Jean Thomas, Chairman of the Oneida County Relic Preservation and Historical Society, known as the Oneida Pioneer Museum, announced to board members during a board meeting on Wednesday, February 15, that she had received word that a grant of $2,000 would be presented the following day by AgWest Farm Credit.

On Thursday, Michael Mills and Conner Ericksen of the Preston office of AgWest Farm Credit personally delivered a $2,000 check to Chairman Thomas and Marvin Hess, a board member. Thomas explained to Mills and Ericksen that the funds would be put to good use in covering the outside stairwell of the old museum. The old stairwell steps have deteriorated to the point that they crumble if they are walked upon. Members of the board have been worried that someone could get hurt if they attempted to walk down the steps. In addition, trash continually gets thrown or blown into the stairwell. The fix will be a temporary solution.

Eventually the stairwell will need to be replaced. Board members Marvin Hess and Bill Lewis have been overseeing the project. A contractor has been hired and the stairwell cover should be completed in the near future. AgWest Farm Credit has long been known as a partner with the rural communities they serve. Mills explained that they have provided grant funds for several projects in Oneida County and the surrounding counties. AgWest Farm Credit was formerly known as Northwest Farm Credit Services. The two companies recently merged, and will be able to provide services to a larger area. Logan Alder serves as the local advisor for AgWest Farm Credit in Oneida County.