The first dirt was shoveled at the site of what will be a mini-golf course at the Penn Center Residential Care Facility in Delhi.
The Penn Center provides quality residential services to individuals with mental illness, mental retardation, developmental disabilities, and/or the elderly, as well as those individuals with other difficulties that will not allow them to live independently.
The inspiration for the mini-golf course evolved from the consumers and staff at the Penn Center participating in a community recreational golf activity at the Special Olympics Unified Golf event. The residents of the Penn Center expressed their desire during discussions with the staff about having a golf course and the employees recognized a growth of interest in golfing every year after the event. This mini-golf course will help motivate the residents to exercise and have some leisure time. After more discussion, it was realized that not only will the residents benefit, but the community may also.
The model for the mini-golf course came through work with Meadow Ridge in Cedar Rapids by allowing the Penn Center to look at pictures and model their course, as it is also handicap accessible and visually appealing.
As the mini-golf course idea came closer to certainty, individuals, community organizations and businesses, the Board of Supervisors, Penn Center Inc.

Board of Directors and the entire community have shown support for the project. The completion of this project will promote the continued community integration of the residents and community involvement.
According to Diane Brecht, Penn Center administrator, “The ground breaking and building of this completely handicap accessible miniature golf course has been made possible thru generous donations of individuals, community organizations, and community businesses that support this project. We look forward to the completion of the project in September and hope we will be able to thank each and everyone who has made this vision a reality personally, at the Grand Opening Celebration.”

The Delaware County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Monday, Aug. 4 at 1:15 p.m.
Lightning did strike the historic Delaware County Courthouse for the second time this summer on Sunday, Aug. 3. Supervisor Skinner stated that an Illinois Electric Company will be coming to complete an electrical needs assessment. Two other companies from Ohio have also assessed the damage and will be giving an estimate as well. Various computer equipment and the telephone system were once again involved in the damages.
Supervisor Skinner has been named the authorized representative and Carla Becker as the chief financial officer for the application process for federal/state assistance in repairing county property damaged by the disasters.
White’s Hidden Valley was approved for a five day class “B” beer permit with an outdoor service area beginning Aug. 9.
Ownership of The Pizza Place has changed from a partnership to Aaron Nelson being the sole proprietor. Due to the change in ownership an amendment to the liquor license was approved. The Pizza Place’s renewal of the class “C” liquor license will be effective Aug. 14.
Supervisor Helmrichs noted that the Hartwick Bridge is open to both vehicle and boat traffic.