Commission approves grants for local events, mural and tournaments; several requests asked to return with advertising plans

The Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation and Visitors Commission approved a slate of grant requests and publicity awards for local events and projects during its regular meeting.

Votes at a glance - Lake City Skiers — $500 publicity grant approved (voice vote). Seconded by Mike. Purpose: support publicity for the organization’s 2027 World Water Ski Show Tournament at Hidden Lake; presenter said projected tournament budget is between $250,000 and $300,000. - Leesburg Methodist Church (Susie McIntyre country concert) — $5,500 grant approved (motion/second; voice vote). Funds were itemized as $2,500 advertising, $1,500 hospitality for artists/staff and $1,500 for artists’ accommodations; presenter emphasized Toys for Tots benefits and estimated community economic impact. - Etna Green mural — $8,220 approved (motion/second; voice vote). Funds cover installation and framing for a large removable mural to be located near Remembrance Park on State Road 19; town representatives and the CVB said the piece is expected to be a photo/“selfie” stop that supports local businesses. - Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club (Sprint Triathlon) — $2,000 approved (motion/second; voice vote). The original request was larger but a sponsor agreed to provide swim caps; the commission approved $2,000 to help cover printing, bibs, trophies and promotional materials intended to attract out‑of‑county participants. - Leesburg/Chautauqua/Oakwood Foundation package — three publicity grants approved by motion (voice vote). The Oakwood/Chautauqua presenter requested help for three programs (a “Famous Hoosiers” speaker series, a patriotic reenactor program, and a Chicago‑area Road Trip ad). Cost figures were discussed in general terms (advertising costs cited as about $1,400 for a quarter- and regional buys; one item specifically requested $500 for advertising). The commission approved the three publicity requests together; specific approved dollar amounts were not recorded in the meeting transcript and are listed as not specified below. - Los Feros Inc. — grant approved for the organization’s fifth annual “Healing Childhood Trauma” conference (motion/second; vote recorded as 6 ayes, 1 nay). The presenter cited prior county support ($17,000 last year) and projected attendance; the exact approved dollar amount is not specified in the transcript. - Syracuse Rotary — sponsorship/grant for the Tour of the Lakes bike ride approved by motion (voice vote). The presenter described outreach via postcards and regional advertising to attract 400–500 riders; the transcript does not specify the dollar amount approved.

Several applicants were asked to return with revised, advertising‑focused budgets. When the Community Arts Program (formerly Classic Arts Program) asked for $10,000 to cover a projected seasonal deficit and artist fees, commissioners said they would prefer a grant application that specifically itemizes and earmarks funds for out‑of‑county advertising to draw visitors; no motion to approve that request was made.

What applicants told the commission - Laurie Wideman, representing the Community Arts Program, described a rebrand and a season of three concerts and related costs: about $37,000 for concerts and $24,000 in annual operating expenses, with projected income of roughly $51,000 and a requested $10,000 gap to be covered. - Tracy (Lake City Skiers representative) said the 2027 World Water Ski Show Tournament would draw international teams and require site improvements including upgraded electrical service, restrooms, water/sewer and hardwired internet for a webcast. - Rob Sewell, representing Leesburg Methodist Church, said the Susie McIntyre concert has produced roughly $70,000 worth of toys for Toys for Tots and estimated a weekend community economic impact; he requested $5,500 in support. - Darren Gagnon (Los Feros Inc.) asked for support for the conference; board members discussed the organization’s prior attendance figures (417 attendees last year) and the commission voted to approve the request.

Reimbursement requirement and next steps: the commission noted that grant awards are reimbursement grants and require recipients to submit receipts and documentation for auditing and reimbursement. Several applicants were asked to return with more tightly scoped advertising proposals or tracking plans that demonstrate out‑of‑county reach and measurable hotel night impact.

All grants and expenditures approved at the meeting are subject to the commission’s standard reimbursement process and budget availability.