MORAN — Families here will have more fresh garden vegetables on their dinner tables this year, thanks to the high school’s Future Farmers of America chapter.
Jacque Grabbert, FFA adviser, told Moran council members Monday evening the students attracted a $2,500 national FFA Food for All grant, which will purchase equipment for a 24-plot community garden about two blocks northwest of City Hall. Spaces will be 13 by 25 feet.
“We’ve got the trees down and have cleaned up brush,” Grabbert said. “Some topsoil has been put down and we’re planning on getting more.”
Council members were impressed with the students’ initiative, and voted unanimously to remove four stumps and install a hydrant — FFA grant money will pay for a second — and provide $20 worth of water a month. “That’s 7,000 gallons,” Mayor Phillip Merkel computed.
“If you need more, we can negotiate,” said Councilwoman Cheryl Ginn.
Once the FFA students have the garden up and going, management will go to a community board, Grabbert told the Register. “Board members will decide what to charge those who want to rent a space.”
As a former vocational agriculture teacher in Marysville, Grabbert has experience with community gardens.
“We started a community garden there and it’s been going for three or four years,” Grabbert said.
A community garden is among recommendations that the Allen County Food Council — a joint effort of Thrive Allen County and Farm Bureau — provided.
Another signature program of Thrive also is taking shape.
Surveys were sent with utility bills last month asking residents what they would like to have in the way of community exercise. Respondents numbered 69, from 250 surveys distributed. Forty-six said they would use an exercise facility twice or more a week, eight at least once a week. Overwhelming motivation, at 56, was general physical fitness; another 29 want to lose weight.
Many marked several types of equipment — from free weights to stationary bikes to elliptical trainers — and aerobics, yoga and dancing were popular group activities. Most said they would like a walking trail, another 26 a safe place to ride bicycles.
“We need to get a building and then work with Thrive on equipment,” Mayor Merkel observed.” The proposal will be on the April 4 agenda.
IN OTHER NEWS:
— Chief of Police Shane Smith was recognized by the American Automobile Association for his efforts to instill seatbelt use and safe driving habits in young Moran residents, particularly through programs at Marmaton Valley High. Accidents also have been minimal, said Jim Hanni, an AAA representative. “Moran is just one of 23 cities in Kansas to be honored this year with a traffic safety award, and the one going to Chief Smith is a gold award,” the highest given by AAA.
— Council members voted to purchase a 40-foot-long set of bleachers for the ball park. Cost is $3,941; the 2016 budget contained $5,000 for such a purchase.
— The annual dog tag clinic will be Saturday morning, 9 to 11 o’clock, at City Hall. Enter through the rear door.
