MonticelloLive

While it is apparent that fall has arrived in Drew County, it is also apparent that new chip-and-seal road projects must come to an end for 2008. We did not get as much done as planned due to the effects of the two hurricanes in August and the increasingly scarce supply of materials. We have already had to change our basic supplies. We hope to get more done next year depending on the weather and availability of supplies.
I hope everyone had an opportunity to attend the Drew County Fair last week. Some spots were wet, but the weather was perfect all week.
Last Monday began at the courthouse and then the shop as usual. After checking a few roads, I returned to the courthouse where I had a wedding to do.
Ms Debra Jones became the bride of Mr. Tony Bennett. Congratulations to the newlyweds!!
Courthouse chores and matters at the shop filled the rest of the day.
Tuesday began as usual. Then I attended a conference call with ADEM about a meeting in Star City relating to hurricane damage.
Later I went to the annual appreciation lunch at the Fairgrounds. The ladies put out a scrumptious meal!
Courthouse office work filled the rest of the day until time for the fair parade. The mayor and I rode in the 5:00 p.m. parade. I think that was one of the biggest crowds I’ve seen!!
After beginning at the office and shop on Wednesday, I left before noon to attend the County Judge’s Association (CJA)’s fall meetings in Fort Smith.
Wednesday evening we were exposed to a plethora of products, supplies and ideas to improve or enhance our county road projects and management practices.
Thursday began with a continuing education program on judicial ethics and procedures taught by Mark Whitmore, the Arkansas Association of Counties (AAC) chief legal counsel. Later we heard a presentation about the use of “wind” power.
A session relating the goals of the CJA in the upcoming legislative session preceded lunch.
Arkansas’ Attorney General Dustin McDaniel was the luncheon speaker relating his efforts during the recent “gas gouging” problems accompanying the hurricanes. He always manages to see a humorous angle to events.
After lunch consecutive sessions on local economic development, presented by Ed Majors of the AEDC; Arkansans access to justice, presented by Jim Spears, circuit judge of the 12th district; and the relationship between education, employment and economic development, presented by Kenneth Ferguson of the Arkansas Workforce Investment Board, finished the day.
Friday’s sessions included updates from the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management and a discussion on water quality in Arkansas.
I also managed a discussion with David Mayo and Claude Klink of the AHTD about our state aid project.
A short program recognizing the 13 judges retiring or leaving office was also held.
I was ready to head back to Monticello.
On Saturday and Sunday I went to the office for a time to catch up on paperwork and calls.
Last week two grader operators were out to tend to health issues.
On Monday Ganderville Road, Ken Lane, Shultz Lane, Ethel Lane, Tara Lane, Florence Road, Mount Tabor Road, Brixie Road and N. 16th Section Road were graded.
The rest of the crew was working to finish the Selma Collins Road project.
Tuesday saw Loggy Bayou Road, Old Hwy 65, Young Lane and Sheiron Road graded. Two loads of gravel were spread on Tara Lane.
Work continued on Selma-Collins Road.
On Wednesday the southern end of Selma Collins Road, Four Mile Creek Road and Dollar Hill Road were graded.
The chip and seal of the northern part of Selma Collins Road continued.
Thursday saw Grace Loop, Grace Lane and Loafers Lane bladed.
Work continued on Selma Collins Road.
Friday the grader operator fixed a bad spot on Barkada Road. Culverts were checked on some routes. Things are finally dried out after the hurricane deluges.
Most of the rest of the crew worked on finishing the Selma Collins Road project.
Some maintenance work was done at the shop.
Please remember to help keep our county roads litter-free!!
Have a great week!!