Fundraising is progressing for the $5-million renovation of the emergency room at Newton MercyOne Medical Center. Jasper County Emergency Management Director Jamey Robinson has been monitoring the project through meetings with Newton MercyOne Chief Operating Officer Chad Kelley, and updated the County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. 

“Me and Mr. Kelley have had some conversations, just making sure things are progressing. I know that was a concern. We didn’t want to give funds if things were not going to progress. But things are progressing. They plan on putting up a plaque on a trauma room or somewhere to recognize the Board of Supervisors for their donation.”

The County Supervisors previously committed $320,000 of American Rescue Plan Act money to the Emergency Room project. County Board of Supervisors’ Chair Brandon Talsma expects that money will be released to the hospital as soon as the project starts. But the County Supervisors have set a December 2026 deadline for the donation.