MEIGS COUNTY
Mary Powell already had her vision before she heard of MIRA's available grant money. She wanted to restore Chester's old courthouse and one-room school. Her ideas, enthusiasm, skill at delegation and MIRA funds have resulted in a renovated Chester courthouse with over 2000 signatures in the guest book.
Guests are welcome to use the computer, Internet and scanner (bought with MIRA funds) to conduct genealogical research. They can also bring in old family pictures to be identified or help the historical society by identifying old photos that have already been brought in.
At the moment, the original Meigs County MIRA team is not meeting, Adam Will (13), is now 16 and on the Courthouse Board because of his involvement with MIRA.
Partnerships
The local Farmers Auxiliary, Masons, Daughters of the American Revolution and the local educational committee have all collaborated in the restoration of the courthouse and nearby one-room schoolhouse. All this community involvement caught the attention of a local senator, John Kerry, who was so impressed with Mary Powell and the Chester community that he asked the Ohio Attorney General to visit the area. The Attorney General then granted Meigs County $5,000 for community development.
Meigs County also leveraged $15,000 from the Capital Bill Fund that provides state money to projects that help with economic development.
Leadership
With a web site under construction, Mary Powell and Meigs County residents will continue to network, learn to work together and encourage Southeastern Ohio tourism.
This team's willingness to accept delegated responsibilities and take pride in their community reinforced the team's success.
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