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The reaction was a mixture of relief and enthusiasm. With the letter came a stamp of reality for the hopes and plans that have been generated and the permits that have been approved..

The discussion could finally turn to which parts of the park could be started before the snow flies. New docks, an archery range, fishing tournaments and kayak races, were disucssed.

It was obvious that the wait for this letter had kept such thoughts pent up, and its receipt had released a bundle of progressive thinking, promise, and energy for the village.

The village got other good news in the form of a plan from the Ellsworth Farm Exchange to make large-scale improvements to their facilities. A presentation was first heard from Sherry Rhoades of the Northern Lights Economic Alliance on the benefits of establishing an "Industrial Development District" that would allow for tax abatements and include the area where the co-op is located.

Once the board approved the resolution to establish that zone, Tim Underwood, General Manager of the coop, presented the specific improvements for the company. Included in the plans are new offices and a building for bulk storage.

"The buildings will fit in nicely with the community and should blend very well with the new park", Underwood said. "After wanting to do this for the last several years, we are excited to get underway. Our employees deserve the best facilities, and there will be better flow for our customers."

Mr. Underwood said that this will be a half milliondollar project, and estimated that building will take approximately 210 days. They hope to start this month, and plan to complete the project in March or April.

In other news, President Campbell was able to report that the water main extension project was complete and came in under budget. The plan is to send refunds to the residents involved. One of those residents is Pat Mikula, a new property owner from Holland, Michigan who plans to build and move up soon. He expressed his appreciation for the board's work with this project and the village's recent improvements. The board was happy to welcome him to the community.

Police Chief Bob Daunter was enthusiastic in his description of the recent fireworks event. He said behavior of the public as well as attending officers was "outstanding". He included in his report a badge request for new officer Trish Pratt, which was approved by the board.

Highlighting the public works report was the imminent promise to light the new street lamps. Consumers Power has only to finish their work, which is minimal, and then the village can expect a "formal lighting". Next month's meeting will be August 13th.