If Iola’s Pride Committee has its way, the Allen County Courthouse lawn will be more abloom with flowers come spring.
Donna Houser and Jim Smith, representing the group, proposed creating berms at the two corners of the courthouse square facing Madison Avenue and covering them with flowers.
Iola officials have agreed to run water lines to the two berms and Smith said he would install underground watering systems for each, which would keep vegetation fresh and colorful.
Commissioners didn’t concede to the idea immediately, but indicated interest, particularly if the city would chip in with water lines.
Ron Holman, courthouse custodian, said he had bought into the plan and thought it would be a nice enhancement of the two square blocks of grass, flowers and trees that now make up the south half of the square inviting.
Commissioners gave the go-ahead for Holman to have the bandstand power-washed so it could get a fresh coat of paint before band concerts begin in late spring. Holman said it had been several years since the large concrete gazebo had been painted.
COMMISSIONERS made purchases and accepted a bid for work to improve the roof of a warehouse the county owns on North State Street, next to the county’s critical response center.
A 2013 four-wheel-drive truck was purchased from Twin Motors for $29,400 for the noxious weed department. Twin Motor’s bid, one of three, was $1,800 higher than one from Shields Motors, Chanute, but was accepted because of the company being in Iola and Allen County, which will mean easier maintenance and repairs, when needed.
Fairbank Equipment, Wichita, had the lone bid for a sprayer that will be mounted on the truck, at $9,019.43.
A Chanute company, Chanute Stock, had the lowest of four bids for 20 tables that will replace worn ones at the Iola Senior Center. The tables, six feet long and 30 inches wide, will cost $79.06 each, a total of $1,581.20, and will be delivered free.
Boren’s Roofing, Iola, will do upgrades to the warehouse for $2,800, which will include repairing parts of the roof, shingling and mopping with hot asphalt.
Ann Donaldson, Moran, had the lowest bid of three at $900 to repaint the interior of the LaHarpe Senior Center.
County considers updo for courthouse lawn
