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Two Wesson officers headed to training academy

The Town of Wesson will have two more certified full-time officers in the near future, thanks to action taken by the Board of Aldermen last Tuesday evening during the monthly meeting.

Acting Police Chief Chad Sills recommended sending both officers to the Academy in Jackson at the same time, instead of sending one and then the other in consecutive sessions.  “I can save the town money by cutting out a total of 40 hours per week,” Sills told the board.  The town is responsible for paying costs associated with the Academy.

Alderman-at-large Van Graham agreed with Sills, saying “We are going to get more full-time officers, so in the long-term Wesson will be better served.”

Mayor Alton Shaw and alderman Bobby Britt had concerns about public safety, but Sills assured the board that his department will step up its efforts while the two officers are in training.  

In other matters, the board declared an older model pick-up truck as surplus and will remove it from inventory.  The vehicle will be transfered to Co-Lin to be used as needed.

The board also passed a motion to close a small alley between Beech Street and Hwy. 51, citing drainage concerns.  The alley was hardly used, anyway, Shaw commented, and closing it helps with safety in the area.

Steven Ashley, president of the Chamber of Commerce, asked for and received permission to use the streets of downton Wesson for Founders Day on April 30 and May 1.  He also advised the board of an antique car show coming up on February 27, which will be  held at First Baptist Church on Highway 51.

New property maintenance sheets were approved that will aid in identifying problem areas around town–those that still have permanent trash receptacles on curbsides, overgrown landscapes or other public safety hazards.  The aldermen will be able to communicate with the police and public works departments better and have a paper-trail when hearings are to be held.

Claims from the January meeting, along with the January financials and the February 2 agenda were approved before the aldermen recessed until March 2.  Of note, Boy Scout Troop 125 attended the meeting to work on their governmental badge.  The Scouts led the meeting in prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and also recited the Scouting code.  The young men also thanked the aldermen for work done on the old electric building recently, where the troop is able to hold its meetings and activities.

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