Outgoing Mayor Applauds Diligent School Board as Bombers Excitement and Pool Upgrades Top the Docket

By Drew Hasselbring

Huntingburg - The lightest of snow flurries fell outside the Old Huntingburg Town Hall on Monday night. Inside, the Parks and Recreation Board meeting convened in their final meeting of the year. In attendance, as he has been for the majority of their meetings during his time in office, was outgoing mayor Steve Schwinghamer. Also in attendance for an important update was the Bombers’ former minority owner, and now its owner and president, Justin Knepp. The new contract for the Bombers stadium at League Stadium was approved, and Knepp expressed that he is focused on creating something special with the community. This season saw a significant increase in both sales and presales, and the stadium completed its concession area update. Knepp says he’s excited about what’s coming up for the Bombers, including a deeper connection with the German heritage here in Dubois County as well as some exciting promotions that he’s got plans for. The team expects to see a significant uptick in quality of play as well as in competition as they are now the smallest market team in their new nationally recognized league.

Knepp teased a number of things that should have Bombers fans buzzing soon, including exciting signings, the addition of a bourbon tasting room, potentially a new drink rail on the third base line for fans’ convenience, and a number of other improvements to the stadium and team. With the success of this season’s Spirit of Jasper train collaboration, Knepp hopes to expand that and have train service to five or six games next season.

When asked about the Bombers place in Dubois County, Knepp clearly beamed about the profound nature of the connection, saying, “We’re aiming really high, and again, us joining this new league and making some of these changes and signing certain players is all designed to create this fun environment. But the bigger picture is to also draw attention to League Stadium – to the Bombers. When you do that, you’re drawing attention to Dubois County.”

With the Bombers update complete, the board also discussed the Teen Outback board and their facilities and local park upkeep. Mayor Schwinghamer presented an option for doming the city pool, which would make it the only 50-meter covered pool in the area. The project would be completed over the next couple of years and in partnership with the school board, and make the pool a prime facility for year-round exercise and enjoyment. The board considered the significant insurance benefits and maintenance benefits, and while the topic was hotly debated and carefully considered, the Parks Board did approve a motion to continue cautious research and discussions with the school board about a possible collaboration. After the meeting, WITZ radio asked Mayor Schwinghamer about his views of the city going forward. He spoke about the rarity of a city Huntingburg’s size having five parks that people can enjoy. He praised the Parks Board’s dedication and commitment to beautifying the city at every turn. He talked about the importance of giving our seniors and young people a place to go outside and enjoy their time. He talked about the quality of life and how it was improving with each passing day in the city. He listed a myriad of events that the citizens of the town have come together to make possible with great success, calling their efforts, "Well, awesome!"

Schwinghamer said, “You know, we want to do more awesome things. And I think to let people know, wow…When visitors come to town, they say man, this is a cool place. You know, I wouldn’t mind living here! So that’s what my vision is for Huntingburg – to make sure when people come here, they would like to stay here.”

While a new mayor will be seated for the Parks and Recreation Board’s next meeting in January, there is no doubt that their legacy of outdoor enjoyment and city beautification will continue to be the focus of every agenda.

For more information on these and other updates, www.huntingburg-in.gov and https://www.dcbombers.com