After weeks of waiting, Powell Valley Healthcare administrators were notified Thursday that their bid to extend their contract with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs had been accepted.The new contract is effective for another five years.

That means Big Horn Basin veterans can continue to come to the Powell Valley Clinic for health-care services as usual, said spokesman Jim Cannon of Powell Valley Healthcare.

“We got the official notification on Thursday morning by e-mail,” said Mike Gillmore, vice president of physician services.

In a phone call, “The director of the VA in Sheridan told me that they were very pleased they were able to continue their relationship with us and happy with the care we provide for veterans,” he said.

Gillmore said the director also told him the Veterans Affairs office in Sheridan got several phone calls last week from veterans who said they wanted the clinic to stay in Powell. But, by that time, the director added, the decision already had been made.

Cannon said the news prompted a sigh of relief by Powell Valley Healthcare staff.

“Everyone was very happy to hear the news,” he said.

“We are very, very happy to continue serving veterans in the Big Horn Basin,” Gillmore said.