By Marilyn Miller

The Dixie Inn Board of Aldermen has been awarded a gift of $25,000 from State Rep. Wayne McMahen, a sum that will be added to a $16,000 monetary award from the Webster Parish Police Jury for the purchase of a new tractor.

The motion carried unanimously during Tuesday’s monthly meeting. The board also agreed to declare the town’s old tractor as surplus, which could possibly net an additional $6,000 to $7,000.

In other business, the aldermen discussed the status of a newly-installed metal framework portico at the town hall, which almost “failed” during the winter ice storm. “I don’t know if it was the snow or the construction,” alderman Lance Milligan stated, suggesting that the gauge of the metal was not thick enough.

The Board agreed to discuss the matter with the construction company, Hercules, instead of pursuing any kind of legal action. FEMA has already looked at the portico and denied any funds for repair or replacement.

“I think the company will replace or repair it,” Milligan said. “It may cost us something, but with the right design, the work can be done.”

The Board of Aldermen also:

• Received the latest stats from the Safety Traffic Enforcement Program, which saw a total of $388 worth of tickets written in March. Two non-injury wrecks were reported. As of April 4, 2026, a total of 2,202 tickets were written (since 8-21-25), The total in fines equals $550,500 in that period.
• Learned from Mayor Hoffoss that the annual “Highway 80 Sale” will be Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19. Almost all slots are sold out. The mayor reminded all spot-holders that there is a “No Money Back” policy, rain or shine.