At this month’s City Council meeting, the Collinsville Area Chamber of Commerce announced it is finalizing plans for its annual banquet. The event, whose theme is “All That Jazz,” will be held this Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Lake Kiowa Lodge and will feature live music by the Smoking Aces and casino tables hosted by the Dalmation Society. (All gambling tables are for entertainment purposes only.)
The event will begin at 6 p.m. with a mixer and cash bar; a meeting and dinner will take place at 6:30 p.m.; casino tables, silent auction, live music and dancing begin at 7 p.m. For ticket information, visit Eventbrite.com or call Gigi Cox at 903-815-3921.
Keep Collinsville Beautiful (KCB) is planning its downtown square spring cleanup.
Meanwhile, the citywide cleanup day is scheduled for Saturday, April 11. Lunch will be provided in the community building for all volunteers.
The Governors Community Achievement Award (GCAA) grant project of installing a new sidewalk will take place this summer. (The Texas Department of Transportation has not confirmed a date with KCB.) Additionally, new benches will be placed along the new sidewalk.
The Collinsville Community Library reported it has started a new program called “Homework Helpers.” This year’s Summer Reading Program theme will be “Unearth a Story.” Children ages three years through kindergarten will meet on Fridays while children in grades first through fifth will meet on Tuesdays.
The Collinsville Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) confirmed that a Downtown Renovation Grant is being considered for Gary Timmons of the Collinsville Deli in the amount of $25,000 and for Manuelito’s in the amount of $10,000.
The CEDC also renewed directors Jane Proffer and Coryann Johnson each for a two-year term. A subcommittee meeting was held Feb. 17 to continue work on the CEDC Comprehensive Plan.
CEDC Director Joseph Cartwright met with Whitesboro EDC Director Kathy Moore to discuss the strategic nature of the Hwy. 377 corridor.
Pirate Island owner Layne Lewter addressed the council to give a presentation about its annual Rides & Rods Roundup Car Show scheduled for May 16. The event benefits the Noel & Jacquita Lewter Memorial Scholarship Fund. In his presentation, Lewter explained the need for event sponsors.
“It’s costing money to put this thing on,” he said. “It’s grown each year. It’s a good return – people come to town, and the proceeds we generate from entry fees goes to a memorial scholarship through the Education Foundation.”
As a result, Lewter said they’re offering more incentives for event sponsors. These include a 5’x4’ sign that will remain up all year long. The sign will feature ad spaces, which cost $60 each. Pirate Island will also feature a video presentation including sponsor information which will be played in the restaurant for patrons to see. Sponsors will also be thanked in advertisements with the local radio station and local newspaper. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit Pirate Island in downtown Collinsville.
In business, an interlocal agreement between the City and Grayson County for Subdivision Regulation Authority for the City’s ETJ (extra-territorial jurisdiction) was tabled for attorney review.
A resolution regarding the participation with the Steering Committee of Cities Served by Oncor passed.
Additionally, the ordinance ordering the May 2 general and special election passed.
