Blackford County: Commissioner Updates: Trail Construction Near, Leadership Academy Funded, Broadband Equipment Arriving
From the Blackford County Commissioner meeting on August 17, 2026
BCEDC Executive Director, Warren Brown provided progress updates on three ongoing county initiatives.
Brooks has been confirmed as the contractor for the $3.1 million trail extension project. A pre-construction meeting has not yet occurred, but construction is expected to begin shortly after. Brown expressed confidence in Brooks, describing the firm as "a big player."
Shafer Leadership Academy
A teacher has been selected for the program, and financial commitments from the community now exceed $60,000. The goal is to make the academy a budget line item in annual budgets for sustained funding. A vote is expected at the August 19 budget appeals meeting.
Broadband Towers
Equipment cabinets have arrived in the county, with generators expected this month. American Rescue Plan funds dedicated to broadband will be used to complete the tower sites. Electricity is scheduled to be connected to the Elks Tower, with fencing to follow after that connection is made.
Source: YouTube transcript — Blackford County Commissioner Meeting - August 17, 2026
Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.
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