I am sooooo excited and happy to be able to share this news with you!

From Judi Hester Aus, President of MPHS:

“We did it everyone! I am toasting you ALL with a glass a wine for what we have accomplished. A MAJOR MILESTONE!

Yesterday when I opened the mailbox at Mark’s Prairie and saw the letter I ripped it open and Read it and just started screaming and jumping up and down like a cheerleader and Burt says “I’m glad you’re so happy to see me!” He had no idea what it was and we both started laughing. So then I told him and he was just as happy as I was. This is huge! “

What is HUGE you may ask??? Why are we celebrating??? WELL, guess what?? The back taxes owed on the property have been PAID IN FULL and that is only HALF of it! The big news is Mark Prairie Historical Society has REGAINED IT’S PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION!!!! The property taxes are paid in full and NO NEW TAXES WILL BE DUE going forward!! I’d say this is definitely a cause for celebration!!! I cried when I got Judi’s email I was so happy!

MPHS has gone from just a handful of members to over 60 members in the last 4 months. There is a new website, a Facebook page, donations can be made via PayPal online (and we have received quite a few) and new alliances are being formed within the community. It is no longer a forgotten relic, but on its way to becoming what most of us had dreamed it could become, a vital and vibrant part of the community! We have raised enough $$$ through donations and membership fees to pay the back taxes and through multiple events and hard work, we have regained our property tax exemption!

So, in celebration, if you are so inclined, feel free to raise up a glass of your favorite adult beverage and toast to a bright future for Mark Prairie and all of us!

Well done everyone 🍷

Erin