Allen gets grant
ALLEN — The City of Allen will receive $71,630 from the W.S. & E.C. Jones Testamentary Trust fund. It is a matching grant for repairs and upgrades to the Allen Jones Park and will assist in the installation of a new ballpark lighting system.
In August 2009, some of the ballpark’s lights were blown down by high winds. The new system will include energy efficient lights. Infield and outfield fencing also will be installed, and a concrete pad will be placed under existing bleachers.
The city’s contribution will include insurance money, savings, volunteer labor, community donations and a scoreboard, which will be purchased from funds raised and memorials given in honor of Thomas Ken Reed.
Memory walk
HARTFORD — A walk to benefit the family of Debra Bess, who died unexpectedly on Dec. 14, 2009, will be at 3 p.m. Saturday on Main Street in Hartford. Bess managed Emporia’s Presto Store on East 12th Avenue.
All funds raised through the walk will be donated to her husband, David Bess, as the family was unable to find documentation of her life insurance policies. Entry fee to the walk is by donation.
At the walk, information will be handed out about heart attacks in women and each participant will be given a silk flower they can take to Bess’s grave. For more information on the walk contact Elizabeth Smith, Bess’s daughter, at (620) 794-7366.