$63,500 awarded to local groups

By JUDY UNDERWOOD

Morgan County News Editor

Various groups and organizations in Morgan County will benefit from the state’s community enhancement funds awarded by legislators.

Sen. Tommy Kilby and Rep. John Mark Windle handed out checks totaling $63,500 last week at the courthouse.

Community enhancement grants were made available through surplus funds in the State budget. Statewide $20 million was set aside, according to the secretary of state website.

Both Kilby and Windle were given a certain amount of money to distribute within their districts.

Windle pointed out that Morgan County got the highest amount of dollars per capita of any county in the state due to Kilby’s support of local programs and groups.

More than 35 local groups and organizations which ranged from 4-H and Future Farmers of America to each of the local volunteer fire departments received a check.

A list of recipients was provided by Morgan County Executive Becky Ruppe who said she is thrilled to have these funds brought to Morgan County.

Organizations receiving checks were:

Lancing -- Community Center;

Wartburg -- Fire Department, City Park, Senior Citizens and Boys and Girls Club;

Coalfield -- Senior Citizens, Sports Program, Fire Department, Lion’s Club, Park, Jacket Foundation and Boys and Girls Club;

Petros -- Senior Citizens and Fire Department;

Sunbright -- City Park, City Police, Boys and Girls Club, Fire Department and Senior Citizens;

Oakdale -- Alumni Association, Fire Department, Pine Orchard Community Center and Senior Citizens;

Deer Lodge -- Abner Ross Center and Fire Department

Morgan County -- Library Association; Future Farmers of America; 4-H Clubs, Fair Association, Chamber of Commerce, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Rescue Squad.

Other fire departments -- Joyner, Clear Fork, Burrville and Chestnut Ridge.

Representatives from each of the groups were on hand for the presentation of the checks on Friday at the courthouse.