Surgoinsville officials weigh rescheduling fireworks, launch community meals and flag road‑repair constraints

At the Sept. 9 BMA meeting Mayor Merrell Graham reported that weather disrupted the Dr. Lyons & Riverfront Festival over Labor Day weekend, causing the last two scheduled musicians and the planned fireworks to be rained out; he suggested rescheduling the fireworks and Fire Chief Shane Suthers agreed to coordinate with the pyrotechnics company.

Alderman Mierek said she will organize free community meals through the Surgoinsville Community Kitchen, a donation‑supported nonprofit, with the first meal scheduled for Sept. 30 at the Little House (1034 Main Street). The board received the announcement during the community‑interest portion of the meeting.

Donnie Morrison, maintenance manager, told the board the town’s roller is not functioning and that repairs are needed. Morrison provided an estimate of about $400 to rent a roller for one week and said road repairs typically require three of the town’s five active maintenance employees. Morrison said having temporary help to cover Monday and/or Tuesday trash routes would free staff to complete needed road work. Mayor Graham said the board was not prepared to make a hiring decision at the meeting.

The meeting record shows these items were discussed as community updates and operational concerns rather than formal votes; the board agreed to have Fire Chief Suthers contact the pyrotechnics company about rescheduling and left staffing and rental procurement decisions for later consideration.