By By Sheila Blackmon/The Meridian Star
March 11, 2001
A new Peavey sound system, more parking and another entrance are some of the improvements planned for the Lauderdale County Agri-Center this year.
Supervisors approved $59,000 in improvements last November, almost depleting the $63,900 allocated for the Agri-Center in their budget. The money has funded the sound system upgrade and will also fund some outdoor improvements.
Bids came in lower than the $29,000 budgeted for the sound system upgrade. Morrison Brothers Music of Ridgeland was awarded the contract when they submitted a bid of $16,960.
Seal said the Agri-Center's advisory board members are discussing additional parking spaces and have some blueprints for what they would like to do.
The outdoor riding arena will be relocated to allow for more parking spaces. It will retain its current dimensions at the new location, he added.
The fair is scheduled for Sept. 29-Oct. 8.
The arena is again open for practicing and exercising horses after a temporary closure for insurance purposes. Supervisors had to check into some liability issues.
The arena is open for practice Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 8 p.m. Seal said anyone interested should call first in case the arena is booked for an event.
The Agri-Center will soon be under new management. Director Buddy Scott plans to retire. County officials say his retirement is effective at the end of this month. They are advertising for the position. Seal said he is interested in the job and is completing his application.
He said the Agri-Center Advisory Council has been a tremendous asset in helping to promote the building and its events. They have a meeting scheduled for Monday to discuss some of the planned improvements, he said.
District 5 Supervisor Ray Boswell said there are some big announcements planned, but would not release further information.
Sheila Blackmon is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at sblackmon@themeridianstar.com.