Local GIF grants presented

State Representative Ray Kidd presented General Improvement Funds at the Craighead County Eastern District Court House in Lake City on Monday afternoon, March 22.

A $25,000 GIF Enhancement Grant was presented to Monette Mayor Chub Qualls to construct a concession stand and restrooms for the city's sports park. Qualls also received a $1,000 check for playground repair. Byron Sparkman, chairman of the AR Hunger Relief Alliance at the Monette Church of Christ, received a check for $1,500.

A $9,000 General Improvement Fund Fire Protection Grant was presented to Lake City Mayor Billy Anderson for use by the Fire Department to purchase 10 SCBA air packs. Anderson also received a check for $1,000 for renovations at the ballpark. A $1,000 check went to the First Baptist Church of Lake City, for AR Hunger Relief Alliance.

Other General Improvement Fund checks included $1,000 to City of Black Oak, for work on the city hall building, and $1,000 to City of Caraway, for renovations at the ball park.

On hand for the GIF check presentations was Richard Spelic, director of East Arkansas Planning and Development District, of Jonesboro.