The city of Belle and Osage Arts Community (OAC) were the recipients of grants Jan. 10 at Belle City Hall, awarded by Central Electric Power Cooperative and Three Rivers Electric Cooperative for the purchase of 10 Dogwood trees.

Barb Schaller, city court clerk and volunteer grant writer, and Mark McClane, OAC, are project and grant coordinators on the project. Three Rivers Electric Communication Specialist Lorie Kiso presented checks to Schaller for $500 and McClane for $350, to purchase the trees.

“It is so rewarding to see these projects completed in our community,” the coordinators agreed. They added that these types of grants are important because, “They allow us the opportunity to do various beautification projects in town.”

The Dogwood trees have already been planted by city employees and volunteers at Belle City Park. House Welding (Jeff and Shelly Honse) of Belle donated mulch for the tree planting project.

“Nothing quite says Spring is here like Dogwood trees blooming,” Schaller said. “So, come Spring, take a walk near the lake at the park and enjoy the newly planted Dogwood trees.”

The coordinators hope to add benches near the Dogwood trees so people may sit, relax and enjoy the view of the lake.