Wayne County receives funds for hangars, dog park
After announcing Wayne County will receive $350,000 for hangar construction at the Wayne County Airport and $300,000 to construct a dog park at the Wayne County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center, Sen. Al Landis and State Rep. Scott Wiggam visited the future site of seven new hangars that will be built at the Wayne County Airport.
“Rep. Wiggam rode point on this (airport) project,” Landis said. “He brought this project to my attention very early in the year. Fortunately, he was able to land this one-time grant. This is a great investment.”
The projects were approved in an appropriation measure enacted in House Bill 2, which is $3.5 billion statewide for state facility capital improvements and local community improvement projects.
“I had a conversation with Sen. Landis very early this year about this being one of my top projects for Wayne County,” Wiggam said. “The airport needed these hangars, and it also requires the revenue. It was high on my list and Sen. Landis’ as well.”
The construction of seven new hangars is expected to boost economic activity and reduce the waiting list for those seeking space for planes. By investing in modern hangars and expanding hangar spaces, the airport can attract more aircraft owners and pilots and better serve the needs of its customers.
Additional projects in the county receiving funding include the following:
—Shreve Wastewater Treatment Plant, $1,750,000.
—Wooster Community Hospital, $1 million.
—Wayne County Agricultural Society, $415,000.
—Wayne County Emergency Vehicle Drivers Training Course, $300,000.
—Boys and Girls Club of Orrville, $280,318.
—Boys and Girls Club of Wooster, $186,771.
—Foodsphere Commercial Kitchen and Food Marketplace, Wooster, $100,000.
—Harold D. Miller Park, Shreve, $300,000.
—Fisher Auditorium renovation, Wooster, $6 million.
“We are fortunate to have Sen. Landis and Rep. Wiggam working for us,” said Jonathan Hofstetter, Wayne County commissioner president. “These two projects are not just about building new structures or updating existing ones; they’re about creating vibrant hubs of activity that bring people together. We’re building a bright future for ourselves and future generations.”
The Wayne County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center, located north of Wooster on Burbank Road, will see a boost in activity when the new dog park is completed. Dog parks have become a hub for social activity, with owners exchanging stories, sharing tips and forming bonds over their love of dogs. The popularity of community dog parks can be attributed to the growing awareness of the benefits of outdoor recreation for both humans and animals.
“As the popularity of community dog parks continues to soar, it’s essential to remember that a fun and safe experience depends on a combination of responsible dog ownership and good etiquette,” Wayne County Dog Warden and Shelter Director Katelyn Lehman said. “Make sure your dog is well-trained, well-socialized and up to date on all vaccinations before bringing them to the park.”
Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.
