The former Howard Grade School which has been in disrepair for many years received a communitywide touch of TLC last Saturday.

After much discussion on the Elk County Forum (an internet community dedicated to Elk County), plus conversations by Elk Konnected groups, and a dedicated Howard Area Lions Club, last Saturday’s work day turned the unsightly facility into a more hopeful one.

Lots of volunteers showed up with weedeaters, shovels, mowers, trimmers and pickup trucks.

The results can be shown in these photographs which were taken by Jerry Wagner.

Appreciation was expressed to Dr. David Whetstone for his involvement, along with the Howard Lions and all those who donated equipment and time.

Notable were Henry Jacobs for his equipment and expertise in scooping up and loading debris, as well as Gary and Jerry Harrold for use of their equipment and showing the volunteers how to use them.

Thanks also went to Rob Cookson who had spent money and time trying to board up the windows.

Although many ideas have been presented for future use of the building, it remains in private hands although the owners have indicated a desire to work with the community to turn it into a community asset again.

Lions Club members said this completed their portion of the project for the time being, however they were supportive of all efforts to continue making Howard a more attractice place to live and work.

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