Vacant spaces on Square filling up as holidays approach

By Rupert Howell
Two Downtown Square buildings will soon be occupied after receiving expedited approval of Batesville’s board of aldermen that allows future occupants to forego the public hearing process and deal immediately with the city’s code enforcement office.
That expedited process was first used last year in anticipation of increased activity in conjunction with Polar Express and renewed this year for the same reason.
Sheila Pounders with Court Street Patio, LLC who is managing the local business of Polar Express along with her partner Don Clayton, will use the building on the north side of Panola Avenue and the Square for PE tickets and gift shop.
Antonio Barragan, owner of Bim Bam Burgers, has plans for a taco shop across the street on Panola in the former Dairy Freeze building. Barrigan told aldermen he hopes to be open by November.
Also during their October 3 meeting aldermen learned that permits were signed and executed for the railroad crossing at Harmon Indian Mounds north of Batesville on Highway 35.
Board attorney Colmon Mitchell reported all involved with the rail crossing including the city, Iowa Pacific Railroad and MDOT were on board with the crossing. Officials plan to have a walking trail established through the former Native American village in the area that lies between the Highway 35 and the railroad and the Tallahatchie River.
The board of mayor and aldermen meet again today for their second monthly meeting held on the third Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m. at City Hall.