On July 30 volunteers will solicit donations for back-to-school needs

At the July 5 City Council meeting, permission was given for two coordinated efforts to solicit much-needed donations of school supplies and uniforms.
Smart Girls Roc will hold a bike-a-thon with a back-to-school theme on Saturday, July 30. Starting from the courthouse at 10 a.m., participants will ride to Magnolia Park where speakers and fun activities will help prepare youngsters for the beginning of the new school year. Activities will continue at the park until 1 p.m.
Coordinated with the bike-a-thon, a Back2School supply/uniform drive was also approved by the council. It will be held on the same day, Saturday, July 30, at the stop lights and on the sidewalks downtown. School supplies, uniforms and cash donations will be accepted at the park and at 205 E. Bridge St. as well as other locations.
On Aug. 7 from 3 to 5 p.m. a Back2School drive fun day will be held at Notre Dame Church Hall, at which time supplies and uniforms will be distributed so children can start the school year equipped with the supplies and uniforms they need.
Call 342-8897 for more information.
In other business, the council approved the permit for the 2016 Kiwanis Christmas Parade. The parade is set for Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. on Main Street.
Responding to concerns voiced by District 2 Councilman Craig Prosper, Kiwanis president George Choplin said that safety problems associated with the careless operation of off-road 4-wheelers in the parade are being addressed.
Finally, the city announced the installation of an automated 24-hour bill payment kiosk in the drive-through at City Hall. On-line payment options are now available as well. Mayor Thomas Nelson said that the new options offer convenience for bill payers and save money for the city, but the familiar methods of in-person and mail payment are still available.