Chronicle Editorial

Community support brightens future for Franklin County
     If you haven’t noticed all the commotion going on throughout the area recently, then you obviously haven’t been paying attention.
     Multiple projects are underway that will eventually improve the quality of life here in Hampton and greater Franklin County. From the new playground equipment at Harriman Park to West Fork’s athletic facility, there’s something to look forward to in nearly every region of the county. These projects were made possible by large doses of local support and generous contributions, and it’s a testament to Franklin County’s community-first mindset that they became a reality.
     Plenty of projects are in the works in Hampton. The aforementioned playground improvement project took a huge effort on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Hampton, who steered the capital campaign and planning committee. Multiple businesses, organizations, individuals and city officials helped the project become a reality, and they should be commended for their generosity. The new playground will be a shining new addition for one of the city’s most popular parks.
     The playground isn’t the only thing that has broken ground recently. The Hampton Community Christian Daycare started construction on its new wing last week. Once finished, two classrooms will be added as well as a tornado shelter. This project also required a huge investment by the community. Around $250,000 was collected from local contributors in addition to a matching $250,000 donation from Eugene and Mary Sukup. This expansion will give the daycare additional space and allow more children to attend, which is a positive step for future community growth.
     Of course, there’s a lot of things going on outside of Hampton’s city limits. Coulter has seen multiple improvements throughout town recently thanks to the Coulter Betterment Committee and city council. The park has been spruced up and a capital campaign is underway for new lights at the athletic field. Other improvements are planned as well, and it will be great to see the new additions once all of the fundraising goals are met.
     West Fork’s new athletic facility rounds out the list of big-ticket projects underway in Franklin County. The school intends to pay for the project using $2.2 million in reserve funds and borrowing the last $1.3 million, which will be paid back over four years from the school’s PPEL fund. However, the project needed community support and a little help from the Sukup Manufacturing to become a reality. The company will donate raw materials for the building at an estimated cost of $247,153. Once finished, the facility will provide modern amenities for West Fork students and the entire community.
     Other small fundraising campaigns are also underway throughout the county. These initiatives are all important in their own right, and they help improve our communities by investing in the future. Local support for these projects has been outstanding; however, that’s really no surprise. Franklin County has proven time and time again that it’s willing to give generously when the community is in need.
     A huge thank you is necessary for all who gave to these projects. Our county is better for it, and these improvements certainly add to our local appeal.