Wynne Downtown Revitalization named several new board members during its monthly meeting yesterday. The new board, chaired by Kimberly McGuire, will be Melissa Laird, vice-president; Jeanie Burnett, treasurer; and Karla Davis, secretary. Keeli Smith, who previously served as vice president, will remain on the board. The rest of the meeting involved updates to several grants and projects.
Chamber director Ashley Brumley said a $40,000 grant has been applied for through the Cross County Community Foundation and Wynne Economic Development. If approved, the money will be used to acquire dumpsters to assist with the cleanup of the remaining tornado debris; repair lighting downtown; and potentially add matching awnings to downtown businesses.
McGuire said WDR was able to present a total of $40,000 in grants from Main Street Arkansas to eight downtown businesses. The money from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program is being used for exterior or interior renovations. Members also discussed applying for another $5,000 from the program this year and a public art grant for another mural.
While the annual block party is on hold, the group hopes to host downtown Christmas in some form this year. McGuire also talked about the next steps to eventually become a full member of Downtown Main Street. The group next meets on Tuesday, Sept. 26.
