Saturday, September 24, 2022

NEW WELLNESS CENTER DEVELOPMENT

      An Edgar Winter composed the lyrics for a song, sung usually by country artists........Kacey Musgraves, Kris Kristofferson and Chris Ledoux to name a few. 

     The song tells a tale of a love situation where things are up and down, in or out.....just not very settled. "Round and round it goes and where it stops, nobody knows."

     Reminds me of the continuing Boone Wellness Center saga which recently encountered a new "twist."

     As you may recall, originally, the hope, by some, was that the cities purchased area, bounded by Seventh Street on the north and Story Street on the west, (the site of Fareway many years ago), would provide a nice area for a proposed Wellness Center. Eventually, a citywide vote was called for and that idea came to an unfavorable decision, even though Fareway, itself, had promised a $2-million boost toward a successful conclusion.

     Not to be denied, the city council decided for a second try and a second vote was scheduled for March of 2023.

     However, in the most recent development, Dollar General has offered $225,000 for that property with plans to construct a store of 10,000 to 13,000 square feet. Instead of a Wellness Center, the sale of that property, if approved by the council, supports bringing additional retail to the downtown area and may open additional redevelopment opportunities in downtown Boone.

     Obviously, that initial citywide vote indicated a dislike for the center. Some voters apparently just plain didn't see any need while others cited such things as a lack of parking in the area for their objection.

     So now, the ball is back in the court of those desiring a Wellness Center. That is, if the council approves the sale of the property to General Dollar, which is expected. Now, the possibility of finding a different location is probably the number one item Wellness Center proponents are now facing.......with the hope that Fareway's original gift offer is still in effect......and that they will receive a more favorable outcome in the March vote.

     P.S. The Kornerman understands that this is "old news" for local viewers. However, native Booneites still show an interest in their "hometown" activities so we like to keep them informed on major events.

K-----K

     Reading a recent edition of the Register, a name caught my eye.......Sherry Poole.

     You may recall (I do) that Sherry was in Boone, for a time, as one of our first female police department members. I, the Kornerman, can recall interviewing her and writing a story about her for the BNR.

     After graduating from Iowa State, her first job was as a police officer in Boone, 1986-97. She then had positions in the Des Moines school system, teaching for 15 years and, eventually, becoming a Des Moines Hoover Principal.

     Now, I see she's listed as.....Interim Director of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. That is very rad. She has really moved her career forward. Nice to know she had some of her earlier training in Boone, Iowa.

K-----K

     Boone historian Larry Adams, BHS-65, has a suggestion for you if you run out of ideas for "idle time." 

     Larry, who spends his summer time in the lakes area, says that the Dickinson County Newspaper Archives features "lots of Boone County references and materials."

     You can find it at........http://dickinsoncounty.newspaperarchive.com.

K-----K

     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. Leave a message. To email your stories/memories/comments/death notices......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.

    

    

    

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