In February 2008, the Merrill Sterler family donated 16 acres of land, including Iowa's highest point, to the citizens of Osceola County in hopes of keeping the high point open to the public. At the request of members of the Sibley-Ocheyedan FFA Chapter, the Osceola Board of Supervisors voted to secure a loan to purchase an additional 5.4 acres at the farm building site in order to develop the area as an Iowa Welcome Center and agricultural interpretive center. Since then, local FFA and 4-H members have volunteered their time, energy, and resources to develop the property, with support from the Community Foundation of Osceola County, the National Highpointers Club of Colorado, the Sibley-Ocheyedan FFA Chapter, the Westerners/Those Crazy Goat Kids 4-H clubs, local businesses, local residents, and individuals from across the country. A visitor's log has recorded guests from all 50 states and several foreign countries, and Highpoint Club members have visited, offered support, and donated resources. FFA members have also made numerous presentations to local, state, and national elected officials, with the hope that Iowa's highest point will be designated as the newest Iowa Welcome Center.