Haunted House and Spook Light Tour scheduled at Arbyrd

ARBYRD, Mo. -- Late October will be a fright fest for this Bootheel city, Alderman Jeff Wilson said at Tuesday's City Council meeting.

The Arbyrd Haunted House and Spook Light Tour featuring the Arbyrd Light commences at 6 p.m. Oct. 27 with a "lights on" tour for little ghosts and ghouls slated for 6 p.m.-7 p.m., Wilson said.

The event continues through Oct. 31, Wilson added.

Haunted house tours to the area of the Arbyrd Spook Light continue every 60 minutes until the witching hour each night, Wilson noted.

The $5 admission fee benefits the Arbyrd Fire Department and the purchase of new playground equipment, aldermen said.

Chili dogs, nachos, other snacks and drinks will be offered to feed hungry werewolves and goblins, Mayor Lonnie Gibson, Jr., noted.

In other business aldermen:

* Inked an agreement between the city and Branum's Disposal Service of Kennett for trash removal during the next three years. The annual rate for hauling is $8.25 per household per month, and each household's trash will be hauled weekly, aldermen said. However, annual cost increases were built in to the contract at 25-cent increments for the duration of the agreement, Gibson noted. The contract includes a spring cleanup at no extra charge, Gibson said.

* Water Superintendent Mitch Skelton reported the city's monthly water test results were fine, and that no leaks were detected in the system.

* Tabled a proposed ordinance banning Pit Bull dogs and other dangerous animals within the city limits. Aldermen want provisions added to the document that stipulate exact fines and/or punishments that owners of such animals might face if they do not comply with the measure.

* Announced Autumnfest at Arbyrd. The event is from, Oct. 12-14 and includes a carnival and Midway each night, gospel singing on Oct. 12 and karaoke entertainment on Oct. 13, Alderman Jeff Wilson said. Angie Penny performs Oct. 14.

* Decided not to pay for a window broken when a city mower allegedly tossed a rock. However, aldermen said if more evidence is submitted that indicates the city is responsible for the broken window, the issue will be reconsidered.

The Arbyrd City Council meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at Arbyrd City Hall. The public is invited to attend.