Investing in our Community

Last month, I wrote about the people who invest their time and energy into making Mentone a great place to call home. Visitors here quickly realize that beyond the beautiful natural resources of this region, it’s the people who truly make Mentone a special place to raise a family, own a business, and enjoy a slower pace of life.

Quality of life is also impacted by infrastructure. This behind-the-scenes work can often go unnoticed, but planning and hard work are required to ensure our town continues to serve its citizens and meet the challenges that come our way. In the March issue of The Groundhog, you read about the $300,000 Appalachian Regional Commission grant that we will match to make much-needed improvements to the historic Moon Lake School property. Our town also helped bring home an ARC grant to improve our water system.

Fort Payne Water Works owns and operates the public water system in Mentone. An ARC grant of $295,000, which Fort Payne Water will match, will flow through the Town to the water system. It will be used to upgrade the aging 4-inch iron water line along Alabama Highway 117 with 2,300 feet of 10-inch, heavy-duty ductile iron pipe. This will connect with the water storage tanks in the curve on County Road 89 North.

The increased water capacity will greatly improve water pressure and the flow of water to homes and businesses in Mentone, benefiting our residents, visitors, and business owners.

“Improving the town’s water supply while restoring the historic Moon Lake school for businesses and community uses will only enhance Mentone’s offerings as a wonderful place to live and visit,” Gov. Kay Ivey said in making the grant announcements.

Kenneth Boswell of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs agreed. “Both of these projects will greatly benefit the town of Mentone, improving the quality of life for residents and appeal for visitors,” he said. “ADECA is pleased to be a partner along with Gov. Ivey and the Appalachian Regional Commission in these projects that will enhance the community’s charm and boost tourism for the area.”

In other news, work should begin in a few weeks on the sidewalk upgrade. We will share a schedule as soon as that becomes available. The Town Council recently approved several paving projects, and the work has already been completed. Berry Street, Grove Street, and Wells Street have been paved.

It takes work to keep Mentone beautiful, and you’re invited to be part of those efforts. Our annual community cleanup is set for Saturday, April 5. Meet us in the Mentone Inn parking lot at 9 a.m. for equipment and assignments. In true community spirit, we’ll come back together after the work is done to enjoy fellowship and a potluck lunch at the Linger Longer Pavilion behind the Inn. Larry Joe Hall will bring us live music. Hope to see you there!

October may feel like a long time away, but the Mentone Fall Festival is just around the corner. This has become one the biggest events for our community. It brings people in who spend money with our local businesses while enjoying the beauty of all on Lookout Mountain. It also raises money for the Town to reinvest into the Moon Lake property where the festival is held.

This is shaping up to be a strong year for our town, in terms of infrastructure improvements, tourism, and quality of life in general. Thank you to everyone helping shape the future of this community.