Carroll County This Week

CARROLL COUNTY THIS WEEK
From the Office of
Carroll County Judge Richard Williams
June 25, 2008

This past week consisted of a meeting at the Senior Center with the Director, representatives from the Department of Human Services and the architect. The purpose was the review of plans for the expansion of kitchen facilities in the Senior Center to provide better service to our seniors who visit the center and to those who cannot; but, are provided services via the Meals on Wheels Program. And, if you are, or know of someone who could benefit from these outreach programs, please contact the Carroll County Senior Center in Berryville at (870) 423-2796, and they will be more than happy to assist. This project on the expansion will be bid, and I did request that in the bid the 3% preference for Carroll County General Contractors be considered…to keep work in Carroll County.

Another concern – Sheriff Grudek and I met with the Fire Chiefs in the Western District that are affected with notification downstream of Beaver Dam in the event of any future evacuation as occurred recently. Another meeting will be scheduled in the near future as we progress in better organizing procedures of any future event requiring activation.

The County Judge’s Conference information included many issues. Among them was a service to dispose of the much advertised prescription drugs that are out of date, no longer needed, or any other reason to remove these items from someone’s home. Law enforcement could utilize this service for the incineration of confiscated drugs and drug related tools. And, as an added option, used medical needles and other such items could be disposed of from homes, medical facilities, assisted living homes or any other operation needing this service. And, the final product is totally inert and can be disposed with no harm to our environment.

There was also an update from David Maxwell, Director of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, on the status of flooding in our state.

The 2010 Census, which is another responsibility of the County Judge, was a major item on the agenda. Getting an accurate population count is of high concern because this is the basis of most distribution of funding, which is a major financial source of revenue for Carroll County. Therefore, when the census starts next year, cooperation by everyone will be required in getting an accurate population count. The information is confidential, those who are counted need not be citizens…but, residents. I will not be able to emphasize enough how important this is to Carroll County….this is a major key in the “turn-back” money we receive for our county roads, a major key is disbursal of state funds in revenue sharing. Folks, we need an accurate count…please do your part and as time gets closer, I will be reminding everyone. There is more, however, I do not want to abuse the media.

Drive carefully – slow down on our county roads…that might be your child or someone close to you who might be injured or worse. You don’t want that on your mind. Again, please drive carefully.