New Angelo’s Grove signs will feature Marion logo

New Angelo’s Grove signs will feature Marion logo

City approves developer’s plan to incorporate art into new digital message towers

news@theeveningtimes.com

Marion has agreed to let its logo be featured at the top of three proposed tower signs at Angelo’s Grove at no cost to the city.

Mayor Frank Fogleman informed the City Council that developer Kenny Farrell approached him about wanting to use the logo and sought their input.

“He thinks the city has an attractive logo and came back and asked the city’s permission to install and use the city’s logo at his expense,” Fogleman said.

The city approved a plan to erect three 112-foot tower signs to replace the older 80-foot sign which was battered by the wind.

The towers will eventually include a digital message board and feature the logos and ad space for the tenants in the development and are designed to catch the eye of motorists along Interstate 55.

Farrell had originally offered to put the city’s logo on the sign at the top at a discounted rate, but city officials declined.

Fogleman told the city council that he doesn’t see any downside to letting Farrell use the logo because it will be attractive and bring more attention to the city.

“This will be kind of the jewel on top,” Fogleman said. “And it will have other users — as an example, Hampton Inn. And he envisions others in this development will want to be on it.”

Angelo’s Grove is a 165 acre mixed use development at the southwest corner of Interstate 55 and spending a lot of money to ensure the safety of students and staff. It is a peace of mind that you simply cannot put a price tag on,” said Dr. Glen Fenter, Superintendent.

Mr. John Evans and his wife, Sharmane, have been married for 14 years. The couple has a 12-year-old son, Joseph, and twin 10year-old daughters, Joy and Jessica. All are proud students at Marion School District.

“As a parent of three children within the district, I share the sentiments of all parents: I want to know my child is safe. I want to assure all of our parents that we are taking every precautionary measure to ensure that their child's safety is not compromised, from the time they get on the bus in the morning, until the time they get off the bus in the afternoon,” Evans said.

Evans will attend regular professional training to stay-up-to date with school safety procedures. Earlier this month, he attended the Arkansas Safe Schools Association Conference, a “non-profit organization consisting of School Resource Officers, School Safety Personnel, School Administrators and others dedicated protecting our children and helping our schools maintain a safe and orderly climate, thereby creating a positive learning environment,” according to its website, www.arkansassafeschools. org. Participants focused on a range of topics such as bullying, cyber security, suicide prevention, and school violence.

By Mark Randall