More Beloit "Propaganda" (Merrill, Ithaca: homes, work, college)

[midwest1]

for Drover...


Wisconsin city impresses America in Bloom judges
By RASMIEYH
ABDELNABI
Daily News staff writer

Judges from America in Bloom were greeted by cloudless weather and an enthusiastic community in Beloit this weekend.

Municipal evaluators Norm Kleber and Melanie Riggs spent Friday and Saturday in Beloit visiting various places. Saturday afternoon, they visited with volunteers at the Hanchett-Bartlett Homestead and toured the grounds.

Director of Visit Beloit, Martha Mitchell, said the judges have been on the go since they arrived Friday morning. They asked lots of questions as they hopped from one place to the next. It helped out greatly that the weather was nice this weekend.

"The community has just come out and is being very receptive," Mitchell said.

The judges' first stop was the Angel Museum. They also took a tour of Beloit College, the Horace White Park, Beloit Ironworks, the ABC Supply Co. and green roof, Riverside Park, Eastlawn Cemetery and East Ridge neighborhood, Beloit Water Treatment Facility and Rain Garden, Big Hill Park, Bluff Street Historic District and the Merrill Community Center.

The judges attended Music at Harry's Place Friday night and had dinner at the Rotary Center. That same day, they had a boat tour of the Rock River. They attended the farmers market in downtown Beloit Saturday morning.

In a couple of weeks, Beloit officials will receive a report from the judges explaining what they have done well and what they could improve on. Beloit is competing with four other cities in the United States: Ithaca, N.Y.; Kirkwood, Mo.; Norwich; and Saratoga Springs, N.Y. In September, at the America in Bloom Annual Conference in Rockford, the winner will be announced.

Lee Fassett, the director of the parks, said he is proud of the city. City personnel, community members, businesses and corporations have gotten together to improve Beloit, he said.

"And I think it's time for Beloit to get cocky," he said with a laugh.

Municipal Evaluator Norm Kleber was impressed with Beloit's ability and commitment to keep the city's heritage, which includes the Indian Mounds at Beloit College. He was also impressed by the city's ability to attract new businesses, but without altering its unique features.

"You guys are the best kept secret in the Midwest," he said.

[luebda92]

I think that article speaks the truth about the progress Beloit has made.

[luebda92]

I hope Drover comes across this.