Eldorado council ready for Town & Country Days

Eldorado city departments are prepared for Town & Country Days that begins Sept. 17, the city's council was informed in Tuesday's meeting.

Eldorado Police Chief Shannon Deuel said his department has its staffing in order. The festival requires extra hours for city police and for the city's auxiliary police force to ensure safety.

Street and Alley Supervisor J.B. James said his department has been painting on the streets to ensure the city is appealing for visitors.

Town & Country Days opens 5 p.m. Sept. 17 with the patriotic opening ceremony conducted by the American Legion and VFW Honor Guard. Once opened the children's games and carnival commence.

During the meeting council:

Heard from Fire Chief Mike McKinnies who said his department has recently aided Equality Fire Department in its Insurance Services Office pending inspection. McKinnies said the nonfunctioning emergency siren - one of four in the city - has been moved and is functioning.

Ordinance Officer Billy Bradley said since the last meeting city crews have demolished a derelict trailer and are looking to take out a derelict house on Lincoln Street near a State Farm Insurance office.

Bradley also told council an owner of a house at 2113 Main Street has offered to donate the property to the city.

"The gentleman is willing to donate it to the city at no cost and it could save us from condemnation later on," Bradley said.

Bradley estimated 90 percent of residents take their mowing seriously. About 10 percent don't mow to the required length and dispute his enforcement.

Water Superintendent Tom Hosman said contractors moving water lines for the future expansion of U.S. Route 45 are working in the area of Grove Street and Dewey Road and have "everything tied up to Jefferson Street."

Street and Sewer Commissioner Robby Price asked for and council granted $1,566 for a gate opener for the sewer plant.

Set Trick or Treat Night for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.

Mayor Rocky James said the city has not heard back from Saline County Clerk Kim Buchanan on the issue of setting up an early voting station in Eldorado. James said residents have called his house asking about progress of the station and he intends for the city to draft a letter to Buchanan to ask for it.

James said he will be attending a meeting 10 a.m. Sept. 25 regarding the U.S. Route 45 expansion. He said he intends to argue on behalf of businesses along the highway, hoping that traffic may not have to be routed around them during construction.

"We got them to wait until after Town & Country Days," he said.

Council agreed to meet about 12:45 a.m. Sept. 20 to prepare for their participation in the Giant Town & Country Days Parade with the theme "Frozen In Time." Public Property and Fire Commissioner Jeff Minor said he would not be riding with council; he is driving Parade Marshal Lori Bowen in his car.