The Mayor’s Corner 02/27/2019

Mayor Diana Thomas

Some of the initial work has started on the E. Galloway Street project. The City’s engineering company, Keller and Associates are working on the final design work. They have had surveyors out measuring the City Right-of-Way and evaluating the state of the current sidewalk along the street to see what needs to be replaced as well as where there is no sidewalk.
The work will go from State Street to E. 6th Street and work will also be done to provide sidewalk from Park Street north to connect sidewalk at Pence Street. This project is designed to provide a safe route to our schools and also provide better transportation and walkability to the new Ridley’s and BiMart.
The grant we received is part of the Strategic Initiatives funded by the legislature in 2015. Governor Little signed the bill on Valentine’s Day which transfers the money through ITD to LHTAC and will be sent to the City to get the project done this summer. The project has to be contracted out so biding will begin within the next two months. We will work around the Fiddle Contest and the school calendar but it must be finished by December.
After the final design, an open house will be held for those who have questions and would like to give input. Watch our local media for date and time. We are excited to get this project done.
Departments are already beginning to look at next year’s projects and the budget even though we have large projects to complete before the end of the budget year. Work will begin on the refinishing and upgrading of the pool in April and Weiser High School is working on fund raising to put a special surface on the tennis courts after their season in June. They are accepting donations for this project. Donations can be made through the office at Weiser High School or through the tennis coaches, Angie Soulen and Melanie Price at the school.
Congratulations to our WHS Cheer Squad for taking first place District and in their State Competition this weekend. Coach Weldon and her teams represent our community well each year.
Congratulation, also to our Wrestling Team for their District victory and showing at the State Tournament. Special congratulations to Brody Von Brethorst for his first-place win at 152 pounds in a triple overtime bout.
Congratulations to Love INC on their 10th Anniversary. Love INC provides a great service to our community through their many ministries to help those in need. They were started by a small group of local citizens and pastors to reach out to and provide needed services in our area. Many volunteers donate hundreds of hours through this and other organizations to make Weiser a caring community. Congratulations, Love INC, and thank you for your service.
There is still time to get tickets to the Weiser Little Theater presentation of “Nunsense”. This is the last weekend for a fun play. This is also the first weekend of the Onion Skins presentation. Contact the Chamber office or participants for tickets.
Keep the faith, spring is just around the corner. I think.