A $5,000 Callahan Incentive Grant from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation will help Lexington restore the side windows of the Beth Salem building. The front and back windows were restored four years ago, thanks to a similar grant. (Molly Moore/The Oglethorpe Echo)
Lexington was awarded a $5,000 Callahan Incentive Grant from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation to help fund window repairs to the Beth Salem building, which is owned by the city.
Combined with local donations, this will restore the windows on the side of the building. The city received a $4,000 Callahan Grant in 2022 to restore the front and back windows of the old church.
The work will begin in the next several weeks.
Lexington postponed its monthly city council meeting until 7 p.m. Thursday, June 25. It wouldn’t have had a quorum at its regularly scheduled meeting on June 11.
Mayor Evelyn Reese wrote in an emailed update that progress is being made on the buildings owned by Rick Hawkins, which remain for sale.
Officials have also requested an exterior inspection of the derelict house at 425 W. Main St., and city attorney Charles Barrow attempted to contact the potential owner.
Kathrine Clark began steps to refurbish the planters and George Spearing IV will install American flags next week as part of the Downtown Beautification Plan.
In other news, Reece said the city:
Lifted the Level 1 Drought watering restrictions.
Lifted Level 1 Drought Burn Ban.
- Discussed completing Lexington’s component of the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Arnoldsville
Arnoldsville’s water tanks are full due to recent rainfall.
Mayor Danny Morcom said he expects the filters for the GW Bray well to arrive in about three weeks. The quote was $27,813.
Two residents of Dunlap Road requested water supplies after they reported their private well system to be contaminated with E. coli and chloroform, forcing them to haul water for livestock and personal use.
The council said it would work to help the residents.
In other news, the Arnoldsville City Council:
Approved the general fund report and accepted the water fund report.
Discussed plans to start the insulation and sheetrock for the addition to the Arnoldsville Fire Department.
Approved an ordinance to regulate public utility usage and encroachment on city right-of-ways.
- Approved the purchase of plaques to engrave as a way to recognize former Arnoldsville mayors.
Crawford
Mayor Alan Erwin asked the city council to consider purchasing a new mower for the water department. He expects the cost to be less than $8,500. The council approved, with a cap of $10,000.
The council discussed interim financing for the water plant project and its upgrades, and it passed a motion to authorize Erwin to sign a financing agreement with Commercial Bank.
In other news, the Crawford City Council:
Approved Jennifer Yauck’s request to hold the homecoming parade for 2026.
Voted to rezone 303, 249, 241 and 229 Park Avenue to Residential 2 from Business 1.
- Discussed repairs to the Spray wellhouse and chemical room, but tabled the issue until the July meeting to obtain additional quotes.
Maxeys
Maxeys didn’t receive the T-Mobile grant that it applied for in March. The grant would have been put toward refurbishment of the community center. Other grants will be pursued.
The city is seeking bids to complete the work for the remaining section of the Firefly Trail. Maxeys plans to begin construction on the final phase by the end of August.
In other news, the Maxeys City Council:
Approved brush and tree clearing at Brightwell Park.
Discussed the completion of the Rotary Club Peace Garden.
Adjusted community center rental rates to $100 for a four-hour rental and $25 per hour for over four hours.
- Adopted the Oglethorpe County Noise and Animal Control Ordinances..