Aldermen approve radio ads

The Clarendon Board of Aldermen last week approved a 12-month agreement with local radio station KEFH-FM to promote the city to tourists.

The city had been considering purchasing billboard advertising with revenue from the Motel Bed Tax to encourage people to visit the town, but radio station owner Pat Robertson told the board January 9 that he thought there was a more effective way to spend the money.

“We feel like we can do a better job than a billboard,” Robertson said.

The radio spots will feature generic “Experience Clarendon” ads, building on a marketing theme started by Clarendon Economic Development Corp. The ads would be altered to promote major events in the city.

Aldermen approved spending $360 per month on the promotion.

In other city business, Mayor Mark White reported that he had been told by CISD Superintendent Monty Hysinger that the county would hold joint elections for the school, college, city, and hospital district for $250 split four ways. County Clerk Fay Vargas would charge $7 per hour for early voting, and this would be split four ways also. The board approved entering into a contract for election services with the county.

Alderman Janice Knorpp went over a list with City Superintendent Jim Roberts of items needing tending to. Some of her concerns included clearing gravel from intersections; replacing water meters at the jail and nursing home; water standing at 7th and Gorst; debris between 4th and 5th streets; trash and repairs needed on Hawley Street; trees growing under the bridge at City Park; tree limbs and trash in a tinhorn on Sully; potholes on Ellerbe, Parks, and other streets; and moving a Dumpster in the 700 block of Collinson to prevent further erosion of the pavement.