Judge Gabbard Provides Update on Solid Waste Service

The countdown to the Jackson County Fair is on. The events promise to be family oriented and a whole lot of fun. The entertainment will be great and I hope you can join us for a week full of great activities. Fair week is one of the best times of the year in Jackson County and is almost like a reunion of sorts for our citizens. Lots of laughter and fellowship is expected as well as great food and merchandise availability. The parade is always a highlight and this year's grand marshall is Kathy Howell, a person that has been a staple in our community working with farmers and homemakers through the County extension service most of her life. Her spirit of volunteerism and love for our community is outstanding and the fair board made a great selection naming her as grand marshall. Come out and enjoy the great environment at the Jackson County Fair.

 I would like to share an update on the solid waste service in the county. Since assuming the operation of curbside service in the county, the solid waste department of the fiscal court has seen a significant increase in the volume of trash we are collecting. For example, 3 years ago there were only 3 garbage trucks that were bringing in garbage to the transfer station on a daily basis. The solid waste department is now running 6 trucks 4-5 days per week as well as Waste connections coming in daily with what they pick up with dumpster service. This has doubled the volume of trash going across the scales at the transfer station. This has resulted in the hopper itself not being able to keep up with the garbage. We will soon need to look into updating the hopper system in order to handle the tonnage of garbage we are receiving.

 I will continue to update as we go along with development, events and opportunities coming into the County. Have a blessed week.