RIPPLE/Kristin Zachary

Tracy Wall is joined by his wife and daughter as he is sworn in, along with re-elected Commissioners Gene Pardue and Wayne Moore, at the regular monthly town meeting Monday evening.

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Kristin Zachary

Staff Writer

kzachary@heartlandpublications.com

Newly elected Jonesville Commissioner Tracy Wall, along with re-elected Commissioners Gene Pardue and Wayne Moore, were sworn in Monday night at the regular monthly town meeting.

Pardue, who has previously served as mayor pro tem, was selected once again by the board for the role.

During the public comment period, three community members expressed concerns to the board regarding the cleaning of storm drains. The residents said the drains were not being completely cleared. Scott Buffkin, town manager, noted some areas are the town’s responsibility while other areas are the responsibility of the Department of Transportation. Buffkin said he and Roger Martin, public works director, would visit the areas in question that fall under the responsibility of the town.

The board was also asked about the status of the fire department situation. Buffkin said, although discussion of the fire department was not on the meeting agenda, the town board has conducted special meetings in regard to the issue.

“We’re working on an agreement with Arlington (Fire Department),” he said, noting the discussion of a merger of services. “We’re not ‘dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s’ just yet, but we are very close.”

The Jonesville Historical Society is in the process of ‘dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s’ for its Community Watch Night, a commemorative celebration concluding the bicentennial observation at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31. Judy Wolfe, chair of the Society, said the program, to be held at the Pentecostal Holiness Church, will feature photos, videos and music, including performances by vocalists Carrie Martin, Tammy Burns-Martin and the Rev. Kenny Gunn, and a special violin performance by John Wesley Mathis. Wolfe said refreshments will follow the program at the Jonesville History Center.

Of the History Center, Wolfe said, “We’re proud. We’ve worked hard. But we’ve only worked hard because of you gentlemen and because of the town.”

“We think we have something special,” she continued. “We are a showcase — a small showcase — of this community. We are Jonesville.”

Wolfe also spoke of next year’s Jonesville Jubilee, which will be held on May 5, 2012. She said the Jubilee will honor all military members and branches.

The month of May will also feature the official opening of the History Center. Wolfe said there has been one traffic accident at the History Center and noted she is meeting with the state about installing a caution light as a way to slow down traffic in the area.

“We need to think ahead,” she said. “We need to be proactive and not reactive.”