City of Norton gives $5,000 for Knob tower

By: KEITH STRANGE / Staff Writer Coalfield Progress

NORTON — City Council joined other public and private entities putting their money where their mouths are Tuesday night, unanimously approving a $5,000 donation to the High Knob tower restoration task force.

The action came following an impassioned presentation by task force member Rita McReynolds during council’s audience for visitors.

During her presentation McReynolds told council the task force is planning to rebuild the tower much as it was before it was destroyed by arson last October, with one key exception.

“We want to make this tower more accessible to everyone,” she said, noting plans include a ramp for handicapped visitors.

She added that the costs for the rebuilding efforts total more than $571,000.

McReynolds said that more than $55,000 has been raised to date.

In asking for a motion on the request, Mayor Robert Raines told council that the love for the landmark cannot be understated.

“I think all of us are aware of the importance of the tower to the citizens of Norton,” he said. “We want to get this tower rebuilt.”

Prior to the vote, councilman and task force member Joe Fawbush said he fully supports the plan.

“One of the most expensive items in the construction plan is sitework,” he said, noting that the line item comes in at around $200,000. “But a lot of thought went into this and I believe we have some pretty good numbers.”

Following a brief discussion, the motion to allocate the funds from the city’s unobligated reserve fund passed unanimously, with Councilman Huck Hunnicutt absent.