State Pond development moving forward Pine Ridge Lake proposed as new name for site

Plans for development of the county's State Pond property appear to be moving forward.

Discussion about the plans was on the agenda at this week's regular meeting of the Union County Board of Commissioners.

The meeting was Monday afternoon, May 18, at the Union County Courthouse in Jonesboro.

The county board appointed a committee which is looking into possible future development of the State Pond site, which is located west of Jonesboro. The committee is made up of local residents.

Committee member Dave Shaffer shared updated plans with the county commissioners at Monday's meeting. Shaffer is a retired landscape architect.

Shaffer said the committee has recommended changing the name of the site to Pine Ridge Lake. Such a move would help to boost marketing of what is hoped to become a local tourist attraction.

Proposed development of the newly named Pine Ridge Lake area could include a variety of recreational opportunities, including a campground, a boat launch, a nature trail and more. A visitors center also is planned at the site.

Grant funds from various sources will be sought as the project moves forward.

The county commissioners on Monday authorized the committee to work with the Southern Five Regional Planning District to seek grant funding for the project.

While a firm development timetable has not been established, it is hoped that work could be seen by late 2009 or 2010. The project would be done in phases.

Other business

In other business at Monday's meeting:

Two winners of a new $250 scholarship sponsored by the county board were announced.  

Scholarship winners are Joseph Flamm from Anna-Jonesboro Community High School and Tim Mayberry from Shawnee High School at Wolf Lake.

Students from Cobden and Dongola high schools also are eligible to receive scholarships.

The county board approved the issuing of a liquor license to Lick Creek Vineyards, a new winery, pending a review of the business's application by Union County State's Attorney Tyler Edmonds.

The commissioners formally accepted the resignation of longtime county assessor Gene Plott effective May 31.

Emergency meeting

The county commissioners also had a rare emergency meeting Wednesday afternoon, May 13, at the courthouse.

The meeting focused on the county's attempt to seek grant funding to help pay for the cost of a bulk fuel tank.

The county approved purchase of the tank as a way to help save on fuel costs. The tank is being installed on county property behind the courthouse.

A snag developed in the county's application for funding with the federal Rural Development agency.

County officials decided to seek assistance through the office of U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Ill., in attempting to resolve the matter. Other funding sources will be reviewed.

In the meantime, installation of the tank continued during the past week.

<strong>State Pond project focus of public hearing</strong>

A public hearing about development of the State Pond property is planned Tuesday, May 26, in Anna.

The hearing will be at 6 p.m. at the Sunshine Inn Community Center in Anna.

Information about development of the site will be available at Tuesday's hearing.

State Pond development moving forward