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Last updated on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
(MITCHELL) - The City of Mitchell declared October Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Debbie Beeler, of the Lawrence County Domestic Violence Task Force, addressed Mitchell City Council members Monday night.
Beeler told the council that every day 3 women are murdered by their husband or boyfriend. Every 9 seconds in this country a woman is beat by their significant other.
Councilwoman Vicki Schlegel added and that doesn't count the cases that are not reported because of fear or retaliation.
In other business:
* The council approved a 2 percent increase for all city employees, including the part-timers.
* The council approved the $2,406,284 budget for 2013.
Clerk-treasurer George James says it reflected a 7 percent increase over the current year's estimate.
"You can attribute that 7 percent increase to insurance costs, for both our health and liability insurance, and our match for the Safe Routes to School grant, which is $115,000," James said during last months meeting. "That money will be spent next year, which is why it has been included in this budget."
* Eddie McClain is hoping to make the July 4th holiday in Mitchell one to remember. He and a group of dedicated volunteers are planning Mitchell's Freedom Fest for July 6th. The festival will salute hometown military heroes.
Events will include the area's largest flea market, a 5k run/walk, bicycle rodeo, bicycle race/ride, a battle of the bands, the area's largest motorcycle parade and freedom ride, town wide yard sale and other events.
Mayor Gary Pruitt says the festival is something that needs to happen.
"After the fireworks they just rushed off as soon as the event was over," Pruitt says.
Councilman Everett Ferrel thinks the festival is an excellent idea.
"Anything we can do to generate interest and draw people together I am for," Ferrel says. "This is a good idea."
The vote on the festival was tabled until city officials can look into insurance coverage for the event. They should have an answer by the November 5th meeting.
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