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The Town of Valley Grande is working with the Dallas County Commission to help clean up after the August severe thunderstorm.

Mayor Wayne Labbe Monday that they still had a lot of tree debris that needs to be removed. The most extensive damage occurred on Persimmon Tree Drive, Huggins Road and Parkview Drive. 

At its Sept. 9 meeting, the county agreed to pay $27,500 for the removal. Labbe said Valley Grande will also assist the county with a portion of the costs, and that will come out of the road funds for roadway cleanup.

The county also worked out an agreement with Chilton County to borrow their limb and debris pickup truck to help pickup any remaining debris not picked up by the company.

Labbe suggested that they keep money in that fund for these types of storms since the money can be used for events like this.

“These are citizens that need help, and it’s a mes,” “Labbe said. “We need to have some kind of money set aside, earmarked, whatever you want us to call it, for disasters like that.”

Tennis Courts

Councilwoman Kay Davidson gave an update on a grant the town is seeking to build tennis courts at the city park. The initial application was submitted last week.

Mayor Wayne Labbe said the proposed placement of the tennis courts would be behind the walking trail, where people would park beside the walking trail and then access it behind the pavilion. He said there is already power there for proposed lighting.

Fall Festival

Councilwoman Sara Day said they have kicked off preparations for the fall festival, which will be Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They opened the application period last week, and the first vendors have signed up this week. 

Day said the National Guard may not be available on that date, but she has an alternative if they do not show up.

The town also has six teams signed up for church softball.