Square-body pickup trucks will take over the Wayne County Fairgrounds on Aug. 4 and 5.
Wayne County’s commissioners authorized a contract for the informal gathering plus the judged Midwest Truck Show during their July 5 meeting. The not-for-profit event will pay $1,500 to rent the fairgrounds. That’s the same amount it paid last year.
Commissioners plan to consider a tiered pricing policy for fairgrounds rental based on whether the event is for-profit or nonprofit. Square body show organizers donate to Wayne County’s 4-H goat club, which provides helpers for the weekend.
Lisa Crossley, who spoke with commissioners, is part of the truck show and 4-H goat club. She said the truck show began eight years ago with 20 trucks at her home and has been at the fairgrounds the past two years. Last year, between 500 and 600 vehicles participated in the event, she said.
40-year employee
Mike Sharp, the county’s Highway Department supervisor, and commissioners recognized Mark Garard, who was celebrating 40 years with the department.
“He’s put a lot of sweat and even some blood and some hard work into Wayne County,” Sharp said.
Commissioners congratulated Garard, who attended the meeting, on the milestone and thanked him for his commitment through difficult weather and challenging work.
“We really appreciate your leadership and your loyalty over these 40 years,” Commissioner Mary Anne Butters said.
Commissioners also approved Sharp’s recommendation to award Stoops Freightliner of Anderson the bid for a dump truck. Stoops’ bid was $151,178 for a Freightliner truck after applying a $5,500 trade-in value. Sharp requested delivery in January because he planned the truck as a 2024 purchase.
Marker dedication
A dedication is planned at 1 p.m. Aug. 26 for a historic marker at the Dr. Mary Thomas Bridge.
Commissioners previously named the Main Street bridge across the Whitewater River for Thomas, who was a pioneer in medicine and a women’s rights activist during the 1800s.
The marker will be installed on the west side of the bridge in a grassy area south of Main Street.
A version of this article appeared in the July 12 2023 print edition of the Western Wayne News.