LAHARPE — Efforts to develop a vocational technical education center near LaHarpe are getting some local help.
Damaris Kunkler, program director at Thrive Allen County, told LaHarpe City Council members several in the county have indicated support for the tech ed center, prompting Thrive to voice its support as well.
As local school officials scramble to outfit the old Diebolt Lumber facility southeast of LaHarpe in time for classes this fall, Thrive is willing to help seek out grants, Kunkler said.
The Community Engagement Grant, which could provide up to $100,000 in matching grants to Allen County and its communities, could be utilized in the search for funds, Kunkler noted.
Kunkler spoke about the Community Engagement Grant progress, which began last summer with a countywide community conversation, where communities prioritized local wish lits.
Among the top items in LaHarpe were upgrading the city park, city beautification, demolition of sub-standard houses — and now, support for the tech ed center.
Kunkler is setting up a steering committee to ensure communities continue to pursue the grant wishlists. The committee will meet once a month. Kunkler will greet visitors the third Wednesday and Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. at LaHarpe City Hall. LaHarpe was chosen because of the community’s central location in Allen County, she explained.
Meanwhile, LaHarpe PRIDE member Harry Lee Jr. pointed out the Allen County Community Foundation also has set up a funding mechanism for donors to support the tech ed center. Donations sent through the Community Foundation are tax-deductible, Lee said.
LAHARPE Mayor Mae Crowell said she’d like to see better use of the gymnasium and weight room at City Hall.
The facilities are open only to a select few, Crowell noted, when they should be open to everyone.
Crowell said she would gather information about a card-swipe system to allow open access to the gym and weight room, although City Councilman David Lee and LaHarpe Police Chief Jason Prock both expressed concerns about liability.
They both noted the gymnasium sustained damage recently when the gym was opened to unsupervised activities.
Crowell promised to take their concerns under advisement.
