Perhaps it was in part due to the community still feeling the loss of Bucktail Medical Center having to close its doors to their nursing home, but all of the attendees on Saturday morning expressed gratitude and optimism, as the new doctor’s office in town very much felt like a win for all of western Clinton County.

“We live in North Bend now, and when Dr. Conly retired, we just felt that the community had a need,” Dr. Dennis Probst said of his decision to open the clinic. Dr. Probst has practiced medicine for 27 years — most recently at UPMC.

Probst Family Practice has set up in the former office of Family Practice of Renovo, where Dr. Conly faithfully served the community for decades. Dr. Conly’s daughter, Carrie Friese, had joined him at the practice as a PA-C and now returns to the building in that same capacity for Probst Family Practice.

In addition to Dr. Probst and Friese, who will serve as the providers, they will be joined by three other employees, including office manager, Kristen Probst.

KEVIN RAUCH/FOR THE EXPRESS Dr. Dennis Probst and his wife Kristen, second from left, look forward to treating patients and welcomed their new employees. From left, are Emily Kinney, Kristen Probst, PA-C Carrier Friese, Dr. Probst and Lorin Dingman.

“Dennis and I had talked about opening a private practice years ago and it just fell into place as we moved up here, and then Dr. Conly retired… we saw a need,” Kristen said of their decision.

“This has all happened so fast since February, but we cannot say enough how thankful we are for the help and support that we have received,” she added.

The doctor’s office is accepting new patients, and the office manager encouraged anyone interested to call the office, where a friendly voice will offer information or set up an appointment for further assistance.

Unique to western Clinton County, in addition to being open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the practice will also offer Saturday hours from 8 a.m. to noon.

A welcoming and festive atmosphere from the Probst Family welcomed the dozens of visitors that stopped by the grand opening celebration. A coffee and iced beverage trailer, a myriad of treats and carnival style games for kids were enjoyed by those on hand.

KEVIN RAUCH/FOR THE EXPRESS Fun, games and swet treats were on hand for the community members who turned out for the ribbon cutting.

Dr. Conly, who was often treated as a mini-celebrity, also attended the ribbon cutting and was all smiles as he offered his congratulations and best of luck hopes for the new practice.

“This is just a wonderful and positive thing for Renovo as we continue to move our community forward,” said Mayor Gene Bruno.

Office manager Kristen Probst and staff can be reached at 570-927-0865 for anyone with questions about the new Probst Family Practice.