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Nola Sizemore

Staff Writer

With a recent $1,500 donation from BB&T Bank’s Lighthouse Project, Evarts Mayor Eddie Manning said a shelter and six picnic tables will be purchased for the city’s new walking park facility at a meeting of the city council on Tuesday.

“This will allow people the opportunity to have birthday parties and things like that at the park,” said Manning. “We’ll just keep adding to our park as we can. I think it’s going to be nice when it’s all done. I think people are going to enjoy it.”

Manning said a goldfish pond is being installed at the park with benches and a shed.

“This park is about families being able to spend time together,” said Manning. “Walking is a good way to do that. I hope everyone will take advantage of the area.”

Manning reported he has been made aware of a mold problem at the south Evarts RV Park shower house. Council members approved giving the mayor permission to obtain an estimate in correcting the problem.

“I, personally, along with a contractor went to inspect the facility and saw no mold but that doesn’t mean it’s not in there,” said Manning. “The bottom is full of water and we may have to put a pump in there to keep the dampness out. It’s just something we need to address.”

In other council action, members approved a 10 p.m. curfew for the basketball court near city hall.

Police Chief Lupe Blas said his department received a total of 85 complaints during the last month. He said this high amount of complaints is “predictable for this time of the year.” He noted Britt Lipfird has been hired as a new police officer for the city and officer William Clogston, who is presently in training , received a good progress report from the Department of Criminal Justice Training Center. Also noted was assistant police chief Owen Noe recently completed 40 hours in-service training in collision investigation.

Councilwoman Carrie Lipfird noted weeds on private property along Evarts Hill needed to be cut before an accident occurs. She said the bushes and weeds obscures a driver’s view. Councilwoman Shelly Shackleford also noted weeds on private property near where she lives needs to be addressed.

Manning said letters will be sent to the property owners asking them to cut the weeds and if action is not taken, it will be turned over to the city attorney.

A list of residents, who are past due in paying their property taxes, was given to council members. City Clerk Kristi Lamb said letters will be sent out this week notifying residents if the taxes are not paid as soon as possible further action will be taken. The total amount past due is $22,546.95.

Fire Chief Cledo Powers told council members new shirts were purchased for his department after a recent successful road block. He thanked residents and all those who contributed to the department. Powers said his department has been conducting “a lot of extra training” recently to get all his firefighters certified and in compliance.

Councilman Ernie Woodard noted speed bumps installed on Harlan Street have been “successful” in slowing down the traffic on that street.

Lamb said there is an increase in past due accounts for water bills. She said with the recent coal mine lay-offs and more lay-offs expected this week, it could cause a problem for the city’s water revenue.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510 or at nsizemore@heartlandpublications.com