Jewett council discusses road repairs, story walk proposal

Jewett Village Council met April 16 and discussed a range of issues, including funding, road work, property violation citations and Community Development Block Grant matters.

Council members raised concerns about the three-way stop at Main Street and Jefferson Avenue, where trucks repeatedly turn in the same spot and wear down the road.

“The only way to fix that intersection is to quit having trucks turn at the same spot every time,” Councilman Steve Stewart said. “There’s no room for variance there.”

Council did not settle on a long-term solution but discussed using cold patching as a temporary fix. Members also considered using stone and cement with a covering to allow it to harden. They ultimately decided a hot patch would be the best option for now.

Also during the meeting, Trisha Satterfield asked council for permission and support in seeking funding for a story walk in Jewett. She described it as a walking path with displays featuring pages from children’s books mounted on angled boards supported by posts along the trail.

“My thought is, bring one here, have literacy,” she said, adding that it also could promote family time and attract people to the community.

Satterfield said the project would take about a year and that she had met with Karli Ray at the Puskarich Library in Cadiz, who encouraged her to apply for a $5,000 Harrison County Foundation grant. She said the funding would cover posts and materials.

“If I do get the grant I will partner with the library and the Harrison Central shop class to build the posts,” Satterfield said.

Satterfield asked council for permission to begin the planning process, with a second step involving approval from the trail committee. She said the project would include about 20 posts and cover about a half-mile. She expects to learn in October whether the grant is approved.

“I do have to find someone to dig the holes and pour the concrete but I’m not worried about that,” Satterfield said.

Council agreed to write a letter of recommendation for the project, which was well received. Councilman Josh Walters called it a “great idea.”