Meeting of April 28, 2026

Call this meeting of the Ouachita County Quorum Court to order. Uh on this uh 20th day of April, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. First order, I want to ask Blake Piper to come to the microphone there and lead us in a prayer and pledge to the flag. — Our kind heavenly Father, we express to thee this day appreciation for the opportunity to assemble together in this fiscal court meeting. We're thankful for our elected officials who give of their time and talents to bless the people of this area. We're thankful also today as we recognize the military for those who have served and those who continue to serve this country and we pray that for their safety and their protection and help them know of our appreciation for them. We ask thy blessing to be on this meeting today that uh thy spirit will be here, that the business will be transacted will be in accordance with thy might mind and will. We ask you to bless us we might have kindness in our hearts one to another and that we might show uh love to thy children on the earth wherever they are whoever they are and wherever they may be. These things we pray for in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

— Amen. — I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. — Next order of business is we're going to have a proclamation for the uh military appreciation month and we'd like to ask you gentlemen you soldiers come up here and stand behind us. And any other veterans that's in the audience, stand up where you are, if you don't mind. Yeah. Yeah, get in close but but behind us as you can here. — Let me just scoot down a little. — I think so. — Michael, let us just do — Mhm. — Yeah, cuz I got pictures of you and we spread out and then we just like that. — Scoot over here. — I feel like you like each other. — Yeah. Okay. Thank you all for coming. And uh uh before you leave, be sure we get your name and the order you're standing for a

picture thing we post. Uh right now, Sonya's going to read this proclamation and I'm going to sign it. — Whereas for generations, the freedom and security enjoyed by the citizens of the United States are direct results of the continued vigilance and service of the United States Armed Forces over the history of our great nation. And whereas the sacrifices of those who served, those currently serving, and the family members that support them have preserved the liberties that have enriched our great Commonwealth of Kentucky and this nation. And whereas in 2004, the United States Congress passed a resolution proclaiming May as National Military Appreciation Month, encouraging all citizens to honor current and former members of the US Armed Forces and their families, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice. And whereas the month of May was selected for this display of patriotism because during this month, we celebrate Victory in Europe, VE Day, Military Spouse Day, Loyalty Day, Armed Forces Day, National Day of Prayer, and Memorial Day. And whereas on this month and throughout the year, citizens of the Commonwealth express our gratitude and commitment to Kentucky service members, veterans, and their families who have dedicated their lives in defense of our freedoms.

Therefore, I, David Johnston, Ohio County Judge Executive, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as Military Appreciation Month in Ohio County, recognizing our service members and veterans, and remembering with deep gratitude the men and women who have given their lives in defense of our freedoms. — I'll sign that. Will you sign that? — You guys want a copy? — Thank you very much. You can go get your names here. — Okay, we've got everybody and every different way. — Okay, let's get more photos. I'm sorry. Was you smiling there? — A little bit. — We want to get a picture of proclamation, too. — Yeah, let's get everybody's names here, though. — Oh, we've already done — Okay, we have Mark Beard. I know that one. — I know that one also. — What's your name? — H I N E S. — Mhm. — Pat Atkinson. — Thank you. — A T K. — S O N. — S O N? Okay. — Greg Green.

— And you got that too? Okay. — Uh Glenn Stanley. — Two N's or one? — One. And Bob Crume. — Bob? — Crume. — Sorry. Hard of hearing, too. Spell that one? — Thank you so much. — You're welcome. Thank you. We're proud of you. God bless you. God — Thank you. Appreciate it. — And this is also Teacher Appreciation Week. And we Well, it's fixing to be. So, we would like our teachers that are here to come up and stand behind us as well. If there's more in the building, come on up. — One of my favorites.

— Yeah, well. I'll I'll I'll just sit here and wait. Thank y'all for coming and uh sign it. Go ahead and read the proclamation. — Whereas Ohio County Schools employs 626 teachers and staff currently serving 3,600 students throughout the county. And whereas teachers work hard in schools throughout the nation every day to provide a safe, high-quality, and stable learning environment for children. And whereas teachers work to open students' minds to ideas, knowledge, and dreams. And whereas teachers keep American democracy alive by laying the foundation for good citizenship. And whereas teachers fill many roles as listeners, explorers, role models, motivators, and mentors. And whereas teachers continue to influence us long after our school days are only memories. And whereas teachers often do not receive the pay or praise they deserve for dedicating their lives to the children of our community. Now, therefore, I David Johnston, Ohio County Judge Executive, do hereby proclaim May 4th through the 8th, 2026 as Teacher Appreciation Week. I urge that we observe this day by taking time

to recognize and acknowledge the impact of teachers on our lives. — Now we'll sign it. Let me get their names. — Oh, I know their names. — And and thank you. Thanks all of you so much for coming. Really appreciate it. And uh I think all of us do. I know I can speak that I really support the uh public school system we have in state Kentucky. They're there. And uh I hope that nobody in the state ever thinks it's a good idea to mess with the way we fund state school our public schools. That's just a personal uh commentary there. Um

Next we have the minutes of April 14th, 2026 meeting as well as the April 23rd, 2026 special call minutes. Uh I would appreciate a motion to approve both of those. — I'll make a motion. — Motion by Jason. — Second. — Seconded by Michael. Any discussion, corrections, or additions? Discussion, corrections, or additions to the minutes? Being none, all in favor say "Aye." — Aye. — Opposed like sign. Motion carries. Next you have the bills, claims, payments, and transfers. Um we need a motion and a second to approve that. — I got a question. Did uh we get the money to fund the the sirens? — Yes, it's in the bills tonight. — That's on the bills and claims. I'll make a motion to pass bills, claims, payments, and transfers. — Second. — Second by Michael. Dale Michael.