MCHS Beta Club seeks funding

GUIN — Students representing Marion County High School’s Beta Club spoke to the Guin City Council on Monday, March 17, asking for assistance in funding the group’s trip to the national convention this summer.
Raegan LeDuke and Max Herdzik spoke to the council about the importance of Beta Club and their plans for the convention.
LeDuke won the election for state secretary for Beta Club last year and is in the running for national leadership representative.
LeDuke and Herdzik explained that MCHS had several students qualify for the national convention in various competitions, from art to academics.
The two of them broke down the costs for their group to attend the convention, and their plans for raising funds.
LeDuke said each attendee would pay $250, and they had raised around $2,500 already, then asked if the council could provide $12,000 which would cover hotel costs and part of the cost of the bus.
Council Member Bobby Bellew responded by saying this year’s discretionary budget was lower than last year’s, but the city was willing to help.
Bellew challenged the Beta Club representatives to see what additional funds they could raise then come back in May, but the council did approve an initial contribution of $5,000 during the meeting.
During the same meeting on the 17th, the council also approved a new police policy relating to securing and maintaining evidence.
In the following meeting on Monday, April 7, the council voted to adjust the budget to include receivable funds from the gas tax.
The council also presented the high school and elementary school principals with checks, each for $12,500, for the schools.
Elementary School Principal Josh Weatherly said the school’s largest expense, the summer supply order was coming up, and the school had used some previous funds for rewards for students for their academic success and events like Dr. Suess Week.
High School Principal Seth Seaborn said some of his school’s expenses included new vape detectors in the bathrooms, which he said cut down on vaping incidents.
He also spoke about possible upgrades to the library, which would also include bringing back the robotics program and creating an esports program.
The council discussed Springfest, which will be coming up soon, and mentioned some of the musical acts will include Cooter Brown and the Fabulous Tip Tops from Mobile.
The council also discussed setting aside a week as cleanup week, which is set for April 21-25.
The meeting ended as the council entered executive session to discuss litigation before adjourning.