Area officials take look back at busy 2007

Bridget Bese

December 29, 2007 10:21 am

— As 2007 draws to a close many area towns can look back on a successful year.
The city of Fairview has had both ups and downs according to City Manager David Sides.
“I guess looking back over our Centennial year it’s not been the best of years considering city operations, but it’s been a good year overall,” said Sides.
Sides said significant flood damage hurt the city and recovery was difficult but on the bright side new, successful businesses and a good Centennial celebration helped make up for it.
“Our Centennial celebration was a big success,” said Sides.
Sides also said Fairview’s economy is good and unemployment is low. There were also several new houses built and the town’s hospital completed its renovations.
“I guess really and truly 2007 was a good year for Fairview,” said Sides.
Seiling City Manager Amy Sides said the community was able to accomplish several town improvements over 2007.
The town received a grant to help replace the fire station doors which are currently being installed.
A $50,000 REAP grant was received by the town of Seiling to help chip and seal the east streets and the airport runway. It is hoped another grant will be received in 2008 to chip and seal the west streets in town.
A residential housing development was also built in Seiling and U.S. Highway 270 through Seiling is currently being expanded. When the expansion is finished there will no longer be parking on Main Street.
The town of Seiling was sad this year to lose Duckwalls.
“It’s sorely missed,” said Howard.
Many things also happened in the town of Laverne according to officials.
REAP grants were received to replace the roof on the pool bathhouse and to purchase a sewer lagoon aerator system to meet DEQ standards.
The town erected a new animal shelter and Shelby Batman was appointed animal control officer.
Dante Bevilacqua, Susan Davis and Kyle Birch were appointed city trustees until the year 2009.
Pete Salter has been hired as electric lineman and Jeff Howard has been hired as outside laborer for the water/sewer/street department.
Laverne made the decision to include the town of May in its trash service, new dumpsters were purchased and a new trash truck has been ordered.
Laverne has high hopes for 2008 including an extended sewer line, self-reading electric meters, new water pipes and renovating the public park and pool.