By Jessica Moore

Staff Writer

The stakeholder meeting for the City of Lewisburg was held on Thursday, Aug. 1, and what an exciting meeting it was. As I sat among others living in the community, or playing a significant role in our community, it was refreshing to witness these common goals and concerns coming to light.

Those conducting the survey were hired by the City of Lewisburg to dig in deep and hear our voices. They are in the process of creating a Vision Plan for Lewisburg. If you want to see something happen, tell them. They will hold a night meeting at the Lewisburg Recreation Center at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 20.

During the meeting a series of questions were asked; all were interesting but closely related. In fact, everyone's responses seemed closely related. It seems that everyone agrees things need to change, and that the city is taking a step in the right direction.

Preservation, restoration, and overall enhancement of the community are common priorities.

Preserve the history. Restore the history. Make Lewisburg beautiful. Embrace the small town charm and run with it.

People of the community want better education overall from an elementary level to a post-secondary level. The proposed ideas to improve education included updated technology as well as internships during high school. Improvements to the workforce development and training programs were also proposed.

It was widely agreed upon that Internet access should be readily available throughout the community. The Community Development board is working on getting wireless to the square so that anyone on the square will have wireless capability. This is good for the businesses and the customers.

There is also a focus on our parks and recreation. The residents of Lewisburg can begin looking forward to bicycle trails. The overall health and wellness of the community is high on the list of priorities.

One goal several of the representatives at the stakeholder meetings had was finding a way to keep the next generation here. Much of the youth of this county, city, and area as a whole are leaving. They are going away to school and a good portion of them are not coming back. Many are choosing to leave because they have little to no option of having a career in their chosen field here, a career that lets them utilize their degree and education.

Many are leaving because they want entertainment, music, movies, shopping, nightlife, something to do after work and on the weekends. We have great sources for this here in Lewisburg, but unfortunately they are not always utilized in the best way.

There are several places popping up throughout the area such as the winery and the drive-in, which helps in the entertainment sector, but that doesn't solve the career issue. The board is listening to the community's concerns and working on a plan.

People of Lewisburg and Marshall County, if you want to see these things take place; if you have ideas; if you have suggestions; you have a voice, don't be afraid to use it. Show up to meetings, get involved. Go to the meeting at the Recreation Center on Aug. 20 and tell them what your plan is. Your voice can't be heard if you choose not to speak.