Rison Appoints Young as Recorder; Applies for $517,401 in Grants

RISON - The Rison City Council unanimously approved appointing Nadine Young as the new recorder/treasurer for the City of Rison during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night.In addition, the city also approved four resolutions related to two state grant applications: one for the fire department and the other for city equipment for the streets and water/sewer department. Combined, the two possible grants totaled more than $517,401.Young replaces Rhonda Hopson, who resigned from the position last month. Young will complete the remainder of Hopson’s four-year term, which expires Dec. 31, 2028. State law allows Young to run for the position after her term expires.Mayor Charles Roberts presented Young as a candidate for the vacancy at the beginning of the meeting. He told the council he has known Young since becoming mayor about three years ago. She has been a regular attendee at the monthly city council meetings over that time.Young told the council she is a native of Springfield, Mass., but was raised in Rison. She graduated from Watson Chapel High School before serving more than 22 years in the Army as a practicing nurse. She retired as a Chief Ward Master, which is responsible for setting up field hospitals. He last assignment was with the 115th Combat Support Hospital stationed at Fort Polk in Leesville, La.In addition to serving as the city recorder/treasurer, Roberts said she is also helping in the city water department office.Council member Bruce Grubb made the motion to appoint Young to the position. His motioned was approved by a 6-0 roll call vote.Grant ApplicationsThe city council also approved four resolutions giving Roberts the authority to apply for two grants being offered through the Arkansas Community Assistance Grant program.The first resolution was to allow the mayor to apply for a $330,072 grant that would go toward the purchase of a new firetruck and other firefight...