WHITMIRE — Mayor Billy Hollingsworth and Whitmire Town Council held a public meeting Monday night to listen to the community’s concerns on the establishment of an invocation policy during the town’s council meetings.

This policy would not require any council member, employee of the town or other person in attendance to participate (i.e. asked to stand or bow their head).

The invocation would be voluntarily delivered by a member of Council who agrees to serve in the capacity as a chaplain elected by Whitmire Town Council.

Council adopted the invocation policy and nominated that Councilman Dwight Lane would serve as chaplain. All voted in favor of Lane serving as chaplain.

Other business:

• The Town of Whitmire’s financial report showed a beginning balance of $70,788.87 for the month of February. With deposits of $95,298.45 and expenditures of $105,822.56, the town was left with an ending balance of $60,264.76.

• Whitmire’s Public Works financial report began with a balance of $12,974.35. With a revenue of $80,404.22 and expenditures coming in at $77,463.20, resulted in an ending balance of $15,915.37.

• Whitmire Police Chief Jeremiah Sinclair reported that the Department filed 90 incidents for Feb. 2017, along with issuing 135 citations. Sinclair reported that some of the calls received included: Domestic Violence, Distribution of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, DUI and Motor Vehicle Break in. The Whitmire Police Department also investigated four traffic collisions and served or withdrawn one warrant in February.

• Beth Broom reported that recreation recently concluded its fall basketball program, where a banquet was held and kids were able to receive a medallion. Broom also reported that registration for Spring sports is well underway.

Teams that the community can sign up for include: Dixie Youth (ages 11 and 12), Dixie Minors (ages nine and 10), Softball, and Coaches Pitch.

Broom is also hoping to have five T-ball teams, leaving a total of 12 recreational teams. The football stadium is continuing to come along and a batting cage is being constructed.

Broom reported that the school has agreed to pay for the net and hardware and that a member of the District will be coming in to make sure that the construction that is currently going on is strong enough to hold the weight of the net.

• Jamala “Kim” Wallace reported that the Citizens Advisory and Tourism Committee is in the beginning stages of planning a yard sale. Wallace reported that there are four billboards lined up to go in different counties, including Concord, Barnwell and the Charleston area. Paraphernalia will soon be sent out regarding the yard sale as well as online information.

The yard sale is slated for the first Friday and Saturday of June. Wallace also reported that the Benilde Little book signing that was previously cancelled has been re-scheduled for April 1 at 1 p.m., possibly at the Town Hall Annex.

• Christianna Gilliam of the Whitmire Jaycees reported that the Jaycees Community Easter Egg Hunt will be held on April 8 at 3 p.m. in Heritage Park, ages 3-11. Gilliam also reported that the Party in the Pines Festival is scheduled for June 8-10.

• Hollingsworth addressed to Council the possibility of selling the Old Whitmire High School or finding other ways to utilize the building.

This item was put off until next month’s meeting so Council members can take a look at the building.

• Hollingsworth and Council also voted to help the Whitmire Rescue Squad with their expenses for their Turkey Shoot by writing a check for $1,051.

• Hollingsworth was approached by the Biographical Club, which is interested in taking over the planters downtown. Hollingsworth said he had no problem with them taking over.

• Councilwoman Chrystal Harsha addressed to Council an individual who approached her asking of the possibility of fencing in one end of the park and making it a dog park.

• Councilman Michael Thomas has accepted a position as Deputy Coroner, assisting Coroner Laura Kneece.

• Councilman Jimmy Dunaway discussed issues concerning bathrooms as well as making sure the kids had water at the ballfield. Dunaway said that there isn’t any place to use the bathroom other than they gym. Broom suggested having porta potties at the ballfield.

Hollingsworth
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_Hollingsworth.jpgHollingsworth

By Kelly Duncan

kduncan@civitasmedia.com

Reach Kelly Duncan at 803-768-3123 ext. 1868 or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.