Being a Lion means learning about your community and its needs and there was a lot of learning going on at a recent meeting of the Columbus club. Lynn Sprague spoke to the group about all that has happened in the relatively short time since he became Polk County’s director of agricultural economic development.

His job was made possible by the county’s Farmland Protection Plan and Polk was the first county in the state to create this type of full time, paid position. Now other counties are seeing Polk’s success and following the county’s lead. The goals of his office are to preserve farmlands (which means keeping them profitable), to enhance existing farm operations, to create new agricultural businesses and to reconnect Polk’s citizens with their rural roots. Sprague told the Lions that he found the community to be very enthusiastic in their support of these goals.

The acquisition of the former Mill Spring School to serve as the county’s agricultural development center has been one of the most visible accomplishments. The building that had once been the focal point of the community had been virtually unused for the past 18 years. In spite of needing many repairs, the building inspector told Sprague the school was one of the strongest structures in Polk County.

With the help of over 600 volunteers and small grants totaling approximately $200,000, improvements valued at over $1 million have been completed. Sprague has had groups of 50 or more students working during their spring breaks and has also had Americorp members assisting in the renovation. The building houses not only Sprague’s office, but offers space to artists and small businesses for a small rental fee. These fees help pay for the building’s utilities. Future plans include renovating the auditorium for community use and installing a commercial kitchen.

Sprague is also proud of Polk County’s farmer’s markets. The Columbus market originally had 10 – 12 vendors but has recently has grown to 52. The direct sales at county markets is about $600,000 a year, with indirect sales (those made by vendors who meet customers at the market and later sell from their farms) bringing the markets’ worth up to $1 million. Sprague says Polk’s citizens are remembering that fresher is better.

Sprague concluded by telling the Lions that there are many more challenges to be met and a multitude of volunteer opportunities.

“Agriculture is the reason our community is here,” he said. “Keeping that character is worth a lot.”

The Columbus Lions meet on the first and third Thursday evenings at Calvert’s Restaurant in Columbus and they encourage anyone interested in community service to visit with them.

For information, call Helen Trevathan at 828-894-7062.