Get in the Cloud funds awarded to Aurora Post Office

The Cloud County board of commissioners, during its regular meeting on Monday, approved awarding $3,400 in Get in the Cloud grant funds to Aurora Post Officer owners Steve Blackwell and Jim Blackwell to convert the building to solar energy.

Converting to solar energy will allow the owners to discontinue the natural gas service to the building.

Former Aurora Postmaster Richard Blackwell built the building in 1968. The United State Postal Service has continuously leased it.

A new 15-year lease was signed by the Postal Service. It will begin in May, 2019.

The installation of solar panels, three electric baseboard heaters and enhancements to the current fuse box will add to the value of the property.

The solar panel system will be installed by AC Customs, LLC, a Concordia-based company. The work will be utilized as a learning lab for Cloud County Community College students in the solar energy program.

The project includes an interactive touch screen display panel allowing patrons to be able to see how much solar power is being generated at different hours of the day and how much is being utilized in the building during different times of the year.

With the enhancement, the Blackwells will be able to host area grade school through high school students for educational tours about solar energy.

The Get in the Cloud grant funds are intended to encourage economic development in Cloud County while increasing the property value of existing structures and land. The program provides competitive grants and mentoring support for new and existing businesses.

Entrepreneurs who successfully complete the education component and who own an existing business in Cloud County, or are developing a business concept they intend to locate in Cloud County, are eligible to apply for a one-time grant of 50 percent of start-up costs or $50,000, whichever is less, to fund eligible expenses.

Existing businesses are eligible for funds if they can show increased sales and/or customer base from an addition to the current facility.