News around town

The first draw from the TSPLOST fund was received by Bethlehem. Pictured is Mayor Chris Lelle (R holding check) and councilman Eric Dailey (beside Mayor) At left is Deputy County Manager, Wes Geddings. Transportation Special Local Option Sales Tax is used for upkeep of roads.

Celebrating Arbor Day

The Town of Bethlehem celebrated Arbor Day on Feb. 24 by planting 2 Redbud trees in the Town Park.
The trees were donated for the sixth straight year by Carruth Nurseries of Monroe and volunteer and former councilman Wayne Ridgeway brought his excavator to dig the holes needed for the trees. Mayor Chris Lelle and Council people Doug Koestel, Eric Dailey and Sally Brown and her husband Paul were also on hand to assist with the planting.
Mayor Lelle read the proclamation which said in part: trees can be a solution to climate change; trees are a renewable resource; and trees-wherever they are planted-are a source of joy and spiritual renewal.
The Town also asked students at Bethlehem Elementary to submit essays about Arbor Day and winners in the fifth and second grades were named. The students-Cole Reed Cooper and Marilyn Osorio-were recognized at the March council meeting where they read their essays.
This is the eighth year that Bethlehem has earned recognition as a Tree City USA. Founded in 1976, Tree City USA is a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. Bethlehem is part of an incredible network of more than 3,600 Tree City USA communities nationwide with a combined population of 155 million.

Essay winners (L-r) Marilyn Osorio, Community Forester Lea Clark, Cole Reed Cooper and Mayor of Bethlehem, Chris Lelle

Town Hall meeting

Oct. 29, 2025