Contractors chosen to complete fairgrounds projects

Upgrades continue at the Wayne County Fairgrounds to entice more rentals for the facilities.

During their Sept. 18 meeting, Wayne County’s commissioners awarded bids to two contractors for First Bank Kuhlman Center projects. RoofLynx of Charlestown bid $75,000 to replace the roof, and Whisenhunt Construction of Richmond bid $97,500 to update the ceiling and lighting inside Kuhlman.

The county designated $165,000 in American Rescue Plan Act dollars for the roof project and has $78,440 remaining from replacing the horse barn roof. That $243,440 is enough to cover the $172,500 project costs. Later Sept. 18, Wayne County Council approved having a 10% contingency of $17,250 available from fairgrounds naming rights funds.

Bids were opened during the Sept. 11 meeting and reviewed by LWC Inc. for recommendations. The county accepted the low bids as recommended by LWC.

Steve Higinbotham, the county’s director of facilities and development, told commissioners that a new event has reserved the fairgrounds. The United Kennel Club will bring an all-breed sports classic to the fairgrounds Feb. 28 to March 2 next year.

EDIT grant

Transcendia will receive $95,000 for its expansion project in Richmond. Commissioners approved the Economic Development Income Tax grant that had already been approved by the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County board.

Transcendia is installing $10.5 million in new equipment to initiate a new product line.

Revitalize Richmond

Valerie Shaffer, the EDC president, told commissioners that the EDC is working with Earlham College, Richmond and a developer to revitalize four downtown buildings.

The developer has the buildings under contract. The EDC will serve as a pass through for funding from Earlham’s Revitalize Richmond funds from a Lilly Endowment College and Community Collaboration grant.

Culvert work

Commissioners approved an agreement with the Indiana Department of Transportation and Richmond for culvert work along Interstate 70.

Five culverts will be installed at INDOT’s cost in preparation for INDOT’s I-70 improvement project. Two of the culverts are on county land and three are on city land.