White Hall Mayor James "Jitters" Morgan is on the trail of money.
    The city council, in a regular session on Monday night, voted unanimously to authorize Morgan to pursue a pair of grants, one for an unspecified amount earmarked for sidewalk development and another for $150,000 to be used in the proposed construction of a new city museum. The respective administering agencies are the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department and the Arkansas Rural Development Commission.
    "Applying for and receiving grants are two different things," said Morgan. "You're not always certain how long the process may take and how much grant money you may wind up with, but this is where the process begins."
    The council also endorsed a Morgan recommendation to appoint Alderman David Beck to the city's planning commission. Beck replaces former Alderman David Matheny, who resigned from the council last month after moving into a different ward.
    Morgan kicked off the meeting by giving Matheny a brief salute. Morgan said Matheny had served the city well as an alderman and volunteer.
    "I hate to see him leave the council," said Morgan. "I'm going to miss him. We're all going to miss him."
    The mayor presented Matheny an appreciation plaque.
    Morgan told the council that the city has negotiated an arrangement in which inmates of the Arkansas Department of Correction will clean the four corner areas of the intersections of Highways 256 and 270 and Interstate 530 (exits 32 and 34).
    "There's plenty of cleaning to keep them busy," said Morgan. "We need that service and I'm glad it's taking shape."
    Morgan said the annual chamber of commerce Christmas parade has been scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday , Dec. 4. "It's going to be a good one," he promised.
    The mayor also noted the on-going work of city Fire Marshal Bill Beadle, saying Beadle "is doing a great job" helping to make businesses and schools safer.
    Morgan asked that a reminder be issued on the city's pick-up of bagged leaves. "We'll take care of them," he said, "but you have to call us (at 247-2399) first."