Alva Review-Courier -

BancCentral National in Alva is installing a storm water drainage system on the east side of their new building. In the process they are replacing half of College Avenue in the block between Flynn and Choctaw.

City Business Manager Joe Don Dunham said he been talked with BancCentral and their contractor about reconstructing the east half of the street and repairing the east sidewalk in the block. The city proposed to have city crews do all the demolition work, install the base with proper compaction and pay for the city’s half of the concrete needed to do the entire street.

When Dunham received the contractor’s cost estimate, it totaled $195,286. Dunham said he believes the city has the employees and equipment to handle the east half of the project and can finish it at a much lower cost.

The construction company is proceeding with the work on the west side of the street. The city will take care of the east half at a later time. Dunham said the project will be moved up in priority, but he doesn’t have a timeline for work yet.

Service Awards Banquet

The City of Alva Service Awards Banquet will be held on Dec. 1. Dunham asked council members to RSVP. The banquet will be held at the Moose Lodge.

If I Were Mayor

Alva Mayor Kelly Parker recently spoke with eighth grade students at Alva Middle School. He told the city council Monday that he was encouraging them to participate in an essay contest titled “If I Were Mayor.” The contest is sponsored by the Oklahoma Municipal League and is open to eighth grade students in the state.

Parker said the first place essay writer receives a $250 prize and recognition in the state legislature. He hopes the teachers will share the essays with him as he’d like to see the students’ view of his position.