Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

JPs Discuss Ice Storm Damage

The Quorum Court of Clark County discussed the recent ice storm damage, cost and contracts.

With more than 800 overtime hours already worked by the road department, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be asked to cover 100 percent of the disaster cost.

Clark County Judge Floyd "Buddy" Manning said, "The weather has been rough on the roads, we already have seven trucks hauling rock this morning trying to fill in these holes."

FEMA will be assisting in debris removal and providing some assistance on the roads.

The court, upon hearing this, passed a motion granting Manning permission/authorization to enter into a contract with FEMA to pay cost, most likely 90 percent of the cost. According to Manning, "We may have to pay 10 percent of the cost of damages."

FEMA has set up an office to accept applications, contacts and contracts for the weather related repairs at the Elk Horn Bank branch on Pine Street, Arkadelphia.

Manning also handed out the flyers to be distributed with details for individuals to file applications to receive funds. There should be 10 tables set up at this temporary office to conduct interviews.

JP Juanita "Dot" Currey was sworn in at the meeting along with others not able to attend the January 1 ceremonies due to the ice storm.

Court reporter, Mabel Henry commented, "This was the first swearing in I've missed in 24 years."

The usual business of the court will be delayed. It's customary for the first meeting of the year to announce the appointments to the committees of the court.

But this year, the first meeting was so devoted to the after affects of the disaster, the committees will not be announced until the end of January.

New JP Orville Buck made not one comment, yet still made his presence known. Every ordinance or motion passed calls for a roll call of the JP's. Henry found her roll call the center of humor due to her tripping over Buck's name. Manning jokingly remarked, "For the longest time, she's had the entire list memorized."

Buck appeared good natured about the ribbing at his expense. JP Buck currently fills the seat held formerly by Bill Kirksey.