Friday, September 27, 2013

TOP STORY >> Festival touted as economic boost

By JEFFREY SMITH
Leader staff writer

During this week’s city council meeting, Beebe Chamber of Commerce director Kristen Boswell spoke about the 17th annual Fall Fest scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. next Saturday in downtown Beebe.

Boswell said the musical entertainment will be held outside. Central Arkansas Entertainment donated the use of a stage. Blane Howard, Stays in Vegas, Stella Luss and River City Overdrive will be performing.

Boswell said the animal shelter will have an adoption fair, and the library will have a book sale. She added that there would be many vendors, a food court and a kids’s zone.

“It is an economic boost to the area. It brings people in from other areas. They are going to come to the festival and shop our city,” Boswell said.

In other business:

 The council approved McAfee Construction to make an estimated $18,000 in repairs to the city hall building. The company will fix the leaking roof, the holes in the building, remove water stains and apply water sealant and paint. Work is set to be completed before the end of the year.

 Mayor Mike Robertson said the city’s street repair program is underway this week with the paving of Windwood Drive, South Apple Street, East College Street and Ballpark Road.

Robertson said he would like to continue repaving a few roads each year with the additional sales tax revenue generated from Walmart.

 The council approved the rezoning of 1010 and 1000 W. Center St. and property at the corner of West Mississippi Street and Dewitt Henry Drive from residential to commercial property.

 Aldermen approved the hiring of Laurissa Smith as a police dispatcher.

 The fall cleanup will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday through Oct. 19.

Residents living within Beebe city limits can use the city dumpsters at 207 W. Idaho St., behind the city shop, for free.