The Drew County Quorum Court met at 6 p.m. on Monday, December 9. After a roll call, all Justices of the Peace were present except Ben Higginbotham. Joe Williams led an invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance.
Hazelene McCray gave the annual update for the Drew County Cooperative Extension Office. In 2024, the Extension Office had a total of 26,174 educational contacts. There were a total of 3,356 volunteer hours logged which equaled $112,392.44 in value.
McCray reported that there were 121 4-H members active across seven clubs.
In the area of Family and Consumer Science, there were 1,549 direct educational contacts and 362 indirect contacts. There are 72 EHC Homemakers who are active across six EHC clubs.
In the area of Agriculture and Natural Resources, there were 4,138 educational contacts, 254 site visits, and 38 active Master Gardeners with 30 active projects.
County Judge Jessie Griffin stated that delinquent accounts have been turned over to the County Collector’s Office.
Judge Griffin also asked the Justices of the Peace where they would like dumpsters placed in their districts to prepare for Christmas.
The court passed an ordinance to approve the annual operating budget for 2025. An emergency clause was enacted to make the ordinance effective immediately.
The court also passed an ordinance to clean up funds in the 2024 budget.
In the final piece of business, Judge Griffin presented District 7 Justice of the Peace Joe Williams with a Letter of Appreciation for his service on the Quorum Court. Williams was unseated by Craig Kaminicki in the recent election.
“It has been an honor and privilege to work with this great group,” Williams said. I live my life with no regrets, and right now I have none. I represented District 7 the best I could, with a high level of professionalism. I want to thank everyone for their support. I always let the Lord lead and guide my decisions, that is the only way we can survive as far as I’m concerned.'
