The Winnebago Economic Development Authority (EDA) received exciting news at a meeting held on Wednesday, Nov. 1.

EDA specialist Jennifer Howard informed the board that the owner of a vacant property along Highway 169, on the south end of Winnebago, had indicated they are willing to put it up for sale.

“I received notice that they’re ready to move forward with selling the property,” Howard said. “We can put it out there officially.” 

The property – commonly referred to as the ‘JM Property’ – has sat vacant for roughly two decades.

Howard said she has yet to identify the broker who will be listing the property, but once she learns who that individual is, she will pass the information along to the EDA board.

“It’s good news that we’re moving forward with that,” she said. “That’s exciting.” 

Otherwise, Howard said, she and city staff have spent much of the month of October working on submitting an application for a USDA grant for the Muir Library. The grant would be used to fund proposed renovations to the library to bring it into ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance.

“The USDA is working on underwriting for the application,” Howard explained. She added that the USDA  will be unable to officially award the grant money until it has received the allocated funds.

“We’re in a holding pattern with that, but we’ve given all of the information they need as of right now,” Howard concluded.

Another project which was wrapped up in October was the distribution of meals to Winnebago’s manufacturing employees in recognition of Manufacturing Week, which took place during the week of Oct. 6-13.

On Oct. 5, 146 meals were distributed to employees at Backwoods Designs, Everidge, Greenfield Global, MET Motors, Zierke Built Manufacturing and T Nepp Metals.

The meals, which were provided by Rockin’ Robins, cost a total of $941.23, and included sloppy joe sandwiches, chips and a cookie.

“It was well received. Everybody seemed to enjoy it,” Howard reported.

In other business, the Winnebago EDA:

• Voted to recommend that the Winnebago City Council renew the city’s contract with CEDA for economic development services.

Contracting for six additional months of services, two days a week, would cost $28,083. The cost represents a five percent increase over last year’s fee for services.

“I know that since CEDA came to help us, and specifically Jennifer (Howard), they have more than paid for what we spend on a yearly basis for them,” board member Jean Anderson observed.

• Agreed to offer Heartland Senior Living the November Business Spotlight Award.

• Learned that the city’s application for a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Releaf Community Grant in the amount of $323,185 has been submitted.

If the funds are awarded to Winnebago, they would be used to offset the cost of removing trees which have been affected by emerald ash borer (EAB).

• Was reminded of several upcoming events which are being planned by the Winnebago Community Club.

On Thanksgiving day, a meal will be served at First Presbyterian Church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Howard noted that volunteers for the event are needed and appreciated, as are monetary donations.

Frosty Fest is scheduled shortly after, on Friday, Dec. 1, from 5-7 p.m.