Readers of The Watchword:
Here’s a page you can use to keep up to speed on all the smaller bits of news coming from city and county government: road closings, Public Works projects, news conferences, meeting schedules and all that sort of stuff. We’ll funnel the information to you as quickly as we can. And if you know of things going on that you want us to share, please let us know.
The Public Life Team
For the most up to date and complete listing of city meetings and events, check Columbia’s online calendar.
Traffic signal loop maintenance continues
The city’s traffic division’s project to install traffic signal loops at three intersections has been extended until Nov. 13. The intersections include:
- Old Highway 63 at Broadway, southbound lane
- Broadway at Clinkscales, eastbound lane and
- Clinkscales at Broadway, southbound lane.
There will be lane restrictions in each of the affected intersections. The work is expected to be completed by Nov. 13, weather permitting. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to exercise extreme caution when in the work zone and use an alternate route whenever possible.
Ribbon cutting planned for Providence Road expansion
The city is inviting the public to a ribbon cutting to celebrate the North Providence Road extension. The ceremony is planned for 3:30 p.m. on November 17, and it will be held on Providence north of Vandiver Drive, at the site of the new bridge.
The new roadway runs from Vandiver to Blue Ridge Road and includes a bridge over Bear Creek Road and new sidewalks. The project cost $4.7 million, which came from the federal Surface Transportation Program, the transportation sales tax, a quarter-cent capital improvement sales tax, the capital fund balance and development fees.
Bear Creek Trail, which was closed during construction, will reopen on Nov. 17.
Broadway street repairs start Nov. 2
Repairs on Broadway between Edgewood Ave. and Greenwood Ave. will begin today, the Columbia Public Works Department said. The repair work will cause temporary lane restrictions. Repairs should be finished by 4:30 p.m. Nov. 6. The Public Works Department is urging motorists and pedestrians to use caution in the area and try to find an alternate route if possible.
Columbia Fire Department: Change Batteries on Smoke Alarms
The Columbia Fire Department is asking residents to change the batteries on their smoke alarms when they change their clocks for daylight saving time, which occurs on Nov. 1. The Fire Department also recommends replacing smoke alarms that are 10 or more years old. Batteries should be changed at least once a year, the Fire Department said. Fire Chief Bill Markgraf suggests that residents also test smoke alarms, design a family fire escape plan and practice the plan.
Atkins Park in YouTube Segment
See Columbia’s baseball fields in the clip, in which Columbia Park Services Manager Mike Griggs discusses the benefits sports can have for children and teenagers.
Columbia City Council Seeking Applications for Comprehensive Plan Task Force
The Columbia City Council is seeking applications for its Comprehensive Plan Task Force. According to the city’s Web site, the force is made up of 15 members who work with the Columbia Planning and Zoning Commission to come up with a plan for the “growth and development” of Columbia, including such issues as housing, transportation and future land use. Applications are due Oct. 9 but more applications will be available in November and the following months until 15 members are appointed. Visit http://gocolumbiamo.com/Council/Commissions/complan.php or http://gocolmbiamo.com/Council/Commissions/vacancies.php for more information.
Nominations Being Accepted for 13th Annual Columbia Values Diversity Awards
The Division of Human Services is accepting nominations for the 13th Annual Columbia Values Diversity Awards. The awards show appreciation for individuals, families, organizations and groups who have had significant impact in our community in promoting diversity and cultural understanding. The awards will be presented at the 17th Annual Columbia Values Diversity Celebration on Thursday, January 14, 2010 and recognize people whose work in our community exemplifies the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by fostering individual dignity, racial equality, understanding, peacemaking and solving problems through non-violence.
Two awards will be presented: one individual/family award, and one organization/group award.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, November 27, 2009. Nomination forms are available by calling the Division of Human Services at (573) 874-7488 or 874-7356, or online.
