Miller County Judge Cathy Harrison announced a number of goals and appointments Tuesday during a Quorum Court meeting.
"I would like first to say I am honored and appreciative to serve in the position representing the citizens of Miller County and working with the justices of this court," Harrison said.
"As in any new administration, I have been educated, informed and enlightened with some of the issues facing our county. I entered office with one employee on sick leave and one vacancy. I would like to thank Administrative Assistant Carla Jenkins for stepping up and filling the voids," Harrison said.
She announced Carl Teel as the Road Department Administrator.
"Carl was chosen because of his vast experience as a County Commissioner over road construction, and retired as Public Works Director for the city of Texarkana, Ark. Carl is currently in the process of placing decals and unit numbers on all county equipment to ensure compliance with state requirements. He is also compiling a comprehensive inventory of all equipment purchased and assigned to the Miller County Road Department," she said.
The road department is currently facing three major issues. At the top of the list, Bridge 18130 on Miller County Road 10 is in need of major repairs, which will be done this summer or the Arkansas Highway Department will close it. A debris truck and grapple need to be replaced and a box culvert needs to be built on Miller County Road 183.
Harrison also announced the appointment of Mary Choate as the new juvenile detention adviser.
"Mary comes with vast experience in corrections, specifically as former Bowie County sheriff, building and running the Bi-State Annex, which is an 850-bed facility. She has served as Bowie County Women's Detention Center and JDC administrator. Mary holds a master's degree in public administration," Harrison said.
Joe Bennett has been appointed as the Office of Emergency Management coordinator.
"Joe has a long history of public service with Texarkana, Ark., Police Department, serving in administrative and operational position involving emergencies and special events. Joe has also served as TAPD Special Operations Commander," Harrison said.
"I have established a fire administrator position to provide administrative coordination and oversight concerning the many issues the volunteer fire chiefs have expressed. Some of those issues are accountability, exchange of equipment and training. Another is coordination between all VFDs so that we can continue to receive the ACT 833 funding which has not been the case in the past. Larry Pritchett was chosen for the position as fire administrator because of his previous experience as a lieutenant with the Texarkana, Ark., Fire Department," she said.