Organizers, aldermen and volunteers announce downtown Junth event; Ward 7 lawn‑mowing help underway

At the public‑comment portion of the June 8 meeting, community organizers described a downtown Junth event and local support programs to the City Council.

Demetrius Paige, speaking with collaborator Kamar of Quickstop, told the council and audience the Junth gathering will be downtown at 148 North Second Street and will feature food vendors, booths, entertainment and outreach to youth. "We just want everyone to come out to support…our beautiful downtown," Paige said, thanking Alderman John Walker, Ruth Scott, Zach and Bill and city staff for assistance with permits and coordination.

Paige said the event will include youth programming and appearances intended to encourage young people. He also said his group has worked with local organizations including Chad Glover’s academy to invite recent graduates and others to participate.

Separately during council reports, members raised neighborhood concerns — speeding, blocked sidewalks and the seasonal rise in children outdoors — and highlighted local assistance efforts. Alderman Walker and others described a partnership with Demetrius Paige and local landscaping businesses to provide discounted or free lawn mowing for some Ward 7 residents who are elderly or have mobility challenges. "He's going to provide a service for Ward 7 residents to cut their grass at a discount rate or for free depending on their situation," an alderman said, thanking Paige and participating businesses.

Council members encouraged residents to report sidewalk or safety issues to their alderperson and reminded the public to use fireworks responsibly for the Fourth of July. The council took no formal action on the Junth event during the meeting; organizers said they were coordinating final permits and logistics with city staff.