Pictured, from left, are Council Member Cory Ellinger, Council Member Kevin Smith II, and Council Member Keith Claassen.

ETNA GREEN — The Etna Green Town Council discussed the potential of having a Fourth of July parade during its meeting on Tuesday, June 11.

Theresa Hartzell, representing The Etna Elevator, was present at the meeting to discuss the matter with council members. Hartzell and her family took ownership of the business in April.

“We would like to start the town parade again,” said Hartzell. “The idea has gotten a very positive response on Facebook. We’re looking into having it on the Fourth of July at 11 a.m.”

On June 4, The Etna Elevator Facebook page shared a Fourth of July parade entry form. The post has approximately 40 likes and 60 shares. Council Member Kevin Smith II said he would love to see the town have a parade again but also questioned if there would be enough time for planning if the parade were held this year.

“Depending on what roads you hold the parade on, you have to go through the state to get approval to close specific sections of roads for the parade,” said Smith.

Hartzell said it could be possible for the parade to go from Heritage Park to Remembrance Park.

Etna Green resident Todd Hoffer also asked if the parade could coincide with the Randy Miner Memorial Run, which is held annually on the second Saturday in June.

“We could even have a car or tractor show, too,” said Hoffer.

Etna Green Fire Chief Randall Byrer expressed concern about the planned day and time.

“Akron has a pretty big Fourth of July parade at 11 a.m.,” said Byrer.

The council agreed to allow set-up for the parade at Heritage Park and requested that festivities stay away from the football field. Those interested in signing up for the parade can go to The Etna Elevator’s Facebook page for more information.

In other business, the council passed a resolution to allow the town to act as an intermediary for a loan between Winona Powder Coating and the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development program. The program helps provide funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. The USDA can provide up to $2 million in zero-interest loans that will help create or retain rural jobs in the area.

If Winona Powder Coating were to go out of business, the town of Etna Green would be responsible for the loan.

To end the meeting, council members talked with Andrew Robarge of Commonwealth Engineers regarding a sunken manhole project. The council declared the project an emergency and approved Robarge getting permits submitted to INDOT for the work. Beer & Slabaugh, Nappanee, will present quotes for the project at the council’s next meeting.

The council’s next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 9.