It appears that curbside pickup of recycled materials will not resume anytime soon.
District 4 Justice of the Peace Brad Covington asked Independence County Judge Robert Griffin about the status of the recycling pickup program. The court suspended curbside pickup for 60 days July 17. This action was taken because no community service workers were available to help pick up the recycling materials.
Sheriff Shawn Stephens said at last month’s quorum court meeting that the jail was back at full staff and that there were six community service (CS) prisoners in the CS barracks.
At Monday’s meeting, Judge Griffin said recycling center staff had told him there are not enough CS workers to resume the curbside pickup.
The 60-day suspension will expire later this month unless it is extended.
In other action, the court approved a request from Diana Thompson, the tax collector, to fill a vacant position.
The JPs also approved two ordinances amending the budget. One of them appropriates funds received from donations into the County General Fund/Veterans Service Budget. The donations totaled $2,000.
The other ordinance establishes a new fund and budget entitled “Southside Preschool Fund.” The funds will come from an Arkansas Economic Development Commission grant in the amount of $218,000.
County Attorney Eric Hance, who will become prosecuting attorney in January, introduced Daniel Haney, a deputy prosecuting attorney, who will be assigned the county attorney’s duties.
Dennis Stephens, a candidate for the District 11 quorum court seat, introduced himself to the JPs. Stephens, a Republican, is seeking the seat now held by Wanda Pomeroy, who did not seek re-election. His opponent, Democrat Sarah Jones, introduced herself to the court at a previous meeting. She was also in attendance at Monday’s meeting.
Reporting by Bob Qualls
Get up-to-date local and regional news along with the latest weather every weekday morning by listening to Gary B. and Ozark Newsline on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ, 93 KZLE, and other W.R.D. Entertainment radio stations. If you have a news tip or event to promote, email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com.
