THE ISSUE :State funding cuts for the Grissom Air Museum.
OUR VIEW :Kudos to its board for keeping the facility open.
While the loss of more than $65,000 in funding would force many small museums to take a hard look at their future, the Grissom Air Museum and its board of directors are preparing to battle through 2010.
The 26-year-old museum at the U.S. 31 entrance to the Grissom Aeroplex recently learned that nearly $70,000 it was to receive in state funding had been eliminated as a result of budget cuts brought about by the substantial drop in state revenues since the biennial budget was approved in June.
The site had been recognized as an affiliate of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites.
While the museum’s board expected further cuts in funding, board chairman Ron Myers described the loss of all state funding as a “serious financial blow.”
Yet, the board of directors says the museum will open as scheduled on March 2 and remain open through its normal season before its annual winter closing in December.
That’s because, in addition to taxpayer dollars, the museum sells memberships and is a 501(c)(3) organization, which allows donors to claim the fullest tax exemption allowed. Admissions, special events and gift store sales help form the majority of the museum’s funding.
Grissom Air Museum exhibits 25 aircraft from World War II to the Gulf War outside on its grounds and offers numerous exhibits inside the museum dealing with aircraft.
While the board of directors and museum members will be forced to structure the museum’s finances due to the state cuts, they should be commended and supported in their efforts to keep the museum open and a destination for tourists.
Opinion
Museum battles through cutbacks
- Opinion
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Editorial - May 30, 2012: Watch out for children this summer
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Our view: Don’t let carelessness turn fun into tragedy.
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Letter to the Editor: May 30, 2012
The song “Sixteen Tons” recalls a long ago time of absolute control over coal miners by mine owners.
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Dog days can threaten dogs
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Forever thankful
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Memorial Day officially
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Cheers and Jeers - Saturday, May 26, 2012
Thanks for your kindness
Terry Siegrist, a paralegal in Salina, Kan., sends this Cheer:
“The family of the late Esther Sprinkle wishes to send our heartfelt thanks to all who gave so generously of their kindness and sympathy in the death of our beloved mother and grandmother. We especially want to thank those who visited us at the funeral home and sent flowers, cards, memorials or food.
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USPS scales back plans
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Our view: Agency deserves credit for listening to the concerns of customers.
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Sign change is overdue
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Tips on flag etiquette
Monday is Memorial Day – set aside to honor those Americans who gave their lives in this nation’s wars. Lots of folks fly the flag every day as a show of patriotism, but what many might not know is that there are specific rules outlined in the U.S. Flag Code concerning its display.
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Cheers & Jeers - Saturday, May 19, 2012
Carriers collect 19 tons of food
Brian S. Kidwell of Branch 533 of the letter carriers union sends this Cheer:
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Walk a lap, fight cancer
Before you read any farther, stop for a second and think about what this one word means to you: cancer.
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Editorial - May 30, 2012: Watch out for children this summer
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