Dreams for a new athletic facility for the Screaming Devils took a big step forward tonight. The Warren County School Board met with representatives of city and county government, booster club members and members of the community in an attempt to finalize funding and plans for the new football stadium.
Chairman of the County Commission, John Graham, gave those in attendance an update of the planning and funding that had already been secured. The county has approximately $250,000 in S.P.L.O.S.T. funds earmarked for recreation facilities. According to regulations, the funds must be used for capital projects. Graham stated that the county would be willing to appropriate those funds towards a stadium that could be used by the Screaming Devils as well as the Recreation Department. Chairman Graham also stated that he has requested $180,000 from the legislature to be applied towards lighting at the new stadium. Final approval of any state funds should be decided by the legislature when this year's budget is set sometime in April.
Mayor Tony Mims reported that the city is considering contributing approximately $250,000 with the stipulation that the city be named the "primary administrator" of the old Warren County School building. The city is mainly interested in using the gym and grounds at the old facility for recreation purposes. Part of the building could also be used to house the Recreation Department offices. Future plans for the facility could include baseball and football fields for recreational use.
Lloyd White, representative of the Briar Rose Foundation, was also in attendance and gave what turned out to be the biggest announcement of the evening. Briar Rose had previously committed $15,000 towards the stadium project. White left those in attendance stunned when he announced that the foundation is increasing that amount to $250,000. Members of all three governmental agencies expressed their grattitude towards Mr. White and the Briar Rose Foundation and commended them for their commitment to the community. Mr. White then stated, "You have your seed money, it's now time to fish or cut bait." He challenged those in attendance to get to work and have the new facility ready for the first home game of the 2007 season. Warren County opens the season at home against Washington-Wilkes on August 31.
Commisioner Graham stated that the bleachers would have to be ordered within the next two weeks in order to have them in the season opener. Members of all three governmental agencies agreed to meet with their respective councils by the first of the week to secure final approval for the project to move forward. Graham stated that the county would need joint ownership in order for S.P.L.O.S.T. funds to be used. School Board members expressed that they saw no problem with sharing ownership of the stadium grounds with the county.
Coach Lee Hutto thanked those in attendance for their support. Hutto also reminded everyone that the funds committed to this point are truly "seed money". Funds must still be raised for items such as a public address system, scoreboard, goal posts and maintance equipment. Hutto stated that several fundraisers are already in the planning stages at the school as well as the Booster Club. Any member of the community that wishes to participate or make a contribution is encouraged to contact the Board of Education, Coach Hutto, John Graham, Tony Mims, or any Booster Club member.
1 comment:
Scott,
Your work with the web site is excellent and I greatly appreciate your efforts. The new stadium can become a reality but we need everyone in the community to commit to the project. I am hopeful that we will start receiving publicity in the paper and can raise additional money through local fund raising events. Thanks again for your dedication and work.
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