However, there is a situation, a problem, in our county that is becoming very costly to us -- the taxpayers. And that includes all of us. Vandals have caused almost $2,000.00 in damage to road equipment in the last few weeks...and that is parts only. This figure does not include labor...nor the down-time that this equipment is not maintaining the roads of Carroll County. Another contributing factor over the years…..not just this year…..as to why our roads are not in better condition include: windows being knocked out with rocks or other weapons, radios being stolen after a vehicle was broken into, cutting of wires in an apparent attempt to "hot wire" and steal that piece of equipment, and the list goes on.

One of my plans to better utilize equipment and time is to locate equipment at locations in the county near the work and not spending time driving to and from distant sites…maximizing efficiency. However, if the vandalizing continues I will have to rethink my plans. What can you do to help protect your property? And, it is your property as a taxpayer. Please, those who are committing these deeds against our county STOP! Everyone else, come forward and let these individuals be accountable for their actions. Would you let someone come to your home and take a hammer to your personal automobile or truck and bash the windshield and say nothing? What is the difference? Anyone with information of these crimes please call the Carroll County Sheriff's Office.

On another note, Carroll County is forming more Neighborhood Watch Programs. Anyone who is interested in such a program in their area may contact my office for more information.

Agri Days this past weekend in Green Forest was a great success. I sponsored a not highly advertised company, Pel-Freeze. Located in Rogers, Arkansas, they are the largest rabbit meat processor in the United States, and they are interviewing for growers in Carroll County. If you are interested in supplementing your income, this may be an opportunity. Also, I invited the newly formed Carroll County Beekeepers…..yet another enterprise of additional revenue. If you are interested in either, you may call my office for contact information. It is all about "Promoting Agriculture in Carroll County with Positive Action".

As always, please be observant and drive carefully…remember, school is out and more young people are on or near our roads and streets.