By Jeremy Weldon

Batesville Mounds holds treasures and history that visitors from all around the Southeast will enjoy at a planned Archeology Expo scheduled for Oct 5 at the park area in northwest Batesville.

Nikki Mattson, the Southeast field representative for The Archaeological Conservancy, told the Mayor and Board of Aldermen at last week’s meeting she is planning a family event that will draw hundreds of people to the historic site.

Mattson said she hopes to have tables of artifact displays along with areas for pottery making, Native American jewelry making, and other activities. Representatives of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations will be in attendance along with archaeology professors and students from all the state’s colleges and universities.

Public Works Director David Karr told board members events like the planned by Mattson draw attention to the Mounds, and give an indication of the general interest in Native American history and culture.

Karr said he has been in discussions with the city engineer and other planners for the application of state and federal grants that would provide for enhancement of the Batesville Mounds and possible expansion.

Alderman talked earlier this year about needed upgrades for the park, including bathroom facilities and pavilions with tables and seating. Additional walking trails, possibly one that would carry visitors to the Downtown Square and back, are long-term goals.

Mattson said the Public Library will also be used during the fall expo to host short seminars and roundtable discussions relating to the archaeological importance of the Mounds.

Aldermen were glad to host the expo but voiced concerns and parking and bathroom facilities. Karr said he will make recommendations to the board about those matters in upcoming board meetings.

In other business before the City Board:

• ● The annual rabies vaccination day for dogs and cats will be held on Saturday, June 15, from 8 a.m. to noon with the board’s approval. The procedures will be completed at Fire Station No. 1 behind City Hall.
• ● Invoices from Caldwell Insurance in the amounts of $936 (ID fraud policy renewal) and $178,008 (first installment of the city’s property, general liability, and automobile policies) were approved.
• ● An invoice for $6,000 was approved for payment to the Panola County Road Department for the placement and removal of dirt at the Civic Center.
• The mayor and aldermen also spent considerable time discussing the paving projects for city streets during the summer months. The city has $350,000 from their portion of the State of Mississippi’s settlement with BP after its oil spill litigation, and will spend that money on street improvements.
• Karr presented them with a list and estimated costs of the overlays that had been agreed on last year, and that total was almost $100,000 more than what is available. The board will continue to work on the list, possibly putting some originally-intended streets onto next year’s list.