Daviess County Fiscal Court on Thursday approved grant worth up to a $100,000 for the Owensboro Museum of Science & History to enhance the Playzeum and the hands-on area. The projects are roughly $45,000 each, according to Judge-Executive Al Mattingly.
While the City of Owensboro owns the building, the two displays are portable so they be moved to another location if necessary at a later date.
Mattingly said during the Fiscal Court meeting that he believes along with the renovations, they will be honoring the late Sim Davenport and his wife Sally.
“Thank you for this wonderful gift to the Museum of Science and History, which will allow us to advance our service to our community’s families and honor Sim and Sally Davenport,” OMSH Executive Director Kathy Olson said via the Facebook Live stream of the meeting.
In other business, Fiscal Court proclaimed October 2021 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
They also considered a funding request for the Litter Abatement Program, or Cash for Trash. Paperwork needs to be sent to the state, then available monies will be divided amongst the communities requesting funding. Typically the state has on average $50,000 to $60,000 to give back to the communities. In the past, Daviess County’s money has gone to the compost turner and other tools for the landfill and equipment used.
Additionally, AmeriCorps Host Agency Agreement was renewed along with the Annual Search & Rescue Order of Affiliation. Commissioner George Wathen said he believes the latter is an amazing organization that trains for hours to be able to help whether it be a crime or a missing person.
The Court accepted a bid to replace all voting ballot machines and equipment for which will be good until Dec. 31, 2029, for the price of $346,031. They also accepted a bid to resurface the Yellow Creek Park pickleball and basketball courts for the price of $47,053. The latter was slightly over budget.
The Court approved the hire of Ladonna Melton as Animal Control Veterinary Technician effective Oct. 25; promoted Kandance Sturgeon to Public Works Office Manager effective Oct. 25; appoint Dr. Wanda Figueroa to the Drug-Free Owensboro-Daviess County Steering Committee.
Mattingly approved the amendment to the wage schedule to include the Public Works Office Manager.
The second October meeting was rescheduled to Oct. 28.
