Stephenson County staff: visitor center sold, manufacturing site sold, fueling-station project delayed; programs planned

At a Stephenson County Planning & Development Commission meeting, economic development staff reported multiple local business developments: the county-owned visitor center building has been sold and is expected to reopen as Auto Smart in April 2025; a manufacturing property previously occupied by HP Plastics was sold to a Chicago-area metal manufacturer that will lease part of the building back to HP Plastics; and a planned fueling station and convenience store from Hull City Elevator has been delayed.

County staff said the buyer of the visitor center is relocating from the Oswego area and currently lives in the Lake Carroll area. "As of December 31, 2024, the visitor center has been sold and, it will become April 2025, Auto Smart," the staff member reported. Staff said they met with the buyer to help refresh the facility's digital sign and will provide guidance on enterprise-zone benefits and other local assistance as…