Grace Kirchner Leader Correspondent
The Clintonville Common Council has approved spending $25,000 for the naming rights on a DC-3 airplane to be on display at the Aviation Heritage Center of Wisconsin in Sheboygan Falls, with the money to come from the city’s tourism funds.
City Administrator Chuck Kell told the council that the Aviation Heritage Center is in the process of purchasing a DC-3. The cost to purchase the plane, refurbish it, and put it on display at the museum is $180,000.
Kell said Monday he has been told a DC-3 has been located in Florida. However, an agreement has yet to be reached on the purchasing price.
Kell said he realized $25,000 was a significant amount of money, but believed it was a way to get the most bang for the buck in terms of future tourism in Clintonville because the plane will be on display at that museum long term. The $25,000 is a one-time donation, and if no plane is located and purchased, no donation will be made.
The plane would be included in an exhibit to commemorate North Central Airlines, which originated in Clintonville. The DC-3 would be named City of Clintonville, with the name displayed on the front of the plane.
Alderman Steve Kettenhoven asked if it was possible for the Aviation Heritage Center of Wisconsin to bring the DC-3 to Clintonville once it is refurbished. Kell said a committee member from Sheboygan Falls said it was a possibility.
Kell said the money comes from room tax collected at local hotels and does not come from tax dollars.