Members of the Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation & Visitors Commission socialize before the start of the Wednesday, May 8, meeting. From left are Treasurer John Hall, KCCRVC President Mark Skibowski (standing), Vice President Lyle Schrock, Board Member Jessica Hartman and Board Member Kathy Ray. InkFreeNews photo by Patrick Webb.

By Patrick Webb
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation & Visitors Commission approved multiple grant requests and discussed wage reimbursement for the county Visitor’s Bureau and the City-County Athletic Complex.

During the KCCRVC’s Wednesday, May 8, meeting, the commission heard from Kosciusko County Velo Cycling Treasurer Nick Hauck about a grant request for $6,200 for Fat and Skinny Tire Fest.

Hauck reported the goal is to make Third Fridays and Fat and Skinny Tire Fest a larger event. He reported that last year, Fat and Skinny Tire Fest had a large turnout, which decreased with rain. Hauck requested part of the funds for a 40’ by 80’ tent, which the commission approved.

The commission also discussed if the County Visitors Bureau and City-County Athletic Complex could be reimbursed for wages. The commission discussed concerns if other organizations, which are not funded annually by the KCCRVC, would also request reimbursement for wages such as for construction.

The commission approved a clarification for the annual funding to reimburse wages for the CVB and CCAC only when needed.

In other business, the commission:

• Heard and approved a grant request from Matthew Bochard with Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Charitable Foundation for around $3,300 to advertise Tour De Lakes.
• Heard a request from Chris Morehouse with Echoes of the Past. Echoes of the Past constructed a pavilion and requested around $63,000, the total cost of the pavilion. The commission approved a $25,000 grant.
• Heard a request from Darren Gagnon with Lost Sparrows, Inc. for advertising a trauma conference for $20,000. The commission approved a $17,000 grant.
• Heard an update from the Classic Arts Programs Inc. and approved a $5,000 grant.
• Heard updates from County Visitors Bureau Executive Director Cori Humes regarding the CVB.
• Heard an update from CCAC Executive Director Mike Hagy on ongoing projects, such as improvements to the facility’s bathrooms and needed future projects.
• Discussed and approved the 2025 budget for $925,000.

The next KCCRVC meeting will be 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, in the old court room in Warsaw’s courthouse.