YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
Jones County Commissioners held a work session to answer questions for local Cub Scouts working on their merit badges.
The April 18 work session was one of four held prior to the board’s regular business meeting. The three scouts were members of Jones County Cub Scout Troop 485 accompanied by den leader Tim Carson.
The three scouts all had the rank of Webelo, and Patrick Carson asked the first question. His question was about the problem of littering. Commissioner Sam Kitchens explained the county’s campaign of “Be a good Hound, keep your trash off the ground.”
Kitchens also talked about the annual county- wide clean-up day that this year will be held May 20. He said much of the trash on the roads comes out of the back of pick-up trucks.
“Throwing out trash is just wrong,” the commissioner said.
Kitchens invited all the scouts to join his team for the cleanup.
Joe Mullis asked what could be done to people who park in handicapped parking places, who do not appear to be handicapped. Board Chairman Chris Weidner said he takes offense at that, too.
“I don’t appreciate it, but it’s really a legal issue,” he said.
The chairman said handicapped tags have to be applied for, and violations can be reported to law enforcement.
Rhett Renner said he thinks the Jones County Sheriff’s Office should have the funds to hire more people and purchase more cars.
Kitchens said the Board of Commissioners supports the sheriff’s office ‘1000 percent.’
“I love knowing we have a good sheriff’s office and a safe community,” he said.
Patrick had another question about trees that are being cut down and the oxygen it takes away.
Weidner said he is very familiar with the timber business, and it is regulated.
“More trees are actually planted each year than are being cut down. There is a balance, although I know it’s not pretty,” he said.
At the conclusion of the session, the scouts were invited to try out the commissioners’ seats to take pictures.
