Cain re-elected mayor of Chipley

CHIPLEY – Chipley City Council re-elected Linda Cain as mayor and Karen Rustin as mayor pro tem Thursday night. County Judge Colby Peel also swore in Cain, Rustin and Tommy McDonald, Jr. as council members.

All three were unopposed in the general election.

Council also approved a request by Stephen Lassiter, representing Washington Invincibles Camp 1541 of Sons of Confederate Veterans to fly “The Bonnie Blue Flag” for 24 hours on April 26, 2009, to celebrate Confederate Memorial Day. Lassiter offered Council a choice between the 1861 National Ensign and the “flag that bears a single star,” and the latter was chosen.

Lassiter said the local brigade of SCV would supply a granite base and a flagpole at the William Dudley Chipley monument near the depot. A memorial service is also planned, Lassiter said. Lassiter said there are plans for a veterans/heritage park in the future like that originally planned for Moss Hill Park.

Council Member Cheryl McCall also presented a little history to Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ted Everett – a glass display with numerous historical items she has collected. Items include a Chipley Centennial button and a historic phone book.

The display will be on exhibit in the lobby of City Hall until the Chamber moves into the old City Hall once renovation is completed.

Administrative Assistant Jan Bossert was honored as Employee of the Quarter.

Christine Stevenson of 5th United Holiness church presented Council with signatures of residents at the housing authority on Old Bonifay Road and proof of liability insurance, and Council approved the church’s street fair. The fair will be Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is designed to offer positive alternatives for young people. Everything would be free.

Council also approved several change orders for the wastewater project that brought the total price to about $8.8 million. City Administrator Jim Morris noted that this is still well below the original estimates.