WHITMIRE — Kenneth Page, a 2015 graduate of Whitmire High School, was awarded the key to the Town of Whitmire at Monday night’s council meeting for his decision to enlist in the U.S. Army.
“We recognize our veterans throughout the year. For those who have gone on before us we have Memorial Day,” said Mayor Billy Hollingsworth. “I think we also need to recognize those that are recruited and starting their career in the service”
Staff Sergeant Baker, the army recruiter who helped Page through the enlistment process, was in attendance and said, “Today is about recognizing a member of your community who is about to go out into the world and do great and wonderful things.”
The key was presented to Page in the form of a framed certificate which decreed his “…courage, faith and commitment in joining the United States Army and representing the Town of Whitmire, South Carolina with pride.”
Page described the honor as “really nice,” especially as it was unrelated to the sport of wrestling that brought him much success during his high school tenure.
“I don’t want to just be known for that,” Page said.
He also said joining the military is a “life changing experience” and thanked the town for encouragement and support.
Also contained within the proceedings was the adoption of the Fair Housing Resolution which guarantees all citizens the opportunity to attain living environments that are both decent and safe.
The resolution states: “The Town of Whitmire rejects discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, disability and/or family status in the sale, rental or provision of other housing services.”
Additionally, the town designated this April as Fair Housing Month, currently observed each year on the national level.
Councilwoman Debbie Harris made a motion to adopt the measure with a second from Councilman Michael Thomas which was followed by a unanimous vote.
Whitmire began March with a balance of $52,073 and ended with $64,935 following $71,080 in deposits set against $58,217 in expenditures.
On the public works front, a beginning balance was of $9,505 was lessened to $2,439 after $74,089 in revenue and $81,154 in expenditures.
“I will state — this is not a fact — but it looks like, against an $859,000 budget, we’re going to take in right at $900,000 this year which is excellent,” said Hollingsworth, who backed up his assessment on the fiscal year with a second “excellent.”