EDITORIAL: New fair building a positive addition for our community

Posted 7/23/15

The $3.1 million building replaces a trio of aging exhibit halls that were torn down in recent years. The decades-old large exhibit hall was essentially condemned in 2011 and later demolished. The nearby small exhibit halls were removed last …

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EDITORIAL: New fair building a positive addition for our community

Posted

Thumbs up to the new multi-use building at the Park County Fairgrounds.

County commissioners and fair leaders celebrated the facility with a ribbon-cutting Tuesday afternoon, and fairgoers are getting their first look at the new exhibit space this week.

The $3.1 million building replaces a trio of aging exhibit halls that were torn down in recent years. The decades-old large exhibit hall was essentially condemned in 2011 and later demolished. The nearby small exhibit halls were removed last year.

The new 16,100-square-foot multi-use facility is a welcome addition to the fairgrounds, and we believe the community will benefit from the new building throughout the year.

While the end of July always is the busiest time at the fairgrounds, the community uses facilities on the grounds for craft fairs, weddings, fundraisers, the community Thanksgiving dinner and a variety of other functions throughout the year.

Thumbs up to local residents for voicing their concerns and to the Powell City Council for moving forward on a modified ordinance to limit street parking for RVs, campers and trailers.

Residents unhappy with a proposed ordinance showed up at Monday’s City Council meeting to share their concerns.

As a result, councilmen amended the ordinance and removed a two-hour time limit for hose and electrical connections. The amended ordinance also would allow people to sleep in campers parked on city streets.

Other proposed restrictions remain intact. If approved, the ordinance would prohibit campers, RVs and trailers from parking on city streets for longer than 48 hours from Labor Day through Memorial Day. Owners could keep their RVs, campers and trailers parked on the street in front of their property during summer months.

We’re glad the City Council still is seeking to address the parking issue. Like councilmen, we can identify numerous local streets where a parked RV or trailer blocks the view of oncoming traffic or pedestrians. It’s a safety issue that has existed for years and needs to be addressed.

With that said, it’s also great to see public dialogue on the proposed ordinance. Far too often, residents complain about a policy or law without doing anything to change it. Sometimes, all it takes to make a difference is a phone call to an elected leader or attending a public meeting.

We hope public discussion continues on important local issues.

Thumbs down to recent tragedies in our area. Unfortunately, we often see an increase in tragic accidents in the summertime as more residents and visitors take to highways, trails, waterways, lakes and skies.

Over the weekend, four people were killed in a plane crash northwest of the Buffalo Bill Reservoir. Questions about what happened on board the small twin-engine Cessna 310 before the crash remain unanswered as the investigation continues.

We also were saddened to see another highway fatality in the area last week. Powell and the surrounding communities have lost several residents to vehicle crashes in recent months. Our thoughts and prayers remain with families and friends as they grieve and miss their loved ones.

Recent car crashes also are a reminder for drivers and passengers to always wear their seat belts. Too often, fatal wrecks involve people who weren’t buckled up.

Thumbs up to the continuation of Powell High School alumni’s all-class reunion. Organizers decided last week that the century-old tradition will continue for its 101st consecutive year.

After years of tireless work, organizers of the annual reunion said the event might go out with a bang after marking the 100th year in June. But thanks to a committee of longtime volunteers, returning members and newcomers, the event will carry on into 2016.

All-class reunions celebrate Powell Panthers from all decades, so we hope to see more young alumni join the effort. For the tradition to thrive in the future, younger volunteers must step forward. Only three of the people gathered for last week’s meeting were younger than 60.

Like others in the community, we didn’t want to see this longtime tradition fade away. We’re glad a group of committed members is moving forward — it’s an indication that Powell’s community spirit remains alive and well.

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