More than 7,500 visitors go to Slater 'Wall' exhibit

Slater City Councilmen Charlie Guthrie and Ron Monnig gave their report on "The Wall That Heals" exhibit, during the Slater City Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Guthrie reported more than 7,500 visitors to the wall, which was in Slater Aug. 24 to 27.

"We can't thank everyone enough," Guthrie said. He also read aloud a number of thank you notes that had been received from visitors to the wall.

Monnig reported that 14 different states were represented in the guest book at the wall and he then passed on special thanks from the site manager of the exhibit to Slater and especially to the city crews who helped set up the wall.

The stray cat issue was then discussed. City administrator Gene Griffith said that discussions continue on new ordinances to deal with stray cats in Slater. Griffith said that he, Mayor Stephen Allegri and Slater Chief of Police Keith Wright had come up with a few ideas. Griffith said that they had looked at existing ordinances in Marshall and Arrow Rock and that the Slater ordinances would be modeled after them.

Some of the ideas that Griffith and council members discussed include limiting the number of adult pets in each household, making traps available to the public to humanely trap stray animals, fines for dumping of dogs and cats and a catch-nueter/spay-and release program. Griffith said that he has a "rough draft" but that he is waiting for more ideas and trying to get feedback from the public before they go ahead with the ordinance.

Griffith also discussed the Slater Fall Festival which will run from Sept. 21 to 23. Griffith said that there are plans for a baby contest, parade and beer gardens and he wanted to invite everyone to attend. Griffith also said that they are still looking for vendors to sell food, crafts and merchandise during the festival.

Griffith then told the council about a man from Columbia who is an avid fan of childhood Slater resident and well known movie actor of the '60s and '70s, Steve McQueen. The man, who has made some of his memorabilia collection available to view at Slater City Hall, has been in discussion with McQueen's estate about having a "Steve McQueen" day in Slater. Griffith said that McQueen's birthday is in March and the day would be in March as well. The council expressed some interest in the idea.

Slater City Attorney Pat Cronan then advised the council on the sheriff's auction of two properties in Slater. Cronan said that no bids were received from the public and the city bought both properties for $500 each. The city also bought a lot at the tax sale.

Contact Zach Sims at

marshallbusiness@socket.net