Karen Fioretti
kfioretti@starherald.net
Even before they were elected to their current posts, Ethel Mayor Gwen Sims and Alderman Laura Sanders talked about the need for playground equipment in the downtown park. The equipment would allow children a safe place to play while adults utilized the park walking track.
“Well, its been two years in the making, but we finally got it done,” said Sims. “There were a lot of parents walking, but the kids had nothing to do.”
When New South, working on the TVA project, gave the city a bunch of wood mats used for under heavy equipment, the city planned to sell those to raise the needed funds. In the end, a trade agreement got the job done. The city gave the mats to Randolph Cheek of JC Cheek Co., which then donated $6,000 for the playground equipment.
From there, the pair worked with volunteers Danny Adams, Stanley Box and a city maintenance worker to install a jungle gym and a set of swings near the pavilion over the course of two days last week.
“The kids are going to love it,” said Sims, before Sanders added, “and so are the parents.”
Donations toward expanding the playground offerings may be made at Ethel City Hall.
Lift station
The city is now accepting bids on the $174,000 lift station to be installed at Hughes Street. The funding for the project is provided by a state CDBG grant.
New sidewalk
The planned sidewalk, to be installed on Main Street from Hanna Street to King Street, expected to cost $114,000, will begin as soon as a construction bond is secured by the vendor. The project is being funded by a combination of MDOT and city funds.
Flea market
The city flea market is held the third Saturday of every month until October. You can have a booth for $10. See city hall or the mayor on-site.
