New update on the availability of material for chip and seal or asphalt road projects for this year. I was notified last week, just prior to the Quorum Court meeting, that there will be no available product for 2008. I am attempting to resource from other suppliers of this, or other material that will be a good alternative; however, no one had product to even complete projects already committed. I will continue to search for alternate material.

A committee for a Water Board for Carroll County was approved by the Quorum Court; however, as of today there have only been two private citizens to step forward…and, we need at least five to be an efficient board. If there is anyone with business, previous engineering, water plant or similar background, please contact the Office of the Carroll County Judge at (870) 423-2967. The investment of your time, knowledge and experience will improve Carroll County not only for yourself and family…but for all your fellow citizens. We are not asking for any money…just a little of your time.

Another topic of many calls to my office concerns speeding on county roads. The majority of our roads are not black-top and are narrow leading to necessary caution when driving. Please, especially with schools opening soon, many children and young adults will be in harms way, please be attentive when driving. Also, if you have young drivers in your family, please advise them of safe driving habits.

This week, I, as well as most of the other elected officials of Carroll County will be in Little Rock for meetings of the Arkansas Association of Counties. There are scheduled meetings usually to include information and education pertaining to laws, operations and procedures for each of the offices. These meetings are great assets to the taxpayers as the officials return better informed and educated public officials to be of service to the county. Just as the County Judge's position requires administering the county's business and being held accountable for those actions…not as in years past where the major issue was to administer the road department, also is true of other offices of the county…their departments are expanding and updating to current times. And, quoting our County Assessor from the 2008 Meet the Candidates in Berryville, "we all have to follow the law". No truer words have been spoken…times are changing and we are being required by State and Federal law to change with them. And, these are not new requirements… now, as never before, the counties of Arkansas are being held accountable for implementation.

Thank you, have a nice day; and, remember…school is starting sooner than ever…drive carefully.