Driving past the Alva City Hall corner at 4th and Barnes brings to mind an old religious song, "Brighten the Corner Where You Are." The song was written in 1913, but the title lends itself well to the fresh ideas the city is displaying on that corner.

An evergreen tree used to stand there. Its spreading branches also spread dripping sap on vehicles unlucky enough to park beneath it. Falling needles and pine cones littered the area, requiring cleanup of the sidewalk and parking lot.

City Business Manager Joe Don Dunham said the tree was removed so employees could safely use all the parking spac...