Harrington news

 

Last updated 6/15/2016 at 8:34pm

--Courtesy photo.

Rocklyn Zion United Methodist Church holds an "Old-Fashioned Hymn Sing," with pastor Michelle Mitchell sitting in the front pew.

Harrington Opera House Society

The monthly meeting of Opera House Society met Monday evening in the Art Room with Ed and Bunny Haugan, Mark and Sheryl Stedman, Karen Robertson, Carol, Gordon Herron, Marge Womach and Linda Wagner attending. As the completion of the elevator installation is nearing, the building committee has a short list of finishing touches that will be worked on, including the state inspection of the elevator on Tuesday, chandelier controls and an air conditioner electrical fix. New carpeting has been laid where needed, and finishing touches had been completed on cleaning the carpet from the damages of construction.

Upcoming events include the June 25 Bel Canto Women's Choral group, a 4th of July Rummage Sale, the August 19 Nu Blu performance, and the September 23 Needham presentation. The fall schedule is filling in nicely as well. No decision was made regarding a date for the ribbon cutting event to celebrate the acquisition of the grand piano and the elevator.

Zion Rocklyn United

Methodist Church

Julie Mielke reports that the April 24, 2016 "Old Fashioned Hymn Sing" at the Zion Rocklyn United Methodist Church, led by their new pastor, Michelle Mitchell, was successful. The church appeared full, with about 50 people present. Extra chairs had been placed in the back for extra seating. The weather was beautiful, and the church was decorated with bouquets of lilacs from the Mielke homestead owned by Mrs. Carl Mielke. The program included Terry Battermann playing guitar and singing a medley of five hymns, with an invitation for the congregation to sing along. Roberta Hein led in the chorus of "Deep and Wide" with all the descriptive gestures. Most of the singing was led by Pastor Michelle with Cheryl Beymer accompanying on the piano. Many in the congregation called out familiar hymn titles that they wanted to sing, and both pastor and pianist were up to the task. Refreshments were served following the service. Some traveled quite a distance for the event: Cheryl Mielke Beymer, her daughter Julie Baas and Julie's son Caleb came from Nampa, Idaho; Julie Mielke came from Scottsdale, Ariz .; Jerry Hardy came from Tacoma. It is rumored that the event was so successful and so greatly appreciated that "the Good Lord willing, there will be more Old-Fashioned Hymn Sings." Those interested in viewing photos of the event may contact Robert Mielke, Julie Mielke or Jerry Hardy.

Harrington City Council

Wednesday evening, the Harrington City Council met from 7:30 until 10 p.m. with Mayor Dillon Haas, clerk Bunny Haugan, maintenance man Scott McGowan, and the five coundcilmen, Peter Davenport, Justin Slack, Rick Becker, Mike Cronrath, and Levi Schenk present. Also attending were visitors including Margie Hall of the county Economic Development Council, Donita Simmons, Chris Hickman, Terry and Dianne Sanchez, Jim Knapp, Crayton and Beth Oestreich, Sharon Schultz, Sharon Alumbaugh, Ken Kennedy, Marge Womach, Loren Howe, Dan Fromm and Greg Tozer.

Knapp and Crayton Oestreich told the council of their intention to repair or replace the gazebo in the Harrington City Park. They showed a diagram of the floor plan, electric outlets and sidewalk. No wood would be exposed, as they intend to wrap everything with metal. The Council voted to authorize the Lions Club to move ahead on this project.

Economic

Development Council

Margie Hall of the Lincoln County EDC brought the press release which The Odessa Record printed in its last issue, regarding the importance of the survey for "Household Income Data" which cannot be overstated. Many citizens are oppose to responding to surveys regarding income, but failure to respond prevents the cities from accessing Community Development Block Grants. The current statistics were taken from the U.S. Census Bureau and deem only one of the eight towns to be eligible, Reardan. That leaves out Almira, Creston, Davenport, Harrington, Odessa, Sprague and Wilbur. Presently, Sprague and Odessa have completed these income surveys and are now eligible for grants. The cost of the survey is based on the number of households; the cost for Sprague was $1558 and for Odessa was $2800. Hall stated that Odessa is a tight-knit community and the town showed good support for the survey and increased their response rate. The survey has no names attached to it; random numbers are used for identification. The Harrington City Council voted 5-0 to proceed with the survey which it is estimated will cost the town between $1500 and $2000.

Beth Oestreich attended the council meeting representating the Homemakers Club and expressed appreciation to the city council for allowing their group to work with the Lions Club to have the Memorial Flag Project at the Harrington cemeteries. She also asked the council if they want the project to continue. If so, the council will need to decide where the next group of flags would be placed.

Mayor Haas reported on "nuisance management" and said he had sent out letters for the semi-truck running its generators in violation of Ordinance 379 (noise). Notices on lawns were also sent. Progress has been shown on one property, and an abatement notice was sent on the other. Fire hazards in residential areas are being addressed, as they can quickly turn into serious fires. The city's intention is to protect city structures. A visitor responded that the mayor needs to make the town look inviting, adding "Enforcement of ordinance is not just sending a letter." Councilman Davenport responded that junipers are generally a fire hazard and should not be permitted on city property. He also conceded that as long as he has been on the council, getting citizens to cooperate with city ordinances is difficult. Last year the Fire District Commissioner was asked to view a potential fire hazard which the commissioner declared "a fire hazard." A letter was sent out, but the citizen did not rectify the problem and again the dry season is approaching and this same yard is still in violation. Mayor Haas addressed the meeting with his views of how a town could or should work together, adding that he wants to be a leader. He was asked if he is still the enforcement officer, and he said that he is. A councilman asked the mayor to show how much time is spent on these issues. Davenport reiterated that it is time for the city to act. Councilman Cronrath attempted to get a response from those concerned with a specific fire-hazard yard, asking if they had ever attempted to talk to their neighbor. It took several attempts to finally get a response from them.

Haas is attempting to organize a social event at the Memorial Hall, one night a week, and get volunteers to help run a "game night" or other social get-together. Davenport offered one night per month. There would be a $25 or $30 insurance fee for liability. The council seemed to be in general agreement that the Mayor could continue to make plans for his social night.

No decision was made on the issue of having chickens within all areas of the town, rather than the controlled areas as per prior ordinances. Schenk and Becker had a proposal for the other members to study, and the issue of chickens was again tabled to the next meeting to allow all members to become familiar with the proposal.

The meeting was adjourned at 10 p.m.

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 

Our Family of Publications Includes:

Cheney Free Press
Ritzville Adams County Journal
Whitman County Gazette
Odessa Record
Franklin Connection
Davenport Times
Spokane Valley News Herald
Colfax Daily Bulletin

Powered by ROAR Online Publication Software from Lions Light Corporation
© Copyright 2024

Rendered 03/27/2024 13:33