Huntington City News
by Bill Stewart,
Huntington City Administrator
The city is anticipating several events and notices in the coming weeks. These should not only enable the city to better provide some services to the community, but will also give local residents outings that can be enjoyed by the entire family.
We have written and applied for a grant that, if funded, will help provide money to construct a walking trail at Centennial Park. Notification of final decision by the foundation providing funds to entities nationwide is expected to be made in February. This walking trail will be an asset to anyone wishing to walk for exercise, pleasure, or just as escape from the pressures and tensions of life’s situations. If funded, we will need community organizations of all types to help provide additional funds and light physical labor to complete the project. The intent is to use a solid type of surface on the trail in order for it to be available to all citizens of the community, including those who use canes, walkers, or wheelchairs.
Another grant we have written and submitted to Deep East Texas Council of Governments and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will serve as a means to collect and recycle paper, plastic, glass, and cardboard. Final decision by DETCOG and TCEQ is expected in the next few weeks.
The annual Veterans’ Day parade is scheduled for Saturday, November 10th. It appears that ours is the only parade scheduled in Angelina County to honor and recognize our veterans. Several entries have already been submitted, and Ms. Marilyn Davis, parade organizer, has indicated that anyone wishing to be in the parade is welcome to participate. The parade will begin on Main Street by the Huntington Middle School gym, turn beside the Tobacco Barn at Brookshire Brother’s. store, and again turn left on 6th Street. Following the parade, everyone is invited to Centennial Park for food, booths offering numerous types of products, and friendly fellowship. Anyone having questions can contact Ms. Davis.
In addition to the Veterans’ Day parade, the annual Veterans’ Day Program will be held Monday, November 12th, at Huntington High School. This program honors veterans of all military branches, both past and present, as well as providing entertainment and a special speaker. All veterans and current service personnel are invited to attend, as are their families and anyone wishing to pay tribute to our service men and women. There is no charge for the program, and a free lunch is served for the veterans and their families. Valet parking will also be provided for service personnel if they wish to use it.
The annual Christmas tree lighting is scheduled for Friday, November 30th. This will again take place in Centennial Park. Members of the Huntington Business Owners Association have two workdays scheduled to decorate and make other preparations for this special event. Those days are Saturday, November 3rd, and Saturday, November 17th. Everyone is invited to attend the lighting ceremony.
As we draw near the seasons for decorating, we want to try something new this year. We are asking businesses on Main Street and Highway 69 to “adopt” a corner on or near your place of business and decorate it for Christmas. All organizations/clubs/churches are invited to participate as well. A list will be compiled of all corners along both highways, and each participating business will be able to sign up for the corner closest to their business. Organizations will have the opportunity to sign up for corners after the businesses have done so. We are planning to have a committee judge the corners and award special recognition to winners in various categories. A guideline form that also includes a list of corners will be available soon. Please make plans to participate and help spread Christmas joy. This will be done in lieu of decorating light poles as we have done in previous years in order for members of the community to have a hand in preparing our town for a visit from Santa Claus.
The City Council met for the regularly scheduled meeting on October 23rd. One item of business discussed was the sale of city-owned lots. Final method for dispensation of these properties has not yet been determined. A workshop will be held to determine the best method for selling the lots. However, beginning on Thursday, November 1st, a listing of these properties will be available at City Hall for public viewing by those interested in purchasing one or more lots. Several of the lots are small, most less than a quarter of an acre. People owning property adjoining these lots will have first option to buy the lot/s. Anyone interested in doing so should submit a letter of interest to the mayor and council specifying which lot or lots you are interested in buying. These letters should be dated, placed in a sealed envelope, and turned in at the front desk at City Hall. Envelopes will be marked with the date and time they are received.