MAN - It was good news for newly-certified employees of the town of Man on Monday night.

The Man Town Council approved a change in employees' insurance that will allow newly-certified employees to get insurance benefits in three months instead of 12.

Mayor Jim Blevins brought up the proposal which the council readily agreed to.

The council also approved temporary extra duty pay for two employees who will be taking over the duties of another employee. The move will save the town $1,500 a year, said Mayor Blevins. A third employee was approved to receive a raise.

That was not the only good news, however.

Town councilman Roger Muncy said one perplexing problem faced in Man was getting better.

Months ago, Muncy asked for extra police attention around the elementary school where people were parking. The problem was that children were running out from between the parked cars and it was a dangerous situation.

"That problem has been getting better," Muncy said. "People have improved things dramatically in that area. I was scared to death that sooner or later somebody was going to get hit. We are proud of the folks who listened to our concerns about children's safety and we want to say we thank them."

Mayor Blevins said that the town has been trying to have a police officer on duty during the mornings and evenings when school starts and ends whenever possible.

Fire Chief Robert Paynter said the Man Fire Department has also been making some improvements. Paynter thanked the town council for their support of the department on several recent projects including the purchase of several sets of new turn out gear.

"We got eight new sets at $1,400 a pop," Paynter said, explaining that some of the departments older turn out gear was woefully out of date. "Our jaws of life is now operational," he added.

Paynter said the Man Fire Department has also received assistance from it's ladies auxiliary who have assisted on fundraisers such as bake sales, and that the MFD will host the town's annual Christmas Party at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19. Anyone who wishes to attend is invited.

Also on Monday, Paynter attended the November meeting of the Logan County Commission where he requested an increase in the Man Fire Department's allotment from $1,000 a month to $1,500 a month. County Commission President Art Kirkendoll told Paynter he would check with other departments which receive county assistance and get back with him. Paynter pointed out that there are about three other departments which also receive monthly allotments.

"With the maintenance costs and insurance going up, we could really use that money," Paynter said.

The MFD also had several members who completed training in Mine Fire Rescue and the MFD recently had a fire prevention safety class for local school students.

"The town of Man Fire Department is strong and getting stronger," Paynter said.