SPARTA, MO — New sidewalks along Vanilla Bean and 125 and the middle school are coming soon, according to Mayor Misty Holt.
Also, the new storm siren is installed in Sparta. In the event of an actual tornado warning, Christian County Emergency Managment or the National Weather Service can activate it, Mayor Misty Holt told the CCT.
Former Mayor Jenni Davis secured the application of the new storm siren, which was approved early this year. Davis submitted a signed contract for the siren in early April.
Liberty Electric donated the pole for the siren, which the county will test monthly.
Wouldn’t it be fun to have the power to activate a storm siren? I’d be tempted to set it off in the middle of the night during calm weather just for fun! (Ain’t ya glad I don’t have that power?)
Three new octagon shaped picnic tables
Sparta has three new octagon shaped composite wood picnic tables downtown. “We’re adding an urban park,” Mayor Holt told the CCT. The picnic tables are warrantied and extremely durable. Purchased from Outdoor Wonders in Nixa, the tables are a welcome addition to the site between the old bank building and the pawn shop, because that’s where farmer’s market and Market on Main take place on Saturdays.
“We’re looking for a gazebo as well; those are harder to come by,” Holt added.
Anybody know a good gazebo dealer?
Me and the missus got married in a gazebo in Ozark. So of course, gazebo’s are close to my heart. I’m a real gazebo enthusiast. Except if wasps settle in ’em. I don’t like that.
When the sun get’s to beatin’ down on my growing bald spot, I like to find me a good gazebo and seek refuge. Being in a gazebo gives one a feeling of superiority. You’re up higher than everyone else, and it looks like you’re on a stage, like some sort of performer, or a mayor, or something cool like that!
Old bank, new name
Mayor Misty Holt has big news: The Old Bank Building is now the “Office and Event Center.”
Wow. That sounds way better than “Old bank building.” But, ya know, I’m a local, so I might not remember the fancy new name. Office and Event Center. Sounds like one of them fancy places in Springfield, or at least, Ozark or maybe even NIxa.
I’ll betcha Clever don’t have no “office and event center” no, siree. Hmm. Welp, better not brag. I haven’t checked in with Clever ’bout that. So maybe just keep that between us folks on the east side!
Seriously, Office and Event Center is a helpful name. Maybe they’ll get a sign with that wording on it!
Five out of seven office spaces are already rented out in the old bank buil— excuse me, Office and Event Center. Floors, wider ADA compliant restroom doors, and other improvements are in the works. It’s a challenge to keep expenses covered with renters, so all ideas are welcome, and much thanks to our hard working city officials for continuing to seek options that make sense.
Mayor Holt says maybe a coffee shop or activity center could be configurated in the front end of the Event Center. Somebody says maybe a toddlers play area… Again, ideas are welcome!
Town hall meetings generate new ideas
Speaking of ideas, Holt says town hall meetings open to the public for public input on any ideas related to Sparta take place at 6 p.m. on the last Thursday of every month at City Hall. Come on over! Great ideas are already coming in. Mayor Holt also informs the public about city business updates.
Park Board hosts back to school event Aug. 26
The Sparta Park Board is hosting a back-to-school bash and movie night for the public on August 26 at Roller Park. I know kids aren’t always stoked to get back to school, but sometimes parents are! And, we all love a good movie night!