in the building once known as the Rolfe Care Center, according to Winkleblack.
He added that it will soon be marketed nationwide with the help of the Mid Iowa Growth Partnership, a regional economic development entity.
The nursing home closed in June 2011. At about the same time, Careage Management LLC, of Sioux City, its former owner, was purchased by The Ensign Group Inc., of Mission Viejo, Calif.
That company didn't want it because it has less than 50 beds, according to Winkleblack. At that size, he said, ''it's just difficult to put the economies of scale in place to make it efficient.''
Rolfe Betterment Inc. sought ownership of the building when local residents became concerned it would deteriorate.
Winkleblack said the property was turned over for free.
The building is about 40 years old and in excellent condition, he said.
Contact Bill Shea at (515) 573-2141 or bshea@messengernews.net