CENTERVILLE — Centerville Mayor Jim Senior says the city is making progress in removing derelict properties.
Senior said three houses on Haynes Avenue are practically demolished and the fire department Tuesday performed a controlled burn on North Park. He said the city has 41 other houses that need to be demolished.
"We're working on all of these things and are trying to make Centerville a better place," Senior said.
Senior's comments came during a public meeting hosted by the Appanoose County supervisors.
Supervisor Chairman Dean Kaster talked about the Coves of Lake Sundown. He said 348 lots have been laid out, 272 lots are closed on and 79 lots have structures on them and requests have been filed to build five new structures.
Joyce Bieber, Centerville-Rathbun Lake Area Chamber of Commerce executive director, talked about upcoming events and thanked everyone who helped out during the tractor ride. She said the Chamber will soon start selling tickets for a VIP drawing with the winner receiving merchandise, food and special treatment during Pancake Day.
Tod Faris, Appanoose Economic Development Corporation executive director, talked about CIRAS, an Iowa State University Extension organization, and the meeting they hosted at the Majestic Theater Tuesday with 60 in attendance. Faris said workshops will be held Aug. 6-7 at Honey Creek Resort State Park free to anyone from Appanoose County and normally would cost $199 per person and both will focus on environmental issues.
Faris said Iowa state director for USDA, Bill Menner, will visit Appanoose County Aug. 22 to discuss rural issues at 1:30 p.m. at the Manhattan Restaurant following Rotary.
Faris said Chariton Valley Regional Housing Trust has funded the painting of seven houses in Centerville. He said CVRHT would be willing to purchase the paint if a non-profit would supply the labor to paint a house.
