Hempstead County Quorum Court Meets

The Hempstead County Quorum Court met Thursday for their regular monthly meeting.  An ordinance was on the agenda but the JP’s did not approve it.  The JP’s voted to change some wording concerning the catastrophic leave plan.  The actual amended ordinance will be on the agenda at the next meeting.

Sheriff James Singleton gave an update on the Mud Nationals held recently at Hillarosa north of Blevins.  The Sheriff praised the efforts of OES Coordinator Cathy Aaron, Teresa Smith of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, and Steve Smith for their efforts in keeping up with the weather situation that weekend.  Also receiving praise from the Sheriff were local deputies and state troopers for their outstanding effort at keeping everyone safe that weekend.

Sheriff Singleton told the JP’s about some new equipment for the reserve deputies.  He noted they have been outfitted with tasers, vests, flashlights, and body cameras.  Also some of the paid deputies recently had their bulletproof vests updated as it was discovered they were out of date.  Sheriff Singleton noted these purchases went over the $15,000 he was allotted but he would be applying for a grant that should help defray these costs.

JP Ed Darling noted the county should be receiving about $4 million dollars to help with infrastructure including roads, bridges, and housing.  The criteria for these funds is still being determined and Darling is expected to give further updates at future meetings.  The meeting then adjourned.