Harrington news

Opera house, city council, Aladdin Jr.

 

Last updated 5/18/2018 at 4:01pm

--Photo courtesy of Karen Robertson.

The Christian Heritage school of Edwall was in town to perform the hilarious comedy Aladdin Jr., which was enjoyed by all who were in attendance last Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Harrington Opera House

On May 7, the members of the Harrington Opera House met for their monthly meeting in the Art Room of the Bank Block with President Linda Wagner presiding. Others in attendance were Ed and Bunny Haugan, Carol, Mark and Sheryl Stedman, Marge Womach, Billie Herron, Karen Robertson and Ellen Evans, the newest member. Wagner explained the purpose of "in-kind hours" for use on grants that require matching funds, that member hours contribute toward that purpose. The minutes were read by Secretary Bunny Haugan and the treasurer's report was explained by Ed Haugan.

Work on projects continues, with the restroom molding being painted by the Stedmans and installed by Jay Kane. Work in the Rummage Room has been started with Sam Aldous helping Ray Harrington remove the built-in bench at the south windows and put in more substantial flooring. Concerns over the large Avista bills were addressed with insufficient information at present to make a decision as to the cause. Discussion was held regarding the renewal of insurance. Members were asking for more specific documentation of the actual coverage, Wagner will get more details in writing.


Music lessons by Heather Safe will continue through May and then be discontinued for the summer. Everyone seemed pleased with the success of the piano recital and the nice turnout for an audience.

Brief mentions were made of upcoming events beginning with the Quilt Show and Rummage Sale for Cruizin' Harrington on May 19. Linda Mielke, piano, and daughter Alicia Mielke, flute, have volunteered to perform from 1 to 2 p.m. in the auditorium. Two events are set for June, Nu-Blu on June 15 and the Panhandle Polecats June 30.


City Council Meeting

On May 9, the city council met at city hall with the following present: Mayor Dillon Haas; councilmen Peter Davenport, Levi Schenk, Justin Slack and Mike Cronrath; Clerk Bunny Haugan; maintenance supervisor Scott McGowan, and visitors Cherie MacClellan, Brent Wilday, Marge Womach, Tim Tipton and Stephen March (engineer from TD&H). Former Councilman Jeremy Sewall resigned during the month past, leaving a vacancy on the council. The mayor opened the meeting, recognized visitors and asked for public comments. MacClellan thanked the council and Tim Tipton of the Chamber of Commerce for all the preparations for Cruizin' Harrington. Stephen Marsh introduced himself as the engineer from TD&H and thanked the council for selecting their company for the contract to service water, streets and sewer lines.

Haas opened a public hearing to discuss the Capital Improvement Plan, aiming to update it, which was then termed "an overhaul." This discussion continued from about 7:40 to nearly 9 p.m. The mayor gave each a handout listing sewer system projects, water system projects, street system projects, storm sewer system project and capital improvement/acquisition. The mayor stated that the city must have an updated list of projects in order to get grants. The evening's primary goal seemed to be as stated: "In order to get the building from McGregor's by May 31, the Capital Improvement Plan must include the expenditure." It was also stated that, "We need to amend what needs to be amended for this year, just so we get the building." The public hearing was closed at 9 p.m. and the council approved previous minutes and bills. The council then went into executive session on four issues: summer help, vacancy on the council, council's evaluation of the mayor and the DOE settlement.

The council meeting reconvened by 9:50 whereupon Tim Tipton was appointed to fill the vacancy on the city council, and clerk Bunny Haugan swore him in. Everyone congratulated Tipton who took his seat with the council.

The cloud of the $6,000 fine by the DOE was reduced due to the appeals process to a mere $1,000 with what could be tedious paperwork to show Harrington's compliance. Failure to fulfill these new regulations will reinstate the fine.

The city received no qualified applicants for summer help and will advertise again.

The employment of an enforcement officer remains vague, as there remains no job description and it fails to remedy the initial problem of not having a dog enforcement position beyond Scott McGowan's filling in on it. The ordinances that would seem to be mostly in need of intervention by the courts have been sent to the new enforcement officer in PDF format. Complaint forms were created, but there is no process for them yet. Although not addressed by the council, it is difficult for the council to insist that citizens follow the ordinances when a councilman and/or city employee fails to comply with some of the ordinances. The city council re-opened the issue of the request of a few persons wanting chickens within the city limits, by recommendation of Councilman Schenk, a chicken enthusiast. Last year's council seemed strongly opposed to making such a major change in the ordinances to create another area that would require enforcement. Councilman Schenk will rewrite the current ordinance and make changes that will allow chickens inside the city limits. Voting will take place at the next council meeting.

An oil spill near the railway tracks was noted, and it was known that the rig that leaked the oil had been towed away by the railroad.

McGowan stated that pre-Cruizin' Harrington maintenance work was being taken care of, spraying and sweeping. He also stated that his Level 2 exam is now ready. When he takes another course and has time to study, he will take the exam, maybe in several months.

An emergency preparedness training session will be held May 22. Councilman Davenport attended the last such meeting and has notes to share with anyone interested in them. He will be unable to attend this year's meeting.

Christian Heritage

A number of Harrington personalities were seen taking in the hilarious comedy, Aladdin Jr., which was presented at the Christian Heritage school Thursday, Friday and Saturday of last week, directed by Lynn and Knute Hernas. The audience was fully animated with contempt and booing for Jafar, who oozed villainy, and cheers for the successes of Jasmine. Jafar cast an evil spell on the Sultan, but goodness prevailed, and he granted his daughter's desire. The audience seemed completely enamored with Genie, totally blue and very convincing. Iago plucked feathers as she skillfully performed. The audience was taken on a special ride with Carpet, Jasmine and Aladdin, delving into the Arabian Nights' atmosphere. Aladdin was wholesome, love-struck, and a hero, and successfully portrayed true friendship to Genie by granting his freedom. This was the first report of any Lincoln County student riding an elephant on school property, but with the audience cheering, Aladdin arrived at the palace. The audience was thoroughly captivated and entertained with musical performances, one-line zingers, stage antics and cartoonish gestures with sound effects.

 

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