Trick or Treat night set for Holton
Organizational meeting set to discuss festival
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Trick or Treat night was set for October 31, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Holton Town Council meeting held Tuesday, October, 11. It was noted that a parade will immediately follow the trick or treating hours at 7:00 p.m. and will be led by the fire department. The parade will end at the community building where judges will make decisions in a variety of categories and award prizes. Snacks will also be provided.

Holton resident Ron Palmer asked about forming a committee to have a Holton Fun Fest in the future. The council approved using the community building on October 25, at 7:00 p.m. for an organizational meeting. Anyone interested in having a festival in Holton should attend this meeting.

Council members discussed a problem of vehicles coming onto North Marion Street from east Versailles Street, making a sharp right turn. It was noted that many times the vehicles sweep over into the opposite lane and onto the new sidewalk area. Peggy Furst said she believed this could be dangerous for people walking. The council agreed and voted to install posts with cables to stop motorists from driving onto the sidewalk.

In other business:

· It was agreed to purchase a new flag for the old shelterhouse area near the community building. The old one is tattered and will be taken down immediately.

· The community park will be closed on October 24 for the winter months.

· Marshal Billey Moore reminded Town Attorney Larry Eaton about the ATV Ordinance. Eaton said he would work on it.

· Council approved the purchase of a new fax machine for the office.

· A letter of resignation from Sam Melton, who was representing the town on the Ripley County Zoning Board, was accepted. Ronald Palmer will consider the nomination.

It was noted that fencing at the lagoons has been broken down. Peggy Furst, who is over the sewer department, noted that it is illegal for anyone to be on the lagoon property without first notifying her. The sewer lagoon is located on town property and if trespassed on, violators could be prosecuted. Billey Moore will repair the fence and look into some device to monitor the situation more closely.

The matter of minimum sewer bills was discussed, but no decisions were finalized at the meeting. The council decided to table the discussion and look more closely at the situation.

The Council was thankful for a grant from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation for $6,000 that allowed them to purchase a computer system for the office. "We are really thankful to Ted Spurlock, (Versailles Town Clerk-Treasurer) for his help in this," noted Moore. It was further noted that Keystone will set up the computer system on November 22, and provide training.

A dispute over a property owing nearly $1,000 in a delinquent sewer bill was discussed. The new owner of the property has filed a suit against Heritage Bank, so Attorney Larry Eaton suggested the town wait to see what the outcome of that suit is. He noted that Ken Hughes has agreed to tear down an old house and Eaton will meet with him on the matter.

Attending the October meeting were: Robert Furst, president; Peggy Furst, deputy clerk-treasurer; Ronda Tunny, clerk-treasurer; Billey Moore, marshal; Larry Eaton, attorney; Wilma Myers and Rick Holman, council members; Wilbur Myers, park caretaker, and resident, Ronald Palmer.

The next regular meeting of the Holton Town Council is set for November 8 at 8:00 a.m. at the community building on Versailles Street.