Thanks to Karl Samp for updates on what’s happening with Martin County. Karl has been working with Martin County as part of their participation in the Blandin Broadband Communities program…

All projects from Martin County have been a big success. The WiFi project got a little bit of a slow start but it is now gaining momentum.  

The App Camp ran twice; in fact they may apply to expand and bring it to more schools and different ages. They are seeing some nice changes in students’ attitudes and interests.

The Community Calendar in place and getting used by partners and community. They may apply for some funds to enhance that site, and make it more visual and responsive.

Business classes and Coffee Connection education events have been very well attended.  Three school districts committed to matching, a $5000 grant for technology/device upgrades for their schools. I recommended that Martin County look at the MACLEP Excellence in Community Development Work Award. They have done a great job of engaging (and keeping engaged) various sectors, including providers, schools/higher education, government, businesses, nonprofits and collaborating across those sectors.

The community calendar and digital safety/literacy/anti cyber-bullying education are projects that Martin County will likely focus on for the future.  

The Broadband Feasibility Study will be presented this week in Fairmont; they hope to find a local partner in applying for DEED B to B grant funds to build out, in addition to Frontier using CAF funds for service expansion around Fairmont.