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Lt. Cody Cross notified the Linden City Council at a meeting on Sept. 4 that the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” traffic safety campaign aimed at decreasing the instances of drunk driving was a success. The Linden Police Department received a $2,500 grant to help them execute the campaign, which took place Aug. 16-Sept. 2, and were able to issue 228 tickets with the extra resources.

The total number of tickets issued in August were 332.

“We had a very successful traffic grant,” Cross said.

The city council also spent some time discussing the proposal of Bobby Skipper, an independent voting district mapper, who at the last meeting offered to use the data from the 2020 census to redraw the city’s voting districts for $6,000 with a $1,000 retainer.

Skipper explained in late August that he would come to the council as many times as needed and work closely with them to redraw the maps. He also said that, while the state offers the same service for free, the experience would not be as personalized or convenient if the city went to the state.

Council Secretary Bruce Ward said he was still researching the best option. He had already contacted employees from Greensboro, a municipality of similar size, about their process and had plans to contact Alabama-Tombigbee Regional Council to discuss their redistricting services. The city council also requested that he contact the state department before they make a decision.

Ward also informed the city council of three new businesses coming to the City of Linden. YGF Barber Shop will be located at 202 S. Main St. and the Whit Family Clinic Linden will be located on 1007 S. Main St. Marengo Enterprises is a mechanic shop located on 1800 S. Main St. The Linden Village Apartments at 2203 E. Coates Ave are in the process of renovation.

(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, September 11 issue of the Demopolis Times.)