County home director removed; commissioners name interim and add advisory-board member

The Jay County Commissioners voted unanimously June 10 to remove Kristie Delaney as director of Jay County Country Living and to name former director Melissa Blankley as interim while the board searches for a replacement. Cindy Bracy, president of the JCCL Advisory Board of Directors, presented the board’s recommendations and urged the commissioners to support changes she said would reduce expenses and improve residents’ quality of life.

Bracy said the advisory board also recommended two candidates for the open advisory-board seat and that the commissioners appoint someone willing to embrace planned changes at the facility. Commissioner Rex Journay moved to remove Delaney effective immediately and to appoint Blankley as interim director; Commissioner Chad Aker seconded both motions, and each passed by unanimous vote.

The advisory board raised other operational items for the commissioners’ attention: the question of allowing animals at the facility remains pending a final determination by the county’s insurance carrier, and Bracy proposed outreach events once new flooring is installed and pest control is completed to address community misconceptions about the home. The commissioners approved adding Blankley to county bank accounts to replace Delaney by motion later in the meeting.

The board also appointed Laura Garringer to the Jay County Country Living Advisory Board by unanimous vote. The minutes record that two names were recommended to bring differing perspectives; Cliff Moser was also recommended by the advisory board but the commissioners selected Garringer.