Badin seeks groups for funds for Lou Donaldson tribute; Dead Man post talk continues
Published 10:08 am Thursday, September 12, 2019
Badin will try to raise the money needed to rename a portion of N.C. Highway 740 as Lou Donaldson Boulevard, the town council decided Tuesday evening.
Town Manager Jay Almond said he has been sifting through the paperwork required by the North Carolina Department of Transportation and learned there will be a $2,000 fee to rename the road.
“I just felt like this is the kind of thing that people who were involved could look back on and feel good about,” Almond said.
The council thought of community improvement groups that the representatives hoped might contribute or help with fundraising efforts.
Mayor Anne Harwood said she and other council representatives could reach out to the groups.
Almond suggested doing part of the fundraising during the 10 Days of Uwharrie festival next month.
The town will have several events as part of the festival.
Donaldson, an alto saxophonist admitted into the International Jazz Hall of Fame, was born in Badin in 1926, according to his website.
Dead Man Post
Residents have spoke of their desire for the “Dead Man” post in Badin to be restored to its original location. (Contributed)
The council discussed looking into restoring the historic Dead Man post that was removed from Falls median when the median was redone. The post, often struck by passing vehicles, needs work, according to Almond.
The council agreed to potentially discuss the future of the post during a planning session on Tuesday, though some council members noted the meeting will have a full agenda. Re-installation of the post may be considered.
Multiple current and former residents have complained about the post’s removal and have asked that it be restored to its place in the median.
Other Business
Badin Police Chief Bryan Lambert announced that two officers, Bruce Moehn and Jeff Martin, will become full-time officers with the town. Between the two, they have 38 years of experience, Martin said.
Lambert said Martin’s extensive experience in coding issues will also benefit the town.
Moehn began Aug. 28 and Martin started Aug. 20, according to town clerk Amanda Bowers.
Imari Scarbrough is a freelance contributor for The Stanly News and Press.
