TEA party scheduled for Fourth of July
By GAYLE WEBER
A Taxed Enough Already party will take place at noon July 4 outside the Ellis County Courthouse.
County commissioners approved the use of the Courthouse grounds Monday after hearing a request from Kathleen Fischer, who represents a group of concerned citizens.
"We're simply going to try to hold Washington accountable the way we have to hold ourselves," Fischer said.
TEA parties have been organized throughout the United States for people to express their thoughts on the nation's spending habits.
Fischer said the local rally will last a half-hour to an hour and feature singing and a guest speaker.
"We'd like to send a very dignified message to the government," she said.
More than 1,200 such TEA parties are scheduled to take place across the country July 4. One in Athol is scheduled for 3 p.m., but a location is not yet known. One in Ness City is scheduled for 7 p.m. on the south side of the Ness County Courthouse.
In other business from Monday's Ellis County Commission meeting:
* Commissioner Vernon Berens was absent.
* Commissioners approved a contractor's estimate and a draw request on a transportation revolving fund for $181,614.60 for work completed on the Eighth Street bridge.
* Commissioners approved a three-year service agreement and hardware upgrade through Nex-Tech for $5,185.
* Ellis County Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Ring said he is finalizing a plan to be used by emergency personnel and other agencies during Wild West Fest. Other large events including the Ellis County Fair already have a plan in place in case of an emergency or a disaster.
* Commissioners approved two cereal malt beverage licenses for Midwest Deutsche Oktoberfest from July 11 to 19 and from Sept. 18 to 20 at the Ellis County Fairgrounds.
* Appraiser Dean Denning told commissioners his 2008 appraisals were in compliance with the sales ratio during the year, according to a study required by state statute.