By By Paul Keane
A resolution passed during last week's meeting of the Atmore City Council will encourage residents to begin tying yellow ribbons around trees, signs and shrubbery beginning Monday.
Resolution 2003-5 is encouraging residents to tie yellow ribbons in honor of military personnel, both those serving currently and those who have served. The traditional ribbons are symbolic ways to pay tribute to military personnel during times of crisis and war.
The resolution also asks that everyone keep American military personnel in their prayers.
Joyce Bolden with the Atmore Public Library has been credited with proposing the measure, and she is asking all citizens to participate in the event. Some yellow ribbons have already begun appearing on flag poles, trees and in some windows around town.
The meeting was conducted by Mayor Pro-Tem John Watkins, who was filling in for Mayor Howard Shell. Shell is currently in Washington, D.C., serving as a delegate to the National League of Cities.
The Council approved the removal of a house at 402 S. Presley Street. That measure will be done by private resources and will not cost the City any money.
The Council also approved a measure to hire a grant writer, with the provision being that such a writer receives no money until a grant is secured. Payment for the writer would be provided from a percentage of the grant money awarded. The grant writer, who has not been hired yet, would work specifically on grants to help develop the industrial park along I-65.
The Council also approved a proclamation to designate this week as Girl Scout Week in honor of the 91st anniversary of the organization.
The Council was also given copies of a letter from Mediacom informing them of the need for customers to obtain a digital converter in order to continue receiving premium programming. No action was necessary on the measure.
Also on the agenda was the Atmore Booster Club, but Watkins said the matter had been resolved and there was no need to take action.