Lt. Governor Foley visits Elwood
Lt. Governor Mike Foley got a taste of the good life when he visited area communities Friday, November 20. The communities of Elwood, Eustis and Farnam hosted the Lt. Governor to highlight some of the great things happening because of the work of local community members.
The Lt. Governor visited Elwood and gave remarks at the Elwood Hometown Cooperative Market virtual membership drive kick-off. The previous owners closed the grocery store in 2012 but local leaders established a cooperative and purchased the building and opened as the Elwood Hometown Cooperative Market in early 2013. The Market board has plans to pay off any remaining debt from the original opening and look at improvements and possible expansion into the basement of the building. To do that they have kicked off their Invest, Strive, Thrive - Elwood Hometown Cooperative Market Membership Campaign. They are asking people to support the campaign by doing additional shopping locally in the Market and consider purchasing some stock in the cooperative. They have secured a donor that will match the first eight stocks purchased.
The Lt. Governor also visited Elwood Public Schools where he met with members from the student council, Superintendent Daren Hatch and school board present Shelly Jorges regarding the new building renovations and recent coop of athletics with Eustis-Farnam Schools. The new renovation created better visibility and security at the main entrance, dedicated area for the concession stand and larger vestibule. The athletic coop has enabled both school districts to offer all of the sports for the students.
In Farnam, Foley met with the Farnam Economic Development Corporation (FEDC) board to tour their local spec house and the vacant high school building. FEDC utilized the state’s Community Development Assistance Act tax credits to partner with First State Bank — Farnam to add a walkout basement to the home they were relocating to Crockett street. This will be the first new house available in Farnam for 10+ years. The goal for Farnam Economic Development is to have this spec house to spur additional housing projects in the area.
While touring the Farnam High School building, Andrea McClintic, Executive Director of Dawson Area Development, discussed the feasibility study completed on the building to understand the current structural condition of the building along with possible future uses that would fit within the space. In the last year they have felt more encouraged about marketing the building as there have been a few businesses interested in the property. The Lt. Governor agreed that it would be a great space for a small manufacturing business or even reception facility or small convention center.
The final visit was at the new Eustis-Farnam Community Wellness Center in Eustis. The Center, attached to the east side of the east gymnasium at the school in Eustis, has its doors open to the public and memberships are available for purchase. The newly constructed 350o square foot facility is home to a walking track, smart TVs, weightlifting equipment, and cardio equipment including treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical, stair stepper, and rowing machine. Wellness Center entry for members is through a 24/7 automated key card. It is under constant video surveillance. Access is restricted to the public when student-athletes are training in the facility during school hours. Memberships can be purchased directly from the school by calling Michelle at 308-486-3991. Pricings are available at both annual and semi-annual rates with the added option of purchasing a joint swimming pool and wellness center membership together. Memberships are available for singles, couples, and families. Day passes are also available for $5/day.
