By Rupert Howell
Sardis Mayor Billy Russell had planned to cook fish at home with all the trimmings recently when he realized he lacked ingredients for slaw.

“I bought the only head of cabbage in town,” the first term mayor said explaining that it took him quite a while to locate it.

One of his campaign promises was to work to lure a grocery store to Sardis—a promise he’s chipping away at little by little.

“The prospect of getting a grocery store is very positive and could be happening within the year,” he said last week through a statement listing goals and accomplishments since taking office.
Meanwhile the optimistic mayor notes, “Ken and Carol Mothershed will soon be opening a meat market just east of I-55.

“As well as a meat counter, they will also stock fruits, vegetables and dairy,” Russell noted while adding, “Ardie’s Market on Highway 51 has a full line of products and now has added a meat counter.”

Russell also took time to note that Main Street is fast becoming a destination for antiques.
“There are four shops on Main Street,” he said listing, Trash to Treasure, Betty’s Antiques and Collectibles, D.D.’s Antiques and Ray’s Stuff Antique Mall. Russell said the latter had 12 spaces filled.

Two established restaurants on Main Street continue to add traffic including Sardis Steak and Seafood and award winning pizza from Tribecca Allie Cafe.

Mayor Russell said, “We are working on finding people to either purchase or lease many of the vacant buildings in town,” while noting the deteriorating condition of sidewalks.

“The sidewalks have been surveyed and we will be accepting bids for the work,” he said hinting that he wanted to push forward with the project as soon as possible.