County receives requests for Wind Farm funds

Several requests for Meridian Way Wind Farm funds, provided by EDP Renewables, have been submitted to the Cloud County board of commissioners.
Wednesday was the deadline for requesting Wind Farm funds.
Cloud County is expected to again receive a gift of $300,000 from Meridian Way Wind Farm and EDP Renewables to be used to support innovative projects that enhance the quality of life, prosperity and safety of the citizens of Cloud County by creating additional educational, recreational, social, health, community development and economic opportunities for them and for existing and new businesses in Cloud County.
The requests presented for funds and descriptions of what the funds will be used for include:
Pawnee Mental Health Services, Inc. - $25,000 to replace the main entrance door with an automatic door that is suitable for people who use wheelchairs and other assistance devices such as walkers and canes.
Clyde Fire Department - $14,056.74 to replace bunker gear for six firefighters. The gear needs to be replaced every 10 years. The department plans on replacing approximately six per year. The additional funds will allow the department to replace 12 fulls sets of gear this year. The gear is needed to ensure the firefighters have the safety gear needed. The Clyde Fire Department provides mutual aid assistance to other departments within Cloud County and in surrounding counties.
City of Clyde - $17,000 for the park improvement project. Over the past two years, the city of Clyde has completed several park improvement projects including the construction of a new swimming pool and new fencing around the park. The funds will be used for new energy efficient lighting for the basketball/tennis court ($6,800), additional ADA compliant sidewalks ($3,600) and engineered wood fiber mulch for the playground area ($8,100). The city employees will provide the labor for the sidewalk and mulch projects. The city will be using $1,500 from the park account to help cover the cost.
Cloud County Historical Museum - $11,684.89 to replace the florescent light bulbs with LED light bulbs in 225 fixtures throughout the museum. The electric bill is one of the museum's greatest expenses. Each cost saving effort the museum can implement helps preserve funds for new programs for both youth and adults, upgrade displays, preserve items, create media recordings of the county's history and advertise to the community and beyond.
9/11 Tribute Heroes Weekend - $3,000 to help cover the cost of the 9/11 Tribute – Heroes weekend that is scheduled for September 9-11 at the Cloud County Fairgrounds. There will be a free concert by the Sunset Sinners on September 9. On September 10 there will be a ceremony at the Fairgrounds, a free concert by the DJ Bridwell Band. On September 11 there will be the Heroes Races. Military veterans and first responders will receive a free pass.
Cloud County - $6,355 for a new mount for the cannon on the Courthouse grounds.
City of Jamestown - $10,000 to replace the storm and fire sirens. The city currently has three sirens that notify residents of storms and fires. The sirens are part of the notification that the city and rural fire district volunteers receive. The siren on First Street needs to be replaced.
Clyde Area Foundation – Increasing Our Impact - $7,500 for the Clyde Area Foundation that annually awards grants to organizations in the Clyde area. The funds are granted to make community improvements and increase development in the area through projects related to educational, cultural, recreational and health needs. Support for the library, the school district, the ball association and historical society have made important projects achievable. The requested funds will allow for more projects to be funded to increase the success rate of activities.
City of Concordia in collaboration with Cloud County Community College - $50,000 to install a synthetic turf infield on Doyen Field at the Concordia Sports Complex. The field is home to the Concordia High School, Cloud County Community College and Concordia American Legion baseball teams. The field is owned by the city of Concordia and the maintenance is shared by the city and the Cloud County Community College baseball staff and players. The projected benefits of installing the turf include monetary savings to local public entities, economic development, recruitment and aesthetics.
National Orphan Train Complex, Inc. - $10,000 to help cover the cost of utilities. The National Orphan Train Complex is the number one tourism draw in Cloud County and is funded by donation, fundraising, tour income and merchandise sales.
Cloud County Fair Board - $2,520 to support the cost of renting outdoor games from Waters True Value  rentals in Salina for the Cloud County Fair.
Cloud County Fair Board - $5,000 to finish installing metal panels to the interior walls of the Commercial Building at the Cloud County Fairgrounds. Currently, the walls are covered with white weed barrier paper. It collects dust and bugs and the bottom has become stained from mopping. A non-porous surface will enhance the cleaning ability and air quality of the building for community functions. The Fair Board has set aside $5,000 for the project.
Guardians of the St. Joseph Church - $4,500 to clean, repair and paint all of the lower windows of the church.
Concordia Senior Center - $38,285.70 for removal of 2,670 square-feet of flooring and asbestos and the installation of new flooring. Two layers of flooring will be removed. An asbestos specialist will remove the asbestos and vinyl plank flooring will replace the two layers.
Cloud County Weed Department - $20,000 to help offset the unforeseen price increase for chemicals to spray noxious weeds.
Brown Grand Opera House, Inc. - $7,179 for two small projects including the addition of two new 2.5 gallon water heaters for the primary restrooms on the main floor ($3,180 bid) and to replace the wooden staircase leading to the basement ($3,999 bid).