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Funds to be raised to replace Hiawatha McClendon signs

By Greg Bebermeyer

09/29/2021

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha resident is seeking to raise funds to replace two deteriorating signs honoring basketball legend and civil rights pioneer John McClendon Jr., who is a native of Hiawatha.

Brenda Bolden appeared before the Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening to seek their support.

Since there is no money available in the 2022 city budget for new signs, Bolden wants to set up a fund through the city for tax deductible donations.

She said each sign in front of the GN Bank on South First Street would cost $1,045 to replace, if city crews pickup and install the signs.

The signs were installed in 2014 following an effort by a group of local residents and students to honor McClendon.

It was agreed to have City Attorney Andy Delaney draft an agreement between Bolden and the city for creation of the fund and bring it back to the Commission for approval.

Bolden also updated Commissioners on her efforts to save the former the former Bethel African Episcopal Methodist Church, located at 4th and Pottawatomie, from demolition.

The building has been cited for violation of the city's minimum housing codes.

Bolden said she called the owners and they are willing to sign over the property. She said she is looking for entity to take it over.

Bolden will bring back more information after the Brown County Historical Society has had time to determine if they will have a role in the project.

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