Community asked to show Homecoming school spirit
The week kicks off with a Homecoming Dash Sunday, Oct. 4, at 2 p.m., with the route winding through town. The run, which is free to enter this year, will start at the high school parking lot, with participants going down Main Street to turn right at the Main Scoop.
Then, it’s on to Thomas Street, where they will turn left at Fifth Street and go by Cornell Health Services. Finally, they turn to go by St. John’s Lutheran Church, before heading on North Eight Street back to the school parking lot.
“Our guests will be wearing masks,” said Turany.
The crowning of the Homecoming king and queen will also take place after the dash.
Included in the events, Friday, Oct. 9, will see a Home- coming parade at 3 p.m., with line-up at Holy Cross Catholic Church. The parade of students floats will make their way down Main Street, with music from the band, along with an escort from the fire department.
There will be a police presence at the dash and parade.
“Something new we’re hoping to improve, is the decoration of Main Street,” said Turany.
The students have been asked to get a class “window” to decorate from as many businesses as possible, and the school requested that they be able to wind streamers around posts and signs lining the streets. Council members didn’t have a problem with the requests and gave their consent for the events.
Turany also asks that businesses put out signs in support of the school during the Homecoming week, as COVID-19 restrictions have put a damper on some things.
“It’s kind of bleak at school this year, so we’re trying to get a lot more school spirit,” said Turany.
During the meeting, members also accepted a $10,750 bid from Darrel Palmer, to purchase a land-locked 10-acre parcel of city-owned land, contingent on full payment by Friday, Oct. 30. The council also received a $10,202.20 bid from Jason Ewings.
“We have previously put it up for sale probably four or five years ago,” said council president Steve Turany. “We didn’t reach the bid value that we wanted back then.”
In other business, mayor Mark Larson appointed Phylicia Smith, owner of Stacker Nutrition, to the Planning Commission, after member Rich Anderson stepped down.
“You gotta make sure you have a quorum,” said Larson.
Although not an action item, city administrator Dave De-Jongh pointed out that there is a Focus on Energy public benefits fee that is charged to every electric/gas meter in the state.
“Part of those monies go to fund these Focus on Energy programs,” said DeJongh.
DeJongh encouraged residents to look into cost-saving programs through Focus on Energy and said through the program, they will even come to someone’s house to pick up an old refrigerator or freezer the resident had replaced (appliance must be in operating order).
“It’s been a while since we’ve shed any light on the profreon grams and what’s available to all of our customers,” said DeJongh.
In keeping with that theme, the city will host an appliance and electronic drop-off, Saturday, Oct. 3, at the city shop, from 8-10 a.m. There is no charge for non- appliances, but there is a fee for freon appliances.
A city-wide special garbage pick-up will also be held Thursday, Oct. 22, where residents may dispose of two yards of garbage per household at no cost, such as a couch, or a box spring and mattress. No concrete blocks, bricks, dirt, shingles, construction debris, paints, car batteries, household hazardous waste or yard waste will be picked up.
If residents set out more than the specified two yards, they will be asked to pay a fee or risk not having the extra items picked up.
Now that fall is in full swing, it’s time to give some consideration to what can be done about Halloween, and the Trick-or-Treat and Trunk-or-Treat events that go along with it. DeJongh reported that he has had some comments, with residents wondering if the happenings will take place.
Larson said he will give some it some thought and have a response by the next meeting.
At the closing of the meeting, council member Ashley Carothers reminded the public about the seriousness of stealing someone’s political yard signs. There is a state statute that deals with the matter.
“Everyone has their opinion,” said Carothers. “You’re entitled to your opinion, but that doesn’t mean you need to steal somebody else’s property. It is against the law.”
Cutline: Elijah Turany, Cornell High School student, came before the Cornell City Council Sept. 17, to ask for their blessing to hold Homecoming events around the city this October. Photo by Ginna Young
