It was announced last week that a growing health-care clinic in the region had been sold to a Shelby County native physician.

Dawn Barnes of East Texas Extended Care says Dr. Mark Mettauer of The Woodlands, a 1989 Center High School graduate had purchased the clinic’s four facilities.

Ms. Barnes told Center Broadcasting, she and partner Justin Timmons were excited about the purchase of East Texas Extended Care by Dr. Mettauer, and said they looked forward to continued growth under his direction.

East Texas Extended Care began with its original location in Timpson three-years ago, and in just the past year, has grown to clinics in Pineland, San Augustine, and most recently Center.

She added all the nurse practitioners will continue to see patients as usual.

They are Timmons in Timpson, Bridget Hughes in Center, Christina Watson in San Augustine and Sharon Byley in Pineland. She said she would be floating between the Timpson and Center clinics.

Dr. Mark Mettauer is affiliated with several hospitals in the northwestern Houston area, where he has practiced cardiovascular and thoracic surgery for 11 years.

Dr. Mettauer and his wife Marissa have three children.