Clinton County Fairgrounds poised for $250,000 in upgrades

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WILMINGTON — It’s confirmed the Clinton County Fairgrounds have been awarded $250,000 in Ohio’s capital budget, and multiple improvements are planned there.

Replacing the roof on Expo Hall, as well as installing a new HVAC (Heating, Venting, Air Conditioning) system in the building, is a big-ticket item among the planned projects, Clinton County Fairboard President Scot Gerber told county commissioners Monday.

In addition, plans call for acquiring more comfortable chairs for Expo Hall, which is used for public dinners and wedding receptions, among other non-fair events.

The roof on the rabbit barn will be replaced, said Gerber.

The equestrian show ring’s fencing — which is “really looking bad,” Gerber said — is expected to be replaced by new fence.

Perimeter fencing on the back part of the fairgrounds property is also on the list, perhaps as much as 4,000 feet although Commissioner Kerry R. Steed suggested that new signage take priority. Commissioner Patrick Haley also thought a new sign or signs would be “icing on the cake” complementing other improvements made in recent years at the fairgrounds.

Large ceiling fans, such as the ones in the cattle barn, are planned for the hog barn and the sheep-and-goat barn.

Rounding out the planned improvements are an upgrade to the announcers stand in the infield of the grandstand area, handicap and general parking signs, asphalt repair of potholes, and some chip-and-seal.

Gerber also reported to commissioners that there are almost 200 camp sites at the fairgrounds now, and he believes there is “some revenue to be had there on a long-term basis.” He gave as examples a planned fall camp out and the possible use of the camp sites by participants of the horse shows held at the World Equestrian Center on State Route 380, minutes away.

In fact, there have been more than 65 inquiries regarding fairground camp sites in connection with a horse show in May at the World Equestrian Center, the fairboard president said.

Also Monday, commissioners held a conference call with Casler Design Group President William P. Casler in conjunction with the firm providing guidance for the relocations and redesigns of two government offices at the courthouse. The lump sum for the designing and planning services will be $7,850.

The conference call was at least partly the result of Commissioner Brenda K. Woods asking several questions that were related to ensuring the county didn’t pay the designers for services or work that county maintenance staff can do.

The next step in the relocation process is for Casler Design Group staff to interview the Clinton County Common Pleas judge, the head of the court’s Adult Probation Department, and the public defender. Those interviews will tell the professional designers about the functions and work flows of the Adult Probation and Public Defender staffs so their new spaces can suit their work requirements.

Commissioners proclaimed April as “Donate Life Month” and furthermore they held a flag-raising on the southwest corner of courthouse square for a banner that publicizes organ and tissue donation.

The official proclamation states, in part, that one individual’s donation of the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and small intestine can save up to eight lives; the donation of tissue can save and heal the lives of up to 50 others; and a single blood donation can help three people in need.

Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768.

The fairgrounds will be busy with work this spring and early summer, according to Clinton County Fairboard President Scot Gerber.
http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2018/04/web1_scot_p_f.jpgThe fairgrounds will be busy with work this spring and early summer, according to Clinton County Fairboard President Scot Gerber. News Journal file photo

County commissioners proclaim April as “Donate Life Month” in front of a courthouse square flag pole where an organ donor banner was raised Monday. From left are Commissioner Brenda K. Woods, organ donor advocates Shelby and Tom LaPine, and Commissioners Patrick Haley and Kerry R. Steed. The LaPines are the parents of organ donor Luke LaPine, who died in June 2014.
http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2018/04/web1_donate.jpgCounty commissioners proclaim April as “Donate Life Month” in front of a courthouse square flag pole where an organ donor banner was raised Monday. From left are Commissioner Brenda K. Woods, organ donor advocates Shelby and Tom LaPine, and Commissioners Patrick Haley and Kerry R. Steed. The LaPines are the parents of organ donor Luke LaPine, who died in June 2014. Gary Huffenberger | News Journal
Spots include Expo Hall, horse arena

By Gary Huffenberger

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