BY JOHN REED LEADER EDITOR
KNOX — Barring any complications, LaPorte Regional Health System will assume operations of Starke Memorial Hospital.
On Wednesday, May 27, Dr. Walter Fritz, chairman of the SMH Board of Trustees, announced the board had approved the purchase of operations and lease of the hospital.

Fritz said in a press release that this is a “very positive development for the future of our hospital. LaPorte Regional Health System has a well-established reputation in our region for quality health care with a unique focus on prevention, education, and outreach services. LaPorte, which is part of Clarian Health Partners, has pledged to extend resources and services to grow and develop our hospital in the future and enhance the delivery of quality healthcare in Starke County.”
  There are other steps to be taken, including agreement by Lifepoint, the current lease holders, to agree to all points of the deal. Also, the Starke County Council must approve letting LaPorte lease the facility. No date has been set for that discussion.
The council in April tabled any decision on a lease to a previous potential buyer, Dr. Cameron Gilbert and Doctors Hospital of Bremen. In May, their option to purchase expired and the lease issue died.
That deal stalled based on reports that Gilbert and Doctor’s Hospital, along with Jamie Gottlieb, an orthopedic surgeon and founder of i-Spine Institute in Elkhart, were being investigated by federal authorities on allegations of Medicaid misdoings.
Starke County owns the hospital building and grounds, thus must approve any transfers of ownership.
 Fritz also thanked the employees of Starke Memorial Hospital for their patience and dedication over the past few months and said he hopes everyone can work together for a smooth transition.