Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation and Visitors Commission members met today March 9, for its by-monthly meeting. Shown, from left, are: David Gustafson, board member; Kristi Plikerd, president; Mark Skibowski, treasurer; Tammy Kratzer, secretary and Jo Pczkowski, vice-president (Photo by Michelle Reed).

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation and Visitors Commission met at 9 a.m. today, March 9, to discuss grants, disbursements and advertising to bring more tourism into the Kosciusko County area.

Jill Boggs, executive director, Kosciusko County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, brought financial reports from the CVB for review. Boggs reported the ledger holding account balance as of March 8, is $15,350; operating account balance as of March 4, with payroll taxes projected out to March 18, is $41,200 and open invoices as of Feb. 29 is $9,600.

The Bicentennial was discussed by Diane Wulliman, chairwoman, Kosciusko County Celebrates Indiana’s Bicentennial, asked the commission for a grant between $2,000 and $10,000 to help with the Bicentennial celebration, which will be Sept. 29 through Oct. 1.

Some events being planned include; a parade, car show, fireworks, a concert at the Kosciusko Fairgrounds, quilt show and a music program of area choirs and bands. Wulliman says the concert is what will cost the most. Wulliman reported as of last week there was $4,500 in the budget. By unanimous approval the commission granted $500 for publicity.

Additional business was brought by Megan McClellan, executive directer, Syracuse-Wawasee Trail, asking the commission for a grant of $25,000 to help with the Conklin Bay Boardwalk and Trail connecting Harkless Drive to Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation’s Education Center and Grandview Drive. The request was approved. The commissioners were invited to attend the next Bicentennial Committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, in the Warsaw Common Council Room in the city hall.

Chuck McLaughlen, vice-president, Lake City Skiers, asked for a grant for advertisement of the Central Region Tournament and the Division II Nationals. The skiers have won three national water-skiing championships and the event brings a large amount of tourism into Warsaw. The commission approved the $1,000.

The next meeting will be 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 11, in the commissioner’s room in the Kosciusko County Courthouse.