Lifelong Perkins County native Ina Thompson, 100, arrives at Western Sky Community Care Center on April 1, becoming the first resident at the new care facility. Helping Ina out of WSCCC’s van is Jim Hayes, maintenance supervisor for WSCCC. Welcoming her home are her children, from left, Trudy Beemer, Allen Thompson and Renae Bottom.
Ina Thompson, the first resident at Western Sky Community Care Center in Grant, relaxes in her room after arriving at the facility on April 1.
Longtime Perkins County resident Ina Thompson becomes first resident at Western Sky Community Care Center
On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, lifelong Perkins County native Ina Thompson, 100, became the first resident at Western Sky Community Care Center in Grant.
Ina was born in rural Perkins County, on the same farmstead where she lived for 93 years. She graduated from Perkins County Schools in 1943 and married Loyal Thompson in 1948. Together, the couple had four children—Lex, Trudy, Allen, and Renae—, nine grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.
Ina celebrated her 100th birthday on March 25, 2026, at Imperial Manor. Her daughter Renae Bottom and son-in-law Mark Bottom were part of the group that led efforts to reestablish long-term care in Perkins County, which became Western Sky Community Care Center.
“We consider it a privilege to be able to serve people like my mom, who have invested so much in our community,” Renae Bottom said.
More Residents Arriving This Week
According to WSCCC Consultant Tim Groshans, the center currently has two residents, with three more scheduled to arrive this week. He said Western Sky is admitting residents with private pay, Medicare and Medicaid coverage as staffing allows.
Groshans said the center is in compliance with state requirements for opening and has one more survey to complete successfully. The facility has also established contracts for physical, occupational and speech therapy.
“Perkins County Health Services and their medical providers play a key role in the next steps of returning quality skilled and long-term care to Perkins County and the surrounding area,” Groshans said. He added that Western Sky looks forward to working closely with PCHS to provide quality care to the region.
Groshans added, “As difficult as this has been, I’m amazed at the support we have. When you get through the funding, the build, and you finally get to care for people — what a gift! We have committed leadership, staff, and faith that we are on to something special.”
Groshans invites those interested in the care the facility provides, as well as those interested in working at Western Sky, to “join us on the adventure that gives purpose to all we hope to touch.”
To reach Western Sky Community Care Center, call 308-352-2575 or email admin@wsccc.com. The facility is located at 351 West 10th St. in Grant.