By Sherri Blevins
Most people consider being able to celebrate 50 years of holy matrimony as a great accomplishment, and it is. Brother Orien Ledford and his lovely bride Wyvette have surpassed that milestone, and they celebrated their sixty-ninth wedding anniversary on September 19, 2022. The DeKalb County Commission honored the couple for their commitment by presenting them with a resolution at the October 11 DeKalb County Commission meeting.
Commission President Harcrow commented on the anniversary. He said, “That is quite an accomplishment, and to be in as good of health as they are today!” Harcrow explained that he and several others in the room had been neighbors with the Ledford family for many years. With his wife’s support, Brother Ledford served as a pastor for forty-five years, serving at three different churches, Chavies, Antioch, and Mt. Herman. Those who know the couple would describe them as two of the most humble, kind-hearted, and soft-spoken individuals anyone could wish to meet. Harcrow stated, “I have known them all my life, and I wish our communities were still filled with people like them and their mothers and daddies. We thank you for your service as a pastor. “Harcrow added, “Their influence in our many and varied communities is beyond my vocabulary to describe their kindness and all the things they have done and their effect on so many lives. I wish I could have such a record when I hopefully get to be their age.” Harcrow presented the couple with a signed resolution from the County Commission, a plaque to commemorate the day, and a cake for them to enjoy. The Ledford’s daughter Kathy Gledhill and son-in-law, Tim, were present to celebrate the happy couple. Brother Ledford expressed his thanks to the Commission. He said, “Thank you to the Commission and leaders and those who have been leaders through the years. I appreciate all of you, and may the Lord bless you and keep you safe, is my prayer.”
Two other special visitors spoke to the Commission. Janice Smith representing the DeKalb Homemakers Club, reported to the Commission on the club’s activities. She said the DeKalb Homemakers had donated over $13,000.00 to the community over the past two years. She added that the club had been involved with area churches helping with the shoebox ministry. They also provided caps for cancer patients, sewed many masks, presented scholarships, and participated in recycling. The Commission signed a proclamation thanking them for all their efforts.
Toys for Tots spokesperson LaRue Hardinger thanked the Commission for supporting the N.E. Alabama Marine Corps League, Detachment 1404 2021 Marine Toys for Tots program. Hardinger said the local group is in its 10th campaign and needs donations of new toys, money, or campaign support for 2022. Those wanting to donate may visit www.fortpayne-al.toysfortots.org. or send checks to Marine Toys for Tots of DeKalb County, P.O. Box 681516, Fort Payne, AL 35968. Families wishing to request help from the organization must apply at the DeKalb County DHR, 2301 Briarwood Ave. SE, Fort Payne, AL, on Monday through Friday from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm during October only.
The Commission then heard from Road Superintendent Tom Broyles, who had some disturbing news. Broyles said the department had hit a major snag in the reclaiming roads project. When bids were opened, the price for the base material for the project increased by $6.00 per ton, or 33%. The base material for one mile of the road went up from approximately $32,000.00 to $45-49,000.00. Broyles said he didn’t know how much of the scheduled road reclaiming his department could do because of the cost. Broyles added that the only way he knew to pay for the increase would be to use funds set aside for paving. That decision would be left up to the Commission. Commissioner Wootten asked if the rise in material costs would result in a cost of over $100,000.00 per mile, and Broyles agreed that it would.
In official business, the Commission approved the following items:
• Rehiring of William King at the Road Department
• Awarding Motor Grader Transmission Rebuild Project to Thompson Tractor for $34,864.94
• Rejecting the low bid for County Road 386 Bridge Concrete Deck Project from Lambert Company because of increased cost and granting permission to rebid the project
• Amending FY2023/County Transportation Plan (ARPA) Funds
• Resignation of full-time dispatcher Bree Monroe and full-time deputy Tyler Pruitt
• Transferring Cindy McKay from part-time dispatch to full-time dispatch
• Hiring Katie Monroe as part-time dispatch
• Hiring Luke Yarbrough as a full-time deputy
• Resignation of Candace Bearden and Nathan Palmer as corrections officers
• The hiring of Paker Perea as a corrections officer
• Accepting K&S Contractors’ quote for a roof replacement on the Revenue Commission and Investigators Building
• Council on Aging/Transportation & Program travel requests
• Child Advocacy Center Resolution allocating $50,000.00 of ARPA funds to pay employees
• Reappointment of John Dersham to the Alabama Mountain Lakes Association Board
• Reappointment of James G. May to the Northeast Water Board
Commission President Harcrow and each Commissioner expressed their thanks to outgoing Commissioner Kuykendall for all his service to the County Commission during his terms in office. He will be missed. Newly elected Commissioner Saferite will take office at the next DeKalb County Commission meeting on November 16, 2022.