Dist. 17 State Senator Andy Zay, R-Huntington, helps introduce Lagro’s new signage last spring. The new sign was a labor of love as well as an opportunity for local organizations to rally around the $20,000 project along U.S. 24. David Friese Nelson / dnelson@PlainDealerIN.com
Dist. 17 State Senator Andy Zay, R-Huntington, helps introduce Lagro’s new signage last spring. The new sign was a labor of love as well as an opportunity for local organizations to rally around the $20,000 project along U.S. 24. David Friese Nelson / dnelson@PlainDealerIN.com
LAGRO — The Town of Lagro is preparing for the next step for its growth.

Community leaders announced the launch of the Level Up Lagro Economic Development Plan, said to be a forward-thinking initiative designed to foster economic growth and enhance the quality of life for both residents and businesses.

“This strategic plan aims to elevate the town’s vibrancy and position Lagro as a premier outdoor retreat on the Wabash River,” said Alex Downard, executive director of Imagine One 85.

The initiative is a focused planning effort that builds on the recent adoption of the Imagine One 85 Comprehensive Plan to identify how Lagro can leverage resources to strengthen the community.

A town meeting to introduce the plan is at 6 p.m. on Feb. 3 in the Lagro Community Building, 230 Buchanan St., Lagro. The meeting also is open to all Wabash County residents.

“The Level Up Lagro plan represents our collective vision for the future of Lagro,” said Kristie Bone, Town of Lagro clerk-treasurer. “With a focus on community, development, and pride in our unique location along the Wabash River, this plan is designed to enhance our town’s natural beauty and create new opportunities for growth and prosperity.”

According to Downard, the Level Up Lagro plan is the result of thoughtful and extensive community input, including town hall meetings, as well as consultations with local business leaders and economic experts.

“This plan is not solely be meant for elected officials and town staff but is intended to be a document referenced and supported by the entire community,” said Downard. “Over the course of the project, there will be times when people living, working, or even visiting the county will be asked to provide input to assist in the development of the plan. This input not only assists local leaders in determining critical challenges to address in the future but helps create a foundation of community backing that supports the successful implementation of the plan.”

Lagro has come a long way in the last few years. The community of nearly 500 saw its beloved town almost whither and dry up several years ago. Thanks to local entrepreneurial spirit, the community has seen resurgence with locally owned restaurants, quaint shops, renovated buildings, and numerous festivals.

Helping celebrate Lagro being back on the map was the dedication of the new town signage in the spring of 2024. The new L-A-G-R-O sign, standing a total of 12 feet high by 20 feet long, was a labor of love for the community as well as an opportunity for local organizations to rally around the project to help fund the $20,000 sign along Indiana Highway 24.

Lagro Canal Foundation’s Beth Gillespie has been pleased with the continued progress made within her community, including restoration and revitalization of existing historic buildings, and new merchants arriving. She credits much of the newfound success to completion of the Wabash River Trail in Lagro almost six years ago.
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