Fair board members expected to ask for federal funds

Jan. 5—NORWALK — There was more discussion Thursday morning about the proposed new barn at the Huron County Fairgrounds.

Fair board member Dick Wiles and Heath Feichtner were at the meeting as talks continue about using ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) money to help pay for the project.

Fair board members were expected to discuss the project at Thursday night's meeting and to make a formal request to commissioners for ARPA funds.

When talk started about a new barn at the Huron County Fairgrounds, plans were to keep it basic and keep the costs down.

But now, it's full steam ahead — and more help is coming.

That basic barn is now growing by the day. The hope is it will be more than just a barn, but a building everybody can use 365 days a year.

After the 2021 COVID-19-related death of lifelong Huron County farmer and cattleman John Feichtner, his grandsons, Owen and Nash — themselves frequent livestock exhibitors — began a funding campaign to build the new barn in John's memory.

Tragically, in the fall of 2021, John's wife, Donna, died, as did Owen in a car crash later the same day. Interested parties, family members and friends throughout the Huron County community rallied to continue the building effort.

Heath Feichtner is the son of John and Donna and the father of Owen.

The Feichtner Memorial Charitable Fund Committee is working with the commissioners.

The current plan is to replace the current swine, rabbit and poultry barns with a concrete floor and foundation, exposed three feet above grade; blanket insulation in the celing and walls; public restrooms; and a sprinkler system.

During fair week, the building will also be potentially used as a show ring, along with having swine and goat pens.

The rest of the year, the building can be used for livestock shows, conventions, home shows, meetings, weddings and other events.

The current estimated cost is $2.4 million without site work. The current estimated cost with site work and inside wash rack is $2.7 million.

Funding:

$524,000 — Current pledges not yet received (Ohio Capital Grant, Huron County commissioners and Ag Credit)

$98,483.13 — Junior Fair sales in 2021 and 2022

$190,811.56 — money received at NEDC

$1,950 — BW Final Drive

$815,244.69 — Total to date

$185,000 — estimated fundraising to come

$1.5 million to $1.8 million — request from ARPA (federal grants)

The committee will continue to do fundraising through gifts and grants.