Kennebec Comes Together to Save Health Clinic

KENNEBEC, S.D. (AP) — Residents of the central South Dakota town of Kennebec have banded together to save their health clinic.

Sanford Health closed its clinic in the town of 250 people a year ago. Residents called a meeting and pledged $65,000 that became seed money for a new clinic aligned with the Avera health network.

The Argus Leader newspaper reports that the Avera clinic was dedicated last week and will open next month.

It isn't the first time the community has come together. About a decade ago, townspeople secured a $100,000 state grant and put up another $160,000 in donations and volunteer time to build a new fire hall.

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