Photo by Mimi M. Maddock After many months of noise, fumes, and $1 million to repair and paint the water tower in Melrose Heights, it appears to be complete. Crews have been cleaning the last of the debris this week. The water tower is on Gladden Street. Councilwoman Dr. Belinda Gergel spoke at the Melrose Heights Neighborhood June 8. She said the 2009 budget should be published by June 17. Dr. Gergel emphasized that it was going to be a lean budget, but there was a commitment to the basic services of the city as well as replenishing the reserve funds.

Officer Kevin Stegall, from the Richland County Sheriff 's Department, spoke about a program called Richland County Educating and Detouring Youth for both males and females monitored by Richland County deputies. Participating teenagers will spend a night at the jail and live like actual inmates. At the end of the event the Richland County Sheriff Department's Gang Unit will talk to the participants about their experience.

Parents must contact the Gang Unit to receive an application; there is also a $10 fee for the event. Any questions that the parents have can be answered at this time. Parents will bring the child to the Richland County Sheriff 's Department Headquarters on 5623 Two Notch Road at 5 pm Friday and pick the child up at 8 am the next morning at the same location. The events are scheduled for June 19, July 10, and July 24 for males and June 12, June 26, July 17, and July 31 for females.

Officer Dan Bowman, with the Columbia Police Department, reported on some home break- ins that have occurred in the Melrose Heights area in recent weeks. The 1600 block of Gladden Street was broken into. Besides breaking the back door, the thieves got away with a television. There was another break- in on Gladden Street. While the specific address was not given, a set of Ping Golf clubs in a black bag were reported missing. The other break- in occurred on 1508 Maple Street. A watch was stolen as well as some money.