Committee discusses Phase II route grant

At the Wednesday, Aug. 15 meeting of the Quality of Life/Leadership committee details were discussed about Phase II of the Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant through the SD Department of Transportation (DOT).

Representatives from the DOT did a site visit on Wednesday, Aug. 8 and gave approval to go ahead with the grant application. Phase II will include a direct route to the Faulkton swimming pool and one block from 8thAve. to the corner of 7th and Court Street (across from EastView apartment complex).

The grant has been named Safe Routes for Non-Drivers and letters of support will be solicited from community members to be submitted with the grant application. Costs are currently being evaluated and other grant possibilities being explored.

The next Abundantly Blessed at the Community Center has been set for Sept. 6 through the 8. Those bringing items are reminded that goods will be accepted all day on Thursday, Sept. 6 through 2 p.m. on Sept. 7. No items will be accepted on Saturday.

Further discussion was held about a master calendar for events and happenings in the area and possibly developing something electronic for smart phones. Purpose is to get people engaged and make it easier to schedule events, especially during the school year.

A design team is being put together to look at putting together a booklet and electronic template that will list all the clubs, organizations and government entities in the area. This would be an opportunity for listing names, purposes, accomplishments and goals for all these organizations. It would be a resource piece for community members and new residents coming into the area and would be updated on a yearly basis.

Plans are to get all details worked out at two design team meetings with those dates yet to be determined. The public transit informational meeting on Aug. 20 was discussed and is being promoted. It is hoped that there will be a good representation from the community.

Hope's Park and Playground has completed most of the planned work for this year and the Park committee had a good turnout of volunteers for construction day on July 26 and 27. A fence will be installed later this fall around the area.Agrant is being written for a 5-12 structure that would be constructed next spring if the funds become available.

The Elevator Mural project is progressing nicely and donation funds are still being collected. The project is getting a lot of attention statewide and beyond and the Economic Development and Faulkton Area Arts Council Facebook pages are seeing a huge uptick in hits. The mural on the side of the Faulk County Museum has also attracted attention with interest for the artists to make a return visit.

It was reported that the Faulkton Class of 1960 made a donation to the Pickler Mansion fund that helped pay for new wallpaper in the "blue room" or "Madge's bedroom" in the house. The next meeting of the Quality of Life/Leadership committee will be held Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. in the development office. The committee is one of the Pillars of the Faulkton Area Economic Development Corporation and its mission statement is to “Positively Promote the Quality of Life of All Ages of Citizens In the Faulkton Area.” The committee welcomes anyone who would like to join and bring ideas that will benefit the greater Faulk County area.

If you would like more information, you may contact Economic Development Director Trevor Cramer (605) 598-3050 website is faulktonsd.com. or chairperson Linda Bartholomew.