New officer, water ordinance in Carrier Mills

Carrier Mills Village Board approved a new police officer and a new water ordinance during a short Tuesday night meeting.

Mike Gribble was sworn in as police officer with part time status for the village of Carrier Mills. Gribble is a multi-year veteran of law enforcement in Saline County and a recent candidate for Saline County Sheriff. Carrier Mills Police Chief Chuck Rubright explained Gribble's duties after the meeting.

"Mike Gribble will fill in if Sergeant Duncan or I are sick or need time off," Rubright said. "He will also be on duty for Springfest, Catskin Days or emergency situations that may occur."

The board passed a revision on the rates for water and sewer service in Carrier Mills. Briefly put, if village residents use 5,000 gallons or less of water or sewage service each month, they will see no change in their rates. However, citizens living outside the village limits will see a slight increase in their water and sewer rates in the form of a surcharge, if they are served by the Carrier Mills water and sewer system. The board passed the ordinance in a unanimous vote.

Mayor Louis Shaw reminded residents of the area that the annual Springfest would be held on May 28, 29 and 30. Shaw stated that the carnival vendor, bands and food vendors have been scheduled and encouraged people to come out and enjoy the village spring festival.

Shaw also reminded the public that the village fire department is raffling off a Henry Arms .22 caliber rifle Fire Fighter Edition in a fundraising drive. The village fire department is an all volunteer force which raises all of its funding thorough activities such as the annual barbecued Boston Butt sale and other fund raising actions.

The Fire Fighter Edition rifle is engraved with scenes of fire fighters in action and "is a very nice rifle." Tickets are available from any Carrier Mills firefighter or from Fire Chief Jerry Choat. The winning ticket will be drawn during Springfest and the winner must present a valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card card to claim the prize.

Greg Prince, chairman of the police committee reminded village residents that the police department will be enforcing grass length and other property related ordinances.

"With the good weather coming on, we will be issuing citations on violations of ordinances governing lawns and debris in yards or on unimproved property in the village," Prince said.

Board member Tracy Felty reminded the area populace that a recycling service would be available once a month in Carrier Mills. On the third Saturday of each month, people can bring anything from old tires through oil and paint cans to electronics of all type to the parking lot of the Carrier Mills municipal building and recycle them at very reasonable rates.

"It's about the easiest and cheapest way to get rid of items, especially electronics, available," Felty stated.