Hope Unlimited will get financial assistance from Allen County to help meet the local match of a substantial grant.
Commissioners Tuesday voted to provide $20,000 of a $49,000 match, which Hope Unlimited asked for on Jan. 19. Proponents, commissioners were assured then, are confident they can raise the remaining $29,000.
The local match is for a federal Victims of Crime Acts grant of $167,607.
Success would permit Hope Unlimited to add three full-time staff positions: children’s services specialist, sexual assault advocate and shelter manager. Proceeds also would cover a portion of expenses to install a new central air unit and upgrade security at its shelter.
Hope Unlimited shelters abused women and children. More than 200 children, infant to 18, are served annually.
The organization also coordinates services for children removed from dangerous circumstances in their homes.
The shelter’s services are provided round the clock, Michelle Meiwes told commissioners on Jan. 19.
AT BEHEST of Commissioner Jim Talkington, the county will take a closer look at utilities at the county airport two miles southeast of Iola, with an eye on industrial development.
Mitch Garner, who managed the airport before taking Public Works reins last summer, said electric, gas and water main lines are adjacent, and that upgraded electric supply probably could be done without too much effort.
Gas and water may be another story, Garner said, because current lines aren’t designed to meet heavy demand.
The airport, and a number of acres now used for agriculture, could give the county an ace up its sleeve in industrial recruitment. The Ray Pershall Industrial Park on North State Street doesn’t have an abundance of open space and other areas, including those owned by Iola Industries, might not be as attractive as a site on the airport property.
However, no immediate plans are in place to do more than investigate what is available and what could be done to make the rural site better suited for a prospect.
In a related matter, commissioners are eager for economic development efforts spearheaded by David Toland, director of Thrive Allen County, to forge ahead aggressively.
Allen County, Iola and Iola Industries each has contributed $20,000 a year to fund countrywide economic development.
