Last week was a reprieve from the "weekend rains" and this week will give opportunity to much needed road catch-up. The road department has been, and will continue, to install culverts throughout the county in efforts to replace damaged and aged culverts. Also, mowers are out regularly for roadside weed control…yet another issue as a result of the great weather, if the grass for hay is growing for those extra cuttings, so will the weeds on the roads.

Last week's bid opening for the addition to the Senior Center was awarded to a county contractor, Mr. Lonnie Graham, Graham Construction Company.

And, speaking of the Senior Center, at the last Quorum Court meeting, Ms. Jerri Marlowe, Center Director, addressed the court with regard to the government cutting financial assistance for the center and also the need for volunteers. If you, or a friend, have time to assist at the Senior Center, for one or more days, please contact Jerri Marlowe at 870-423-2796. This would be a great way to show someone you really care. It is not only the funding to purchase the food, but the staff to deliver the meals to these neighbors who are confined to their homes. The "Meals on Wheels" program for some of these individuals is their main source of nutrition. Again, if you care to contribute financially, or with your time, call 870-423-2796 and speak to Jerri.

Last week included a private citizens meeting to revitalize the partnership for a Drug Free Carroll County Coalition and a request for the members who originated the coalition to reorganize with support from your community. I have been in contact with some of these concerned individuals and they agreed to step forward with, at minimum, assisting in the reorganization at a meeting planned for August 8th at 4 p.m. in the Pioneer Room at the Carroll Electric Building. I have not been able to contact all of the previous members, if you were a part of this organization, please attend…Carroll County is in need of your dedication. At the meeting it was discussed that in 2006 a study by students at all three of our county schools concluded for the year 2006 Carroll County's percentage of use is higher than the average for the State of Arkansas. Those categories include: Alcohol, Cigarettes, Marijuana, Cocaine, Methamphetamines and the list continues. And, this is for grades 6, 8 and 10! This meeting on August 8th is open and the public is requested to attend.

Also, last Thursday was a round-table discussion on "211" and rather than a long recap at this time, there is supposed to be an article in the news media this week.

Please be observant as you travel the roads of our county, drive carefully and remember a state law that you are required to signal to change lanes of traffic.