Russellville City Council authorizes MLK Jr. Day march

The Russellville City Council approved a resolution on Tuesday night that recognizes Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Day as an honorary holiday. The resolution authorizes a commemorative march and program that will take place on Monday, January 16.

The march will begin at the Chucky Mullins Center at approximately 11:00 a.m. The group will walk to the Franklin County Court House for a community prayer before moving to the A.W. Todd Centre for the start of the commemorative program at 12:30 p.m.

Look Nelson, chairman of the Martin Luther King Jr. Committee, was in attendance for the passing of the resolution. He encouraged the entire community to come out and celebrate the life and impact of the iconic civil rights leader.

“I want everyone to come out to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King,” said Nelson. “This day isn’t for just a handful of people, it’s for everybody. That’s what we want to get across to the people of Russellville.”

The council also authorized the abatement of nuisance on Cross Street. According to councilman Authur Elliott, the property has been abandoned for nearly two decades. The house will be demolished rather than subject to a controlled burn due to its proximity to other properties.

Other actions the council took on Tuesday night:

• Approved the request of the Martin Luther King Jr. Committee to waive the rental fee of the A.W. Todd Centre for the commemorative program on January 16.

• Renewed the contract of Mike Johnson for recreational basketball official services.

The next regular meeting of the Russellville City Council is scheduled for January 17, 2017.