Howardville celebrates opening of building

HOWARDVILLE - Howardville's mayor sees the new city hall and fire station as the springboard to good things for the community.

Mayor Jim Farr joined other community and regional leaders along with local citizens to cut the ribbon and celebrate the opening of the 1,800-square foot Travis B. Howard Public Safety and Service Building. The building has a 740-

square-foot bay for the town's fire truck which it received in 2004 along with a conference room, city council room and a place for the city clerk.

"This is like rags to riches," said Farr. "You see what we were in and where we are now. This is the first building we have had in a long time. This place is just the start."

Urging the citizens to take pride in their new city hall, Farr added, "I just can't wait to get my feet under the desk."

However, Farr will have to wait just a bit longer. The Council must take bids on the furnishings and is still waiting for essentials like desks.

But Friday during the town's Appreciation Day officials happily made due. Using a cardboard box as their lectern, officials celebrated and thanked those involved.

Funding for the building was provided through federal and state grants and loans and officials praised the efforts of Sen. Christopher Bond and Eighth District Representative Jo Ann Emerson.

Joshua M. Haynes, special projects manager for Emerson, called the building an essential part of preparation for emergencies. "If disaster strikes we have to take care of ourselves. Buildings like this are so important to make sure we are prepared," he said.

Also addressing those in attendance were several others including Greg Branum with USDA Rural Development; Dr. Carol Mahoney, president of Lincoln University; Rep. Lanie Black; Randy Halsey with the Bootheel Community Development Corporation; and Alex Cooper, a Howardville resident.

The building is being leased to the city through the Howardville Development Corporation. Bootheel Community Development Corporation, a non-for-profit corporation headquartered in Howardville, is responsible for the Fred Fallen Skill Center and Office and the Farr Circle Subdivision.