WESSON – Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Board of TrusteesThursday approved a bid for the Smith Hall renovation projectplanned for this summer, pending a final determination by stateofficials.

The lowest bid, for $1.91 million, came from ThrashConstruction; however there was a minor irregularity in the bidpapers. C.E. Frazier, the next-lowest bidder at $2.08 million,filed a protest and the state Bureau of Building, Grounds and RealProperty will have to decide.

The board passed a motion to proceed with whatever the stateagency decides, although school officials plan to indicate theirwish for the bid to go to Thrash. They elected not to rebid theproject because it would take too long, and the renovations must becompleted by August when the fall term begins.

Architect Carl Nobles was also in attendance to speak to theboard about the proposed upgrades on Stone Stadium. He brought withhim the layouts of the new design and presented them to theboard.

Of particular interest was the improvement to the restroomarrangements. Nobles’ layout has eight toilets in both the men’sand women’s restrooms and separates the entrances in order to offera little more privacy to both sides.

The renovations will cost around $550,000, which Co-Lin wouldborrow based on next year’s income. The amount is estimated to bepaid back by June 2008.

Discussion also took place on putting in a new ticket booth andallotting a room for radio announcers.

In other dealings, the board approved making new contracts withall contracted personnel contingent on the amount of state funding,a balanced budget and including a discussed salary increase.

“I know this is sitting on Governor (Haley) Barbour’s desk, andwe expect him to pass it,” said President Howell Garner.

In closing, head women’s basketball coach Gwyn Young spoke tothe board about his team’s success at the national tournament.

“It was a good experience,” he said. “Our team went in andplayed well and represented the state really well against teamswith girls who were 6’4″ and 6’5″. I’m really pleased with the waythey played.”