Hurley students plant Silver Street flowers

By RICHARD JENKINS

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Hurley - Silver Street is a little more colorful after the Hurley third graders planted flowers in the various planters that line the city's main street Thursday.

"It's real great to have the kids do all this," said Hurley Mayor Paul Mullard. "It helps the city ... it's really good to have the kids out and involved."

Mullard said the city workers were going to come out and water the plants to make sure they survived the planting.

The students have planted the flowers on Silver Street each spring for roughly 15 years.

"It's a great tradition," said Rita Franzoi, with the Hurley Chamber of Commerce.

The students broke up into small groups with a variety of local volunteers - including Mullard, Iron County Sheriff Paul Samardich, Hurley Police Chief Chris Colassaco and staff from the local University of Wisconsin-Extension office - helping them get the flowers into the planters.

"We have a variety of local people that come out and help - the volunteers with the Master Gardeners, they always involve law enforcement, ... parents come out and help," Franzoi said.

She said working with Samardich and Colassaco planting the flowers also gives the students a chance to get to know the two in a positive setting.

For Franzoi, the event also gives her a chance to see the different classes as they go through the school.

"It's kind of neat for me, because I get to see the kids as they are growing up," she said. "We're very excited to have (them plant the flowers)."