Pictured, from left, are Kristi Plikerd, Mark Skibowski and Jo Paczkowski as they renew their oath of office.

KOSCIUSKO — Most of the discussion during the Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation and Visitors Commission meeting held yesterday, Jan. 17, revolved around the 2019 Show Ski Nationals being hosted in Warsaw by the Lake City Skiers.

Lake City Skiers Vice President Chuck McLaughlin was present to give an update on the national competition. During Aug. 9 -11, 2019, the show is expected to bring 13,000 people into the area with an expected $4 million impact to the community. This will provide a great opportunity to the community and the Lake City Skiers are working hard to make sure everything is ready.

McLaughlin credits the commission’s grant for the new bleachers as helping the Lake City Skiers secure the bid to host the competition. The Lake City Skiers will put at least another $40,000 into improvements such as expanding the boat ramp, improving the starting docks and building a judges platform before the competition. There was a little concern expressed concerning the current jump. McLaughlin hinted that he may need help funding a repair or replacement to the jump once the competition gets closer.

“If we do this tournament right and are successful we could get this about every three years, which would be great for the community,” said McLaughlin. “This is a big deal, it’s the biggest event in show skiing. There will be people from all over the world coming to watch this.”

McLaughlin further explained that the community will start seeing an impact this year as teams travel out to test the waters on Hidden Lake.

A representative from the Pierceton Chamber of Commerce was present to request seven advertising grants. The grants were for the vintage motorcycle show, primitive show, farmer’s market, tomato festival 5k, agriculture art show, heirloom tomato festival and general advertising. Each grant was $500 for a total of $3,500. The commission approved all the grants.

Since it was the first meeting of the year, a few housekeeping items needed to be taken care of. Kristi Plikerd, Mark Skibowski and Jo Paczkowski all had their oaths of office renewed. Skibowski was appointed as the commission’s president, David Gustafson, was appointed as vice president, Wes Stouder was appointed as treasurer and Paczkowski was appointed as secretary.

In other news:

• An update was given from the County Visitors Bureau. The new guides will be coming out near the end of February.
• A representative from the City-County Athletic Complex stated that the organization is working on large capital improvements, but nothing is set in stone yet.
• The 2018 KCCRVC inter-local agreement was approved.
• The next meeting will be held at 9 a.m. March 14.