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The age requirement for people to join the Dewey Fire Department has been a topic of discussion in Dewey City Council meetings lately. The Council discussed the issue again on Monday night and approved an ordinance to lower the age someone can join Dewey Fire from 21 to 18 years of age.

City Manager Kevin Trease said the fire department will benefit from this change in ordinance. He said they changed the age requirement last summer and that has prevented the Dewey Fire Department to recruit 19 to 20-year-olds that have visited in recent weeks. According to Trease, the passage of the ordinace will improve recruitment and they will no longer miss out on younger people who want to join Dewey Fire.

Trease said those joining have to have at least a high school diploma or a G.E.D. equivalent to join Dewey Fire as well. The ordinance went into affect immediately because the Council approved an Emergency Clause after the ordinance was approved.

Next, the Council approved the closure of a portion of Third Street. Two lots along U.S. Highway 75 owned now by Courtesy Care were originally dedicated as a street easement years ago. Portions of the two lots were on Third Street which was also platted back when Pepsi was in the location.

The Council moved for the closure so the current property owner could clear the area. Mayor Tom Hays was then authorized to sign consent and disclaimer for the closure thereafter.