Cori Humes, director of the Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau, explains how a new digital sign would benefit Kosciusko County’s tourism. InkFreeNews photo by Brianna Pitts.

By Brianna Pitts
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau received $60,530 from the Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation and Visitors Commission for a new digital message sign on Wednesday, July 12.

This sign will be a 6 foot by 8 foot display, replacing their old sign near US 30, hopefully by the end of 2023.

Another request made at the KCCRVC meeting was from Mike Hagy, the City-County Athletic Complex director, for $50,000. This money will go to making improvements to the west wing concession stand and restrooms. The amount was given in full with the understanding the CCAC needed to return any unused money after the remodel is complete.

A tabled topic was brought back to the commission by Lakesha Green, executive director of the Wagon Wheel Center For the Arts. Green came before the commission in May, asking for $232,835 to go toward upgrades for the White Hill project. Green asked for a revised $77,000 to make window improvements for the safety of the occupants at White Hill. KCCRVC President Kathy Ray countered with a total amount of $40,000 to be allocated for these improvements.

Suzie Light, representative of KEDCo, requested from the commission $50,000 to go toward a study on the feasibility of bringing a performance art building or conference center to downtown Warsaw. This study would help determine whether or not Warsaw could realistically accommodate a center like this before attempting to build it. Ray granted $30,000 to the study.

Other requests and grants offered:

• Dr. Nate Bosch with the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams received $15,000 to continue research and maintenance of the local lakes concerning toxins made from blue-green algae.
• Chuck McLaughlin represented the Lake City Skiers received $7,703.28 to help maintain the motors required for their shows.
• Lori Widman, board president for the Classic Arts Programs Inc., received $5,000 in order to be able to grow the concerts for the Classic Arts Programs Inc.