By RON BAXLEY JR. T&D Correspondent

NORTH -- The 9- and 10-year-old division of the North-Pelion All Stars team at North Town Council's August meeting was presented certificates for winning their division for the second year.

Brittany Livingston, who volunteers with the team, said later that Laken Hoover, Angiona Hook, Makenley Walling and Molly Robinson also represented North in the Lower Lexington Dixie Angel division.

Also during the meeting, Police Chief Lyn Shirer announced Officer Dwayne Duckson had been assigned North's school resource officer. Duckson, who worked with Shirer at the Elloree Police Department, was hired by the North Police Department in July.

Shirer said he and Mayor Patty Carson worked to get a school resource officer for the North schools for quite a while and talked with Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5 about securing an SRO. 

“I have been having to go to the schools a lot,” the police chief said.

OCSD5 and the town will share the cost of the SRO's salary, and a new officer will be hired to replace Duckson.

Carson reported the bids received on a new six-foot bush-hog for cutting overgrown areas in town ranged from $1,150 to $2,800.

The council voted to accept the bid of $1,150 from Duke Equipment Sales on Savannah Highway.

In other business, the mayor reminded citizens of a 2004 town ordinance requiring that adjacent property owners keep sidewalks clear. She said the ordinance reads: "It shall be the duty of all owners of real estate within the corporate limits to keep the sidewalks adjoining their real estate clear and free from grass, weeds, trash and garbage.”

“I would like people to do that on their own versus our sending a letter or issuing a citation,” Carson said.

The mayor also addressed inquires about higher water bills. She noted that in the 2018-2019 fiscal year budget passed in June, council unanimously approved an increase in the water/sewer fees for those who do not reside within the town limits. Carson added that Orangeburg County does not supplement revenues for those who reside outside of the town. She said the town is trying to keep the rates reasonable, adding that North's rates are still comparable or lower than other towns.

Councilman Julius Jones in his hazard mitigation report said he contacted state officials about cleaning a ditch on U.S. 321, adding that the S.C. Department of Transportation will be coming to check on it soon. Jones said he also looked into having SCDOT add more speed limit signs in the town.

In addition, Jones reported that he checked into CSX helping with cleanup along the railroad tracks in North.

“CSX will not do any cleanup unless the growth interferes with the trains traveling through,” he said.

Councilman Daniel Jackson reported revitalization is still up in the air for several reasons, giving as an example the fact that one individual with some property in need of revitalization has it tied up in litigation.

Also during the meeting:

• Will Bramlett of the Planning Commission reported the panel now has six active members. He also said the recent Farmers' Market and Yard Sale was a success.

“The event yielded 23 vendors and encouraged a local farmer to continue to set up a produce stand in the town square,” Bramlett said.

He said the commission is also working to organize a tour of empty buildings in the town.

• Annie Charley reported the North Pecan Fall Festival will be held Saturday, Oct. 13.

She said the committee is checking into getting an arcade truck, a climbing wall and a dunking tank for the event. A baking contest is also being planned with the deadline for entries on Friday, Oct. 5, Charley said. Entry forms can be obtained from Patricia Williams or at North Town Hall, she said.

In addition, a car show and an evening dance with a DJ are planned for the festival, Charley noted. She said volunteers are needed to help with the North Pecan Fall Festival.

• Suzanne Reed of the Christmas at the North Pole Committee said the group is working to get more downtown decorations. Reed said she looked into getting a reputable carnival to participate but it will cost $5,000. As an option, she said she called several organizations with bouncy houses to see about getting them for the event.

Two events are being planned to raise funds for Christmas at the North Pole. A co-ed softball tournament for ages 18 and up will be held at the North baseball field on Saturday, Oct. 6, Reed said. There will be a $100 per team entry fee, and concessions will be sold. Also, a free family movie night will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2, and concessions will be sold, Reed said. First Baptist Church of North youth will be involved in the family movie night, she said, adding that extra help with planning and fundraisers for the event is needed.

• Stephanie Carey-Smith has been hired as North's clerk of court, it was announced. Carey-Smith was formerly employed by the City of Lexington.
• Shirer reported the police department had 37 calls for service and made 17 arrests in July.