EATON — During a Wednesday, April 4, meeting, Preble County Commissioners were notified a local committee had garnered enough funds to complete construction of a new rabbit pavilion for the county fairgrounds.
James Mays, PC Fairgrounds Manager, told commissioners the 6×120, completely enclosed metal building would be funded by the Rabbit Committee.
The only thing they don’t have funding for is the lighting.
According to Mays, plans are to erect the building where a tent for the rabbit shows is usually put up during fair each year.
“They’re ready to move forward,” Mays said. “They want to get it up before fair.”
Such a project has been discussed for at least two years, according to officials.
The new facility would be connected to the other rabbit barns with concrete pads.
Fairgrounds officials are also applying for a Department of Agriculture grant, which Deputy Commission Clerk Kim Keller advised Mays could be helped along by using the rabbit building project as leverage for the necessary in-kind funds needed for the new grant, allowing money to be available for the lighting, concrete and other finishing touches necessary.
Also on April 4, commissioners noted receipt of a letter from Sheriff Mike Simpson regarding the new hire of Kristie Taylor as a part-time intermittent corrections officer, and a pay rate adjustment for Matt Lunsford. They also approved a permit for use of the courthouse plaza by GOBA and Preble Trails during the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure on June 19.
During a Monday, March 28, meeting, commissioners honored the Preble County Senior Center for its recent accreditation as a “certified center of excellence.” On Wednesday, March 30, Preble County Council on Aging Executive Director Shelley Ratliff presented information regarding some of the services offered and the numbers of residents served.
According to Ratliff in 2015, the agency provided transportation for over 6,000 trips, spanning over 273,000 miles. There has been a 2 percent increase in miles and 29 percent increase in “ridership,” Ratliff said.
Home delivered meals help keep people in their homes, she pointed out, noting 26,583 meals were prepared and delivered by under 10 different people.
People who can get out of their homes are also served, and those totaled 1,848 — and over 8,600 meals.
Another popular time for the agency is the Thursday Night Dance, held weekly at The Grange.
According to Ratliff, the dances are keeping people active. Some 4,377 people have come through the doors to dance, she said.
“They go because they’re looking for something to do,” Commissioner Chris Day said. “It’s their social interaction.”
“The seniors in this community greatly appreciate the services you provide,” he added.
