The county has purchased the 2007 pumper truck that it had directed County Judge-Executive Greg Rankin to negotiate on, according to an update provided to fiscal court members during the meeting on Thursday, October 11.

The court had authorized Rankin to pay up to $195,000 for the truck, which is located in South Carolina. Rankin told magistrates that he had managed to buy the truck for $190,000.

This was the third truck the county had discussed purchasing in the last several weeks and the final purchase price reflects a significant savings from the first fire truck they considered. The original truck they looked at cost about $309,000.

By delaying that decision and looking at several other options, the court saved about $119,000, and magistrates seemed pleased with the truck they opted to buy.

It will replace the 32-year-old county pumper that was taken out of service several months ago. In order for residents to maintain lower insurance rates, which are tied to the city’s ISO rating, the purchase of another truck was necessary.

Rankin noted that it could take about a month for the paperwork to be completed and the newly purchased truck to be delivered.

Fiscal court had allocated about $25,000 in the current budget that can be used toward the purchase of the truck, which will reduce the amount of money they will have to borrow for the vehicle.

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Monticello City Council will wait before taking any action regarding the designation of a cross walk on the Wayne County School campus.

The council discussed the issue during a meeting on Monday, October 8, after hearing an update on the matter by Mayor Jeffrey Edwards.

The council had received a request to designate a cross walk at the intersection of Myrtle Street and Kidd Street, as a safety measure for students walking to school.

Eric Huffaker, who is employed by Wayne County Schools, brought the issue to the council, noting his concern about the large amount of traffic in that area during drop off and pick up times each school day.

Edwards stated last week that he and Police Chief Ralph Miniard had observed the area during these high traffic times on several occasions since the last meeting. Edwards said there is a problem, but noted that one of the biggest concerns is in regard to drivers who speed in that area.

He suggested that a police presence in that area–a car with flashing lights–might help with the problem. He said officials will continue to observe the area and he recommended the council wait before taking any action regarding traffic control ordinances.

Also during the meeting, the court heard a report from Monticello Utility Commission Manager Gene Jones, who noted that the official ground breaking ceremony had been held the week before for the wastewater treatment project. He said that project is moving along well and seems to be on schedule.

Jones said he expects the ground breaking for the water treatment project to be held within the next couple of months.

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Planning continues by the Events Committee for Fall Fest, which is set for October 26-27 in downtown Monticello. The weekend, presented by the Monticello-Wayne County Event Committee, should be two days of great music, tremendous food and shopping, plus a Kidzone with free inflatables, sponsored by Wayne County Hospital.

Monticello Banking Company, in partnership with the City of Monticello and the Wayne County Fiscal Court, is the title sponsor for Fall Fest.

The two day event is headlined by Monsters of Southern Rock, featuring Skinny Molly, Mike Estes, formerly of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jay Johnson and Kurt Pietro both formerly of Blackfoot and Luke Bradshaw all form the band Skinny Molly, while Greg T. Walker and Charlie Hargrett, both original members of Blackfoot, team with Jimmy Farrar, formerly of Molly Hatchett, to provide the Monsters of Southern Rock.

“Greg T. Walker and Charlie Hargrett both performed in Monticello at the first ever SpringFest with Blackfoot, so it’s just unbelievable to have the opportunity to bring them back with Mike Estes and Jimmy Farrar, it will be a phenomenal night of all of the hits of Southern Rock. Think about all the hits of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blackfoot and Molly Hatchet all on one stage in one show, plus it’s free! We are so thankful to have Monticello Banking Company on board as our title sponsor, and we think we have a great weekend of good family fun,” said Hutchinson.

Friday night is headlined by the homecoming country music sensation Kevin Denney.

Kevin Denney is a critically-acclaimed country artist and hit songwriter. His self-titled debut album charted three songs, “That’s Just Jessie,” “Cadillac Tears,” and “It’ll Go Away,” and led many to compare his rare combination of innate vocal talent, traditional country sound and powerful yet refined delivery to the likes of Keith Whitley and George Strait. Kevin has performed numerous times on the legendary stage of the Grand Ole Opry and toured with renowned artists such as George Jones, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney and many others.

Kevin’s success as a songwriter has included “Bonfire,” (Craig Morgan), “Cowboy and A Dancer,” (Tracy Byrd), “Don’t Ask Me About A Woman,” (Easton Corbin) and “Good Saddles Ain’t Cheap,” (Justin McBride.) His talent extends beyond the country genre, earning him the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Gospel Song of the Year for “On The Other Side (Dailey and Vincent) and Vocal Event of the Year for his duet with Larry Sparks.

Friday night will also feature the Devious Angels and Borrowed Blue, while Saturday night will feature Third Thursday crown favorite Rapid Transit.