Hoedown raised more than $11,000, 2,266 pounds of food
WILLIAMSPORT — The annual Harvest Hoedown at Byron Memorial Park raised more than $11,000 and 2,266 pounds of food for the Williamsport Food Bank, according to a letter from the coordinator for the event and food bank.
An update on the Oct. 6 hoedown was presented to the Williamsport Town Council during its Nov. 12 meeting.
Bids for new backhoe to be opened Dec. 3
WILLIAMSPORT — Bids for a new town backhoe will be opened during a Dec. 3 Williamsport Town Council workshop that begins at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, Town Clerk/Treasurer Donnie Stotelmyer said Monday.
Mayor James G. McCleaf II told Town Council members earlier this month the town backhoe was beyond repair. The town had not budgeted for a new backhoe, he said during the Nov. 12 council meeting.
The backhoe is used for water and sewer repairs, and for work at the town parks, Town Clerk/Treasurer Donnie Stotelmyer said. A new backhoe is estimated to cost $44,000, he said.
McCleaf said town officials also need to start thinking about getting a new street sweeper. A new one could cost $260,000, town officials said.
New bike racks, benches to be set up by spring
WILLIAMSPORT — New bike racks and benches are expected to be installed in downtown Williamsport by spring, Town Clerk/Treasurer Donnie Stotelmyer said Monday.
The town was approved for a $5,512 Recreational Trails Program award for which the town applied to purchase the bike racks and benches, according to a letter from the Maryland State Highway Administration.
The award requires a 20 percent cash or in-kind match by the town, according to the letter. That equates to approximately $1,100.
The money will buy 30 U-shaped bike racks that attach to parking meters, two traditional galvanized bike racks, and eight recycled plastic benches, the letter states.
Permanent memorials discussed after group’s request
WILLIAMSPORT — A group’s request to create a permanent memorial in Williamsport to one of its members, who died while in town for a fundraising bike ride, led to a lengthy discussion by town officials about permanent memorials.
A representative of Ride Allegheny/Operation Second Chance sent a letter to town officials asking for permission to create the memorial after a bike rider, Rick Unger, had a heart attack on Potomac Street in October and died, according to the letter from Clark Wagner. The bike ride raises money to assist soldiers who are recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and their families.
Town officials expressed sympathy for the group’s loss, but concern about the idea of plaques possibly being put up every place someone dies.
Some suggested alternatives discussed by town officials during the Nov. 12 meeting were for the group to plant a tree or make a donation to the Williamsport Food Bank in memory of Unger.
Town Clerk/Treasurer Donnie Stotelmyer said Monday that the group is considering planting a tree and placing a plaque in Byron Memorial Park.
Councilwoman considering dog education program
WILLIAMSPORT — Williamsport Town Councilwoman Maya Haines will look into setting up an educational program about how people can introduce themselves to dogs.
The issue arose during the Nov. 12 Town Council meeting after Kenton Lafferty spoke up during citizens participation, recommending people leave their dogs at home during trick-or-treat on Halloween because people never know how a dog could react when a child runs up to greet it.
Haines said she understood Lafferty’s concern, but said children love it when she dresses up her dog and walks it around. However, a dog might try to get candy from a child, she said.
Haines said she will look into whether the town could have such an educational program in the spring or summer at Riverbottom Park.
— Julie E. Greene
