Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation will remain open, administrator Patricia Barber said in a letter sent to The Era on Friday.

The auction set for next week of Lakeview and five other properties once owned by now bankrupt Bonamour Health Group is a change in ownership, she said, “not a closure. Ownership transitions are a normal part of our industry, and our doors will remain open.”

Barber was contacted for a story on July 26, but did not respond to The Era.

In Friday’s letter, sent to staff, families and the community, she stated, “Our top priority continues to be providing the highest quality of care for our residents. With this transition, we anticipate new investments and resources that will strengthen our team, enhance our services, and further support our commitment to the community. Please know that throughout the process we will remain fully licensed, fully staffed, and fully committed to our mission of caring for those we serve.”

The 34-bed nursing facility and 28-bed licensed personal care home in Smethport are part of a public auction set for 9 a.m. Sept. 3 at the Law Office of Cozen O’Connor, One Oxford Centre, 301 Grant Street (41st Floor), Pittsburgh.

Under Bonamour, employees at Lakeview had gone unpaid when the parent company missed payroll, and Bonamour had collected employee contributions for health insurance but did not turn the money over to UPMC Health Plan, leaving employees without insurance coverage — without their knowledge, according to court records.

The nursing homes have been operated day to day by Everest Management Solutions LLC, appointed by receiver Michael Flanagan last year. One facility, Jefferson Hills Healthcare, closed and is being sold for future development. The others remain open: Lakeview, Beaver Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Beaver County, Ridgeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Clearfield County, Mulberry Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Jefferson County, and Scottdale Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Westmoreland County.