Goal is to have work on 4-H building done by June fair

By Matthew Johnson

Reporter

Plans are underway to remodel the Wadena County 4-H building at the Wadena County Fairgrounds into a fully operational community center, possibly before the county fair in June.

That was the overarching message brought to the Wadena County Board of Commissioners during the board’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 3, by Friends of Wadena County Youth (FWCY) board members Dan Sartell and Dan Skogen. Top priorities include a new commercial kitchen, bringing the bathrooms up to code and creating an event space for up to 400 people that could be rented out to community groups.

“Our intent is to have the building ready for the fair,” confirmed Skogen as he also confirmed ongoing fundraising efforts.

FWCY is a local non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Wadena County youth and this is its first project. Its mission, according to the FWCY Facebook page, is “to provide resources and opportunities for young people to grow and develop.” 

The entire cost of the project is estimated at close to half a million dollars. Sartell and Skogen reported to the board that as of the meeting fundraising efforts have raised $325,000. This does not include up to $100,000 pledged by the county board left over from a 2010 FEMA tornado fund.

The board was told that a six-to-eight-week architectural review process is expected to conclude at the end of this month. Money is being raised by active local 4-Her’s this month by selling historical cookbooks.

For more about the FWCY visit its website www.friendsofwadenacountyyouth.com.