RITZVILLE, Wash. – East Adams Rural Healthcare is facing potential bankruptcy and closure, with a warning notice filed earlier this week indicating possible layoffs of 108 employees in January.

The hospital, located in Adams County, is grappling with more than $13 million in debt. The Antrim CEO stated that vendors are hesitant to continue business until payments are made.

NonStop Local obtained an audit published in September, revealing fraud between May and September 2023. Four checks payable to multiple vendors were altered and redirected to an accounting clerk. The clerk also used district credit cards for over $10,000 in personal purchases.

The accounting clerk has pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 60 days in jail.

A committee meeting is scheduled for Saturday at the Legion Hall

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