Hallett Oak prepares for annual river clean-up on April 5
Hallet Oak Gallery went before city leaders last week to request a few road cones for the safety of its members, local scouts and other volunteers in the community interested in taking part in the upcoming Lavaca County River Clean-up.
The annual event will take place from 8-10 a.m. Saturday, April 5. All are welcome to come lend a hand.
As in years past, the clean-up will focus on two main entry points: The main Lavaca River bridge than cuts through the heart of Hallettsville, and a second, more remote location better known as the “Poor Farm” bridge, set on the city’s southern edge on the way to County Road 1.
That latter location, sadly, a less traveled road, is favorite for illegal dumping and frequently turns up refuse of every sort from construction debris to worn out appliances and even old furniture.
The scouts and their volunteers typically man the bridge in town but make no mistake: It sees its fair share of garbage, too.
From old sales tickets, candy wrappers and chip bags that sometimes take flight from passing vehicles to cups and other empties that litterbugs intentionally toss, it’s not uncommon for the scouts to produce several healthy-size garbage bags during their time down below.
Plus, we’d be amiss if we failed to mention smokers in that mix as well, who frequently act as though the entire planet is the perfect spot to leave butts behind.
It’s been enough to heap a truck bed or two in years past, that much is certain. That day starts with donuts and other refreshments as part of the days safety meeting, led in the past by actual safety managers from area industrial plants.
And they frequently have sorts of goodies to take home, too, from T-shirts commemorating the experience to bandanas, drink bottles and other items. Time spent on the river actually working comes to about 45 minutes, but it’s time well spent with people who like you, just want their hometown to look just a bit nicer.
Their request was met with the unwavering support of the city council last week.
In other business:
• Council members approved a request from Sacred Heart School to close certain city streets for the upcoming Marathon for Catholic Education, set 8 a.m. to noon Friday, April 25.
• City leaders agreed to name the Hallettsville Chamber director as the city’s Music Friendly Certified Community liaison for the city of Hallettsville, which could bring several future grant opportunities that work to promote local live entertainment venues and acts.
• The city held a second and final hearing on a Hallettsville EDC proposal to provide $125,000 in matching grants to support expansion efforts at the Hometown Wellness Clinic in Hallettsville.
• Aldermen tabled a request made by Jim Baker and the Texas Barnstorming Museum to host events at the airport. Baker was unable to attend the Monday meeting last week, so his request will be heard at a future meeting.
• The council renewed its depository contract with Prosperity Bank, and approved several items for disposal as surplus property.
• The city began condemnation procedures on a dilapidated building at 306 Jerry St. in Hallettsville, and approved several staffing changes, particularly in its grounds maintenance staffing.
• Council members were informed of the several upcoming dates and times that would be needed to bring the city’s cloud computing service fully online, including from 3-5 p.m. on May 19,8-9 a.m. June 24, and the full day on June 25.