|
the outpouring of community support including food, drinks and supplies donated by local businesses, organizations and residents.
Looking ahead, community life remains a major focus for Whitley County. Improvements at the county fairgrounds continue to expand opportunities for families and visitors. Monthly horse shows will return beginning in April, following a successful inaugural season that drew hundreds of entries under the new pavilion.
“ It was a huge success,”
|
White said.“ It’ s a great thing to take kids to, and it’ s affordable.”
Additional plans include a rodeo in June, the Whitley County Fair scheduled for July 22 – 25, and continued improvements to parking, traffic flow, and accessibility at the fairgrounds. A second bathhouse and restroom facility, funded entirely through a grant, is also nearing final approval.
Road projects remain another priority for 2026. Several FEMA-funded slide repairs are now obligated, with additional paving
|
projects planned through state flex funds and the Local Assistance Road Program. White said the new grading system used by the legislature helps ensure funding is directed to the most critical road needs.
As the county continues investing in services, White said Whitley County is also approaching a major financial milestone. According to the county’ s debt schedule, all major obligations are projected to be paid off by 2031.
“ In five years, we’ re going to turn a corner as a
|
county,” White said.“ We’ re delivering more services— like sanitation now serving about 5,000 customers— with no debt, and with the same or lower taxes.”
For White, the year ahead reflects both the challenges and opportunities that come with long-term leadership— balancing immediate needs with a vision for the future.
“ We’ re changing the structure of this county and changing the future,” he said.“ Hopefully for our kids, and the next generation, as we move into a new chapter.”
|