The Mayor’s Corner 04/03/2019

Mayor Diana Thomas

Spring vacation is over but the bikes and walkers are still out so continue to watch when you are driving particularly around the schools and parks and routes to and from these areas. I have seen a couple of reminders specifically to watch for motorcyclists. Nice weather and rising gas prices will encourage bikers to get their machines out. Drivers, please watch for these riders and follow the rules of the road. Riders, please watch for drivers and follow the rules of the road. Respect for each other is the best policy.
This past week, the WPD received several reports of burglarized vehicles. There were no reports of “break ins” but these appear to be ‘crimes of opportunity’. These are crimes where doors are left unlocked and keys left in cars. Perpetrators walk around trying door handles until they find one open. They then go through the cars or take anything laying openly on the seats. Many of us remember the days when we didn’t have to worry about this happening in our community or only on a rare day. Things have changed and we need to take to opportunity or temptation our of the hands of people. In the case of last week, the people involved have been identified and the investigation is proceeding. Please lock your cars and do not leave keys in your vehicles.
A special thank you to Western Timber for their donation of 54 yards of sawdust to replace the material around our playground equipment. We appreciate our local business partnerships who work with us to keep our kids safer. The City crews were busy placing the sawdust last week.
The Street Crew has been busy replacing trees in the downtown area. The trees are gradually being replaced because of dying trees, bug infestation and limbs growing into buildings and sticking out into the parking area. Some have begun to cause damage to the bricks and sidewalk around them, too. These trees are being replaced with a small maple tree that will grow upward more than outward and will change colors in the fall. They have no fruit so some of the mess will be eliminated. Six trees will be replaced each year over the next several years.
We have received some calls asking when twice-a-week garbage pick up will begin. The weather is the big factor. It is anticipated that with the weather as it is now, we will begin after Memorial Day with two-a-day pick up. If we should have a sudden hot spell it might start earlier but for now the target date is June 3.
It is Flower Basket time again. The V.I.B.E. group is again coordinating the placement of the hanging flower baskets for the downtown area for summer. Sponsors will be recognized with a placard by a basket. If you are interested in sponsoring one or more baskets call 208-550-0262. These baskets are such a great addition to our community, I encourage you, if you are able to join the list of sponsors.
The Weiser Fire and Rescue Fireworks Breakfast is fast approaching. Saturday, April 13 from 7-11 am at the Vendome. Donations from the breakfast and silent auction are used to purchase fireworks for the July 4th display and Christmas Parade finale. Come on down and enjoy a great breakfast.