Raising Houners, a group based on social media through Facebook Messenger, began as a chat between a few friends and now boasts 96 members online with many supporters offline. Their primary goal is to convince the Calhoun County Commission that it is in the best interest of the community to convey the Wayne Underwood Field to The 1982 Foundation for the purpose of a community swimming pool or other recreational facility. The group has operated an email campaign, encouraging citizens to email the Commissioners to request a decision in favor of the conveyance. They then share the responses back to group, so that everyone is aware of where each commissioner stands.
While Commissioner Matthew Walker seems to be the most open minded, Commissioner Hicks has said very little in either direction, and Commissioner Helmick has been contentious to the point of name calling and accusations against Crystal Mersh, President of The 1982 Foundation. For Clarity Crystal has had no part in the ”Raising Houners” conversations or activities.
The Petitions have been taken door to door, and placed in area businesses to give the county the opportunity to sign in support of the conveyance. Mr. Helmick stated in a message to Kyerstan Perkins saying ”I believe we will reach a decision by the April meeting.” The next Calhoun County Commission meeting will be Monday, April 18th, 2022 at 9 a.m. in the Little Court Room of the Calhoun County Courthouse. This is an open meeting for the public who are encouraged to attend.
