Council sets aside money to assist community members after tragedy

— Mike Renning Laurel Advocate LAUREL - The Laurel City Council has set aside funds to assist any community member who may need assistance after the tragic events earlier this month in which four people were murdered.

At its regular meeting last week, the council designated $10,000 for community assistance to initiate programs or counseling for those in the community who may need help coping with the murders of Gene and Jan Twiford, and their daughter, Dana, and Michele Shankles-Ebeling.

“I just feel like it is the right thing to do to support everyone,” said Mayor Keith Knudsen. “It may take more (money) but this is a good start. It’s just the right thing to do.”

The council met at the old auditorium for what could be the last time as it prepares to move to its new digs at the Laurel Community Center next month.

The current meeting room will be occupied by the Laurel-Concord- Coleridge FFA program for the immediate future as the school is being rebuilt.

The council also agreed for the LCC drama team to use the stage at the community center. A proposal for Wi-Fi capabilities at the community center was tabled due to lack of information.

At its last meeting, the council also: - Heard a report about the need for preschool and daycare in Laurel.

- Heard a report that a parttime police officer was hired, approved for 20 hours per week.

- Discussed the closing of the pool season and the splash pad.