Christmas caroling set for Dec. 16 

SOUTH POINT — A contract has been approved for concrete to build pickleball courts in the Village of South Point.

Mayor Jeff Gaskin said the plans are for two courts, to be located on the north end of the village’s park. 

He said the village will pay for fencing and other items, but the biggest expense was the concrete, which is being covered by American Rescue Plan Act funding, which needed to be spent by the end of  the year.

ARPA was a COVID-19 relief package, passed by Congressional Democrats and signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2021.

Gaskin said the courts should be ready for use by spring.

In other news, the mayor said the village will host Christmas caroling on Monday, Dec. 16. Those taking part will gather at the community center at the village park at 5:30 p.m. Carolers will ride on a hayride truck and proceed on a route throughout the village, then will meet back at the community center for hot chocolate, Gaskin said.

This is the second year for that event.

Also at the community center that night, People for the Point is hosting a free Christmas in the Village, from 6–9 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance.

Gaskin said this month’s meeting of village council, which took place on Tuesday, was “a quiet one.”

The main order of business was passing an ordinance, allowing for side-by-side vehicles within the village. Gaskin said applications for those can be picked up at the police station.

He said the village is also beginning discussion on budget items, and there was an executive session on personnel matters, with no action taken.

Also, the village’s new fire levy, which was passed by voters in November, will take effect next month.

Gaskin said those increased funds will allow the village to begin the search for a new fire engine for the department.

He said the cost of a new engine has increased since the old levy was passed 30 years ago and a new truck could cost roughly $1 million.

He said the purchase will not be done immediately and time will be taken to consider options.

“We are looking around to get the best deal for the village,” he said.