Council recognizes youth team, park director issues resignation
Published 7:00 am Wednesday, July 22, 2015
RECOGNIZING TALENT: Pictured, Harvey Miller, director of operations, presents a certificate to a player from the Picayune Prodigies. Each player received a certification from the city, honoring them for their great season. Photo by Ashley Collins.
The Picayune Prodigies were recognized at the Picayune City Council meeting on Tuesday for placing runner-up in the 6-U division at the Southwest Regional Tournament held in Bryant, Ark. earlier this month.
The council presented the team with a plaque recognizing them for their accomplishment.
“I’m very proud to congratulate the Prodigies here tonight,” City Manager Jim Luke said.
Harvey Miller, director of operations, awarded each player a certificate from the city.
“I’m so proud of these kids and I love them and I hope they stay together,” Miller said.
The Picayune Prodigies competed against teams from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Arkansas, the Item previously reported
Later at the meeting, Miller announced the resignation of Heath Stevens from his position as director of Parks and Recreation in Picayune. Miller, along with the council, wished Stevens, who attended the meeting, the best of luck in his future endeavors.
“It’s a sad day for the city. He’s done a wonderful job bringing tournaments here, helping our city prosper, creating new fields,” Miller said.
Stevens thanked the council for their collaboration since he began serving as director last year.
“While I’m moving on to another chapter in my life, hopefully we started the ball rolling in the direction it needs to go here in this city,” Stevens said.
In other news, the council:
— Approved travel for Picayune Fire Department Chief Keith Brown to attend the Fire Rescue International meeting in Atlanta, Ga. from Aug. 23-30.
— Approved the city’s streets and drainage department to get a surplus 2006 New Holland TS130A Slope Mower.
— Accepted a STOP violence against women formula grant from the Mississippi Department of Justice. The grant is awarded to help local communities strengthen law enforcement and prosecution strategies to combat crime against women.
— Approved the Picayune Public Works department to hold a public hearing on Aug. 18 concerning property cleanups needed for 16 homes across the city.
— Approved a T-hangar lease agreement between the city and the Picayune Municipal Airport.
The next council meeting will be held Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 5 p.m. at the City Hall in Picayune.
