Parma residents are working to rebuild after fire

PARMA, Mo. - Parma residents are working to rebuild after fire destroyed the town’s city hall.

Volunteers have stepped forward to assist the Parma City Council and Mayor Rufus Williamson as the community seeks to get back on its feet, according to Kim Hampton, who has volunteered to serve as administrative assistant to the mayor’s office. She said a number of projects are already under way since the April 17 fire.

On Monday, work began at the Parma Cemetery. According to Hampton, the cemetery is being cleaned and mowed and roads through the cemetery improved.

“It is already looking better,” she said.

Citizens wishing to pay water bills can go to the Parma branch of the New Madrid County Library, located at the Parma Community Building. A citizen has volunteered to be at the library to collect payments.

“We are working on getting the water and sewer to be functioning properly,” added Hampton who noted on Monday the town’s water pressure was low. “There have been a few hiccups but we are working to get everything in working order.”

With assistance from the city of New Madrid, streets are being cleaned. Hampton said this will set the stage for repair of the many potholes.

Also on tap is a community clean-up day and volunteers are being sought to clean up the town’s community building, with plans to return the city offices to the building.