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The Way plans to sell air hangar

By WILLIAM LANEY

For The Evening Leader

Which "Way" will they go?

Having already sold its plane, The Way International is now looking to find a buyer for its airport hangar in an effort to trim costs. But, officials associated with the New Knoxville-based religious group say the organization is not in financial trouble.

"We sold our plane, so we don't have much of a need for a hangar." Said Gary Frederick, a representative of The Way's legal department, after meeting Tuesday with the Auglaize County Commissioners.

Addressing rumors that The Way is in financial trouble or is selling off property in preparation of a move to Colorado or Florida, Frederick responded, "We are not going to move. We are doing improvements to our property all the time."

But on Tuesday, representatives from The Way approached commissioners about the proper procedures in selling the hangar at the Neil Armstrong Airport and in transferring the lease on the land.

The Way owns the building, but the land is leased from the commissioners. A 10-year lease was signed Nov. 28, 1989. It includes 15 one-year options, which are automatically renewed unless the commissioners are notified of a desire to terminate the contract.

Officials from The Way have been looking for a buyer for their hangar.

Airport Authority member Brad Smith proposed The Way donate the hangar or a major portion of what it is worth to the airport authority. The remainder would be purchased by the county and then the hangar could be resold.

"There is a company with slight interest in bringing a plane to the airport, but no solid interest." Said Airport Manager Gary Katterheinrich.

The hangar was appraised at $110,000 in 1989. Way officials guessed it may have climbed to $150,000-$200,000.

If the property is sold by The Way, a new lease would have to be negotiated with the commissioners. Frederick didn't want the lease agreement to hamper any deal.