Requests for wind farm funds submitted

Several more applications for Meridian Way Wind Farm funds have been presented to the Cloud County board of commissioners for consideration this week.
Meridian Way Wind Farm and EDP Renewables North America again presented a gift to the county, of $300,000, to be used to support innovative projects that enhance quality of life, prosperity and safety of the citizens by creating additional educational, recreational, social, health, community development and economic opportunities for them and for existing businesses in the county.
The deadline for submitting requests for the funds was March 30.
The Concordia Lions Club submitted a request for $2,500 for the purchase of a new commercial refrigerator for the Concordia National Guard Armory.
It was stated in the request, that the Lions Club provides a free community meal to Cloud County residents on the first and second Wednesday of each month. The meals are prepared and disbursed at the armory, with over 300 meals being served each time. The refrigerator at the armory recently broke down and assistance is needed with the cost of replacement in order to continue the service to the community.
The city of Jamestown submitted two requests for funds, including $14,000 to assist in the cost of replacing the rooftop units on the library, after-school room, community room, senior center and food pantry. Total cost of the project is estimated at $64,000.
A request for $6,000 to support the annual Fourth of July Celebration was also submitted by the city of Jamestown.
Each year, Jamestown hosts a community-wide event on July 4th that includes a barbecue, live music, a raffle, dancing, a cornhole tournament, bounce houses, carnival games, a book grab and a fireworks display.
The Jamestown Fueling Station requested $18,000 for updates. The fueling station pumps and card readers do not reflect current card reading and pump needs. The pumps are poorly lit and are in need of LED updates to provide a brighter area for users during evening and nighttime hours. The station also does not offer compressed air for travelers to refill tires.
The city of Glasco has requested $43,629 for the revitalization of the Idle a While R.V. Park as part of the Vision 2023 and Beyond strategic plan for the community.
It was stated in the request, that Glasco Mayor Clark Coco has discovered there is a significant need for R.V. camp sites and the revitalization project will make eight sites available for persons working in or visiting north central Kansas. The project includes electrical upgrades, new concrete pads, water hydrants, lighting, gravel for roadways and the purchase and installation of a storm shelter.
The Clyde Baseball Association is requesting $12,000 to replace an equipment shed at the Clyde Ball Field and to pour a concrete pad for the shed.
The current shed at the ball field has no concrete pad and does not have guttering. It is rotted and animals are able to get inside and chew up the equipment.
Sunset Home Senior Living Community in Concordia has requested $15,000 to help fund a childcare center.
It is stated in the request that the childcare center will benefit employees and working parents in Cloud County by closing gaps in employability and staffing. For the children and families, it will provide a safe, healthy, affordable childcare option.
Sunset Home is renovating an unused cottage and plans to open the accessible and affordable childcare center with spots for 8-12 children of employees and other families in Concordia.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $161,444.69.
The 12th Judicial District Supervised Visitation and Child Exchange Service has requested a total of $5,000 for computer hardware/software updates and low-income assistance to families.
Of the $5,000 requested, $2,000 will be put toward updating computer hardware and software so that it can remain compatible with state and court requirements for participation in training, submitting reports and new statewide e-filing system, and $3,000 will go toward direct low-income assistance.
The city of Aurora has requested $18,000 for a fueling station improvement project.
It is stated that the city of Aurora is planning to upgrade the fueling station to include an awning and additional lighting for easier and safer fueling during inclement weather and night-time hours.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $22,000.
A request for $13,414.33 has been submitted by the Clyde Community Ambulance Service to help with the purchase of a power cot with power load system, to be installed in the ambulance.
The Clyde Community Ambulance Service has applied for a grant from the state to cover 75 percent of the cost of the system it would purchase. The total project cost is $53,657.33 and a 25 percent match is required.
The Cloud County Fair Association has requested $16,000 to help with a planned upgrade of the grandstand bleachers.
With an estimated total cost of $30,000-$35,000, the Fair Association looks to replace the wooden bleachers in the grandstand with aluminum planks. The plan is to replace one section at a time, as funds are acquired. Any good wood planks will be used to replace bad ones. Volunteer labor will be used.
The Aurora Knights of Columbus Council #2114 has requested $12,000 for upgrades to the kitchen at the Aurora Opera House.
The request stated that the kitchen needs a new floor structure, flooring, plumbing, cabinets, countertops and possibly appliances. The total amount of the project is placed at $19,810.80.
St. Peter Catholic Church, Aurora, has requested $4,220.18 to replace the original wooden door on the entry of the building and the improperly installed mid-sized screen door.