MonticelloLive

     That was quite a line of thundershowers Saturday night!  The winds uplifted several large, old trees.  One on the old Dillard homeplace on South Main really played havoc with the power in that area – and it was only one of many! 
     I was called out in the wee hours Saturday to take diesel to the generators at the jail.  I took more later in the day in case the power stayed out another night.  I was out and about most of the day checking areas.  It rained up to 5 ¼ inches in places.   
     I know the inconveniences were frustrating for many.  However, we will get things cleared and back in shape as soon as possible.  Please continue to be patient.  When it rains like that, water runs - and it runs downhill!  Low spots flood first and worst.  That’s a fact of nature. 
     We can’t run it uphill or build a mound to satisfy a few.  We should all be grateful we’ve had nothing compared to our neighbors to the north.  Our dry days are ahead.
     Last Monday began at the courthouse before going to the shop.  Then I traveled to Plantersville to bring a truck back to the shop.  I always check the roads as I travel. 
     After returning to the office, I later attended the Regional Library Board meeting at Pickens.  
    Returning to the courthouse, I spent the rest of the day with office chores, calls and final preparations for the monthly Quorum Court meeting.
     I also had the privilege of uniting Ms Teresa Robinson and Mr. Alvin White in marriage.  Best wishes to the happy couple!  
     Monday evening the regular Quorum Court meeting was held.  I discussed the hardship the continuing rise in diesel prices has placed on the county.  (I realize this has been difficult on us as individuals too.) 
     Tuesday began early taking diesel to a grader on Gardner Road.  (They burn nearly a tank a day.)  Then I helped move a truck from the Ladelle wood yard to the Prairie Grove Community Center before returning to the courthouse. 
     Later I went to the Drew County fairgrounds to welcome the Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts to Drew County for their meeting. 
     Back at the courthouse, I attended the floodplain map review meeting.
     My Wednesday began at the courthouse.  Then I had to carry diesel to a grader at Longview Road and another at Pleasant Springs Road.  I checked roads in both areas while I was there. 
     Later I attended a Delta Byways meeting in Lake Village.  Farming operations in eastern Drew County make us eligible to be considered a part of the Delta.  I am open to suggestions about any grants forthcoming through that entity too.
     Back in the office I returned calls and met with a visitor. 
     Thursday began at the courthouse before going to Prairie Grove community to bring a truck back to the shop.  Later I attended a dam management meeting to discuss maintenance of the dam at Lake Monticello because of its floodplain.
     The rest of the day was filed with office work and calls.
     Thursday evening I attended a safety meeting at Drew Central.
     On Friday I went from the courthouse to take a truck from the shop to Ladelle before taking diesel to the trackhoe at the landfill.
     The rest of the morning was filled with office chores.
     At noon I attended the Drew Memorial Hospital Board meeting.  The rest of the afternoon was filled with office chores.
     I’ve already mentioned the hectic weekend we all had with the inclement weather. 
     Monday the Selma Collins Road, Lindsey Lane, S. 16th Section Road and James Glennon Road were graded.
     Gravel was spread on Ozment Bluff Access Road. Work continued on Lacey New Hope Road with gravel hauled, bad spots dug out and patching done.
     On Tuesday Lone Sassafras Road, Prairie Chapel Road, South Lacey School Road and Valley Junction Road were bushhogged.
     Green Mount Lane, Nolen Lane, Simpson Lane, Ganderville Road, Shultz Lane, Florence Road, Mount Tabor Road, Brixie Road, Tara Lane and Ethel Lane were graded.
     Gee’s Landing Road was ditched and gravel spread. 
     SB2 was hauled to the shop.
     Work continued on Old Warren Road.
     Wednesday saw Grace Loop, Grace Road and 4 Mile Creek Road graded. 
     A bad spot was fixed on Longview Road and work completed on Gee’s Landing Road for the present.
     SB2 was hauled and a pipe installed on Old Dermott Road.  
     Friendship Lane, Goose Hollow Road and Bowden Loop were bushhogged.
     Lacey New Hope Road, West Lacey Road, Goose Hollow Road and Valley Junction Road were patched.
     On Thursday roads and culverts were checked on grader routes.  Midway Route was bushhogged.
     Holes were dug out and SB2 hauled to Collins Line Road.
     Valley Junction Road, Midway Route, Lone Sassafras Road, McManus Road and Ladelle Road were patched.
     Friday Buddy Beaty Road, S. Cominto Road, Bud Jordan Road, Rash Crossing Road, Ott Pace Road, Enon Deane Road, Sandy Creek Road, Loafer’s Lane and Darnell Lane were bushhogged.
     Gravel was hauled and work continued on Collins Line Road.
     A tree was cut at the health department and limbs were picked up at the old hospital lot on North Main. 
     Old Warren Road, South Wilmar Road, Drew 133 Road and Sanderlin Road were patched.
     This concludes this week’s report.  We are maintaining equipment and gearing up for summer work when the rains subside.  
     Have a great week!