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Concern About Fate of Oklahoma-Arkansas Border Hospital

File photo-Wikimedia

Some workers and community leaders have raised concerns about the financial viability of an Arkansas hospital amid late paychecks and recent layoffs.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported Sunday that paychecks expected Dec. 14 weren't distributed until Friday for staff of De Queen Medical Center.

Elected officials, business leaders and emergency responders met Wednesday to discuss contingency plans in case the hospital closes. Mayor Billy Ray McKelvy says everybody in De Queen, a town of about 6,600, is concerned about De Queen Medical Center.

The hospital and its parent company, Missouri-based EmpowerHMS, didn't immediately return messages for comment.