This week, April 6th through April 12th, is National County Government week. And, in Carroll County, scheduled presentations by elected officials to all of our high schools is planned. On Tuesday, a Green Forest Civics class was visited. Wednesday, at 9:00 a.m., Eureka Springs Middle School is on the agenda followed at 10:45 a.m. at the Eureka Springs High School. Thursday, another Green Forest session is on the agenda. And, Friday closes the week at 9:00 a.m. at the Berryville High School. The visits are to inform the students on how County Government operates and allows for questions from the students.

Last Friday representatives from the Arkansas Natural Resources Office in Little Rock arrived for an inspection of the Black Bass Lake Dam due to recent concern of the high volume of water from recent rain. The inspection team will have a report back to the County Judge's Office in three to four weeks and decisions will have to be made as safety is the main issue, not only to the residents of Eureka Springs, but also to owners and occupants of property down stream.

The County Road Department is working to keep necessary access to homes in our county open, leaving not much time for other maintenance. And, I am awaiting contact from FEMA and ADEM concerning the next step in the process of reimbursement for damage to our county roads and bridges in order to start reconstruction.

Last week also included "Mock Disasters" at two of our high schools addressing the consequences of "Drinking and Driving" to the young adults of Carroll County…one high school has not seen the presentation yet due to weather.

On Friday, April 11th, there is scheduled a meeting of the Chambers of Commerce of all the cities of Carroll County at 1:00 p.m. at the Berryville Fire Station. Everyone is invited. The purpose is to bond the county in developing business by working together with the resources we already have created.

Next Quorum Court meeting on the agenda is a presentation on "Flood Insurance". Many people have contacted my office with questions as to this coverage and I have collected the information and individuals for the review by the Justices of the Peace to decide if this insurance will be available to the citizens of Carroll County. I have completed everything I believe necessary to commence the coverage…now the decision is that of your JPs…everyone is invited to attend and listen. This meeting is scheduled for April 18, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. at the Courthouse in Berryville.

Thank you and drive carefully.