PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
OPERATIONS SWITCH … (Left to Right) Tara Rutschilling, Shane Stewart, Heather Strauser, Mark White, Nick White, Terry Rummel, Scott Lirot and Bart Westfall announced the implementation of Vancrest Management to the county-owned Hillside Country Living Nursing Home.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
brenna@thevillagereporter.com
Williams County Commissioners have approved a new management agreement with Vancrest Management Corp., marking a significant operational change for Hillside Country Living Nursing Home.
The agreement, passed on July 30, 2026, will take effect Aug. 1, 2026. While Vancrest will help oversee the day-to-day operations of the facility, Hillside will remain county-owned, and all current employees will continue working as county employees.
This new management agreement comes after Hillside has struggled to remain in the black for over a year.
As it stands, the Commissioners have loaned the nursing facility $1,275,000 within the last year, funding its daily operations, such as payroll.
With no change in sight, the Commissioners opted to bring in a management company to help oversee financial affairs.
Commissioner President Scott Lirot said the partnership reflects the county’s commitment to providing the best possible care for residents.
“This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring Hillside Country Living residents receive the highest quality of care possible,” Lirot said in a county news release.
“Vancrest brings a wealth of experience managing senior living and skilled nursing communities across Ohio, and we are confident this collaboration will benefit our residents, their families, and our dedicated staff for years to come.”
Vancrest will assist with many of Hillside’s daily operations, including administration, staffing support, purchasing, maintenance, marketing, and helping the facility meet state regulations. No disruptions to current care are expected during the transition.
Vancrest is a family-owned senior care company based in Van Wert, Ohio.
Founded in 1960, the company manages skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care, and rehabilitation facilities throughout western Ohio.
The agreement is set to last for one year and will automatically renew each year unless either Williams County or Vancrest chooses to end it.
In other business, Commissioners attended a joint-ditch hearing with Hillsdale County, Michigan; Hillsdale County Drain Commissioner Matt Word was in attendance.
Drainage Engineer Brian Fritsch reported an assessment for Ditch No. 646, a drainage ditch shared by both counties. The assessment helps cover the cost of maintaining the ditch, including keeping it clear and functioning properly to prevent flooding.
With a total maintenance balance of $2,438.34, Fritsch proposed Hillsdale County cover $2,233 of the costs. All Commissioners agreed, and the motion carried.
The meeting concluded with Commissioners attending Hillside Country Living with Vancrest to give a tour of the facility.
A presentation was also given to staff leaders of Hillside, informing them of the potential changes in management coming.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:44 a.m.
