By Fred Guarino
The Lowndes Signal

The White Hall Town Council completed the final step to become a member of the South Central Alabama Broadband Commission at last Thursday night’s regular meeting.

Several community events, including the annual Christmas Parade, a Thanksgiving dinner for the elderly and a cleanup day, were also announced.

The town council previously approved a resolution to join the SCABC, but had never submitted the application, according to Aaron B. McCall, SCABC executive regional eProgram manager.

He appeared before the council to bring White Hall completely onboard.

The council took steps to complete the application.

“It is very important that we do have the communities of Lowndes County onboard because we are branching out into the other areas,” said McCall. “And I really need all of Lowndes County to be jurisdictional members because it is from those jurisdictional members where the board of directors is going to come from.”

“Lowndes County has made a tremendous investment in the project, and Lowndes County position need to be protected,” he said.

McCall said the first phase of the fiber should be lit and ready to go in January or early February, and President Barack Obama will be invited.

Mayor Elizabeth Davis said copies of a zero balance have been sent to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

When asked, Davis explained that the town recently borrowed money to pay its bill to the Lowndes County Water Authority for water while the town’s well was down. She said that bill has now been paid.

Davis said the town is still on target for its Safe Routes project and is planning an activity such as a “walk to school day.”

It was announced that the Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. The parade will begin at Jackson-Steele Elementary School and proceed to municipal complex parking lot. All that is asked of participants is the donation of a toy for a toy drive for children to be held the following Monday.

It was announced that on Tuesday, Nov. 22, the town will hold a Thanksgiving dinner for the elderly at City Hall at 11 a.m. The town is seeking donations to help provide the meals.
City Clerk Bertha White announced that in connection with the Historic Voting Rights Trail Recycling Project, a grant has been awarded by ADEM to provide recycling bins in White Hall, Hayneville, Calhoun and other locations.

Davis said the town’s accounting program will be up and running in a few weeks. She also announced Pastor Franklin Nettles at Mt. Zion Christian Church will hold a cleanup day on Saturday, Nov. 19.

Lowndes County Commissioner Robert Harris appeared before the council to explain the county’s road maintenance situation with regard to the county budget.