A design for a mural that is scheduled to adorn the façade in front of the steps leading into the Highland County Administration Building was unveiled Wednesday, honoring different points in Highland County.
Commissioner Tom Horst said Wedensday that he “took on a project” for the mural, which he described as a “collage of the county.” He said the three-dimensional painting will look as though it is carved into the concrete and will be done by the same artist who did the murals in Wilmington.
The mural highlights the county’s agricultural and manufacturing history, as well as highlighting various recognizable landmarks located in different towns.
Horst said he is still looking for donations for the project. He said that he hopes it will get started and finished in October.
In other business, commissioners issued a proclamation during Wednesday’s meeting for the upcoming Special Olympics. The games will be held on Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. until noon at Lynchburg-Clay High School. Usually, around 90 athletes participate.
Nathan Boatman, of the Highland County Board of Developmental Disabilities, told commissioners that bocce ball, a form of lawn bowling, has been added to this year’s roster. He also said that, in addition to the Special Olympics “we are currently developing a softball team.” Sept. 24 was proclaimed Highland County Special Olympics Day.
Also on Wednesday, Phil Clyburn, resident of Greenfield and former councilman for the village, requested a letter of support from commissioners for a scenic waterway. This letter is a requirement from the state for the creation of such a waterway.
The scenic waterway will begin at the east end of Paint Creek to the village limits of Greenfield. The area will consist of federal land.
Clyburn said there are “very few limitations,” to a scenic waterway, which he compared to a scenic drive or highway. The goal, he said, is to make Greenfield a destination and to bring visitors to the village.
He added that another advantage of a scenic waterway is that if there is ever a need to clean it, obtaining a grant for such a project will be easier.
Horst said, “I think it’s a good idea … I see no reason we would not support it.” A motion to draft a letter of support was passed.
Commissioners also discussed the ongoing Highland County Fair. Commissioner Jeff Duncan said, “Congratulations to those participating there.” He added that commissioners “encourage everyone to go to the fair.”
Horst also said that improvements are continuing at the meeting room in the Hi-Tech Center. Composite flooring will be completed this week, and next week painting will begin.
Horst added that the funding for these improvements is “coming out of capital improvement money, not out of anything else.”
Duncan said that the construction of the handicap ramp at the administration building is set to begin between Sept. 12 and 19. He added that weather-related repairs to the courthouse are also scheduled to begin next week.
Commissioner Shane Wilkin was not present Wednesday.
