By Joseph Fondren
NEA Town Courier Contributor
BLYTHEVILLE— The Blytheville City Council held four of the six committee meetings — Animal Control/ Code Enforcement, Parks and Rec, Public Works, and Airport/ Utilities — Monday night for October.
Parks and Recreation
Mayor Melisa Logan stated on Oct. 25 she has to be in Little Rock to defend the $250,000 grant proposal. Logan added, from her understanding, the city is in the final stage and believes the city will be rewarded with the grant.
Stan Dutton, director of the Ritz Civic Center, stated the new flooring for the Ritz is being put in, and the lobby is roughly 99 percent complete, with the floor being put in the dressing room and back hallways. Dutton stated the Ritz Foundation is paying for the upgrades, and the new floors should be completed by the end of the week.
Parks Director Darrius Nichols stated he has been updating the Park webpage. The city has also replaced two swing sets that were broken, and an Arkansas Flag was placed at the flag pole at Founder’s Park.
Nichols stated in October, they plan to do a Pumpkin Carving/ Painting contest on Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Tennis Court at Walker Park. The painting will be for five to eight-year-olds, whereas nine to 12-year-olds, 13- 17-year-olds, and 18-plus will carve pumpkins. Categories will be spookiest, funniest, and most creative pumpkin.
According to the flyer, pumpkins and carving tools will be provided; ages 9- 12 must have a guardian present to carve, and they strongly welcome and encourage participants above the age of 18.
Nichols stated citizen Amy Riston donated 15 pumpkins. If any citizens would like to donate items or monetary donations, Nichols stated he’d have a booth at the Chili Cook-off or he can be contacted at City Hall.
An appreciation for city workers was held at Williams Park over the weekend, and Nichols stated the event was “successful”.
Public Works Mark Key credited Logan and Logan’s secretary Dorothy Erby for putting the event together.