Ehrhardt residents were told they can expect the town’s new cell phone tower to be operational soon. According to SCANA and Verizon wireless officials, who appeared before Ehrhardt Town Council at their Tuesday night, August 17, meeting, the telecommunications companies are looking at the end of September for the hook up of the antenna and start up of cell phone service for the town.

“We’re excited about bringing technology to Ehrhardt,” Chris Scarborough, Store Manager for Verizon wireless in Orangeburg said. Scarborough said that Verizon is “pleased to offer service to Ehrhardt” and the work is “almost complete.” The company is waiting for two suppliers and is looking at the end of September as a startup date.

Scarborough noted that Broadband Technology and wireless connection will be a part of the service package customers will receive when the tower becomes operational.

Also during the meeting Council members:

. Heard a report from Eddie Seigler of S&S Sanitation Co, who reported the company was serving approximately 228-230 roadside carts weekly in the town. Seigler noted that the number he quoted did not include carts that were not alongside the road, which could be a dozen or more.

“We want to collect on what’s being picked up and charged on what you pick up,” Mayor Bill Stanley said.

. Received a report that the fire department received a check for $5,000 from the county and the new fire truck will be ready in four weeks. The fire department will “decommission” an old truck which will be sold to match a grant from FEMA.

. Received as information the following report from the Ehrhardt Police Department for the period of July 20-August 17: Lewd act on a minor (two arrested); Burglary Five and Dime Store; Auto Theft; Civil Complaint; House Burglary; Converter Theft and Destruction of Real Property.

. Received the following report from the public works department: Receipts for July $12,136.72 and for August $12,116.42. The public works department reported 12 customers cutoff for this month.

. Council members heard a report that David Haden of the Low Country Clinic in Fairfax was in the process of securing a grant for the possibility of start a clinic in Ehrhardt. It was noted that to renovate a site for the building would cost approximately $150,000. The proposal called for the lease of the property for one dollar per year for 10-years after which time the leaser would assume ownership.

The question was asked “would the town like that deal?”

. In an update of the water system project it was noted that Division One of the project was anticipated to be complete in mid November with the water tank “pretty much” complete. The water tank must still be sanitized.