Houston County board approves funding for fifth‑grade prevention fair at county fairgrounds

The Houston County board voted to approve a request to fund a prevention‑focused educational day for fifth‑grade students at the county fairgrounds, organizers and board members said. The event is planned as a day‑long program with interactive activities, lunch and commemorative t‑shirts.

Board members heard from a presenter identified as Robin, who said the program will be run primarily by Chloe Smith (health educator), Brooke Compton (4‑H agent) and Chad Smith (formerly of the county DARE program). Organizers told the board they expect about 100 fifth‑grade students and have budgeted a $500 miscellaneous line to cover presenter materials such as poster boards and paints, plus travel expenses for presenters.

The proposal emphasizes hands‑on education to keep younger students engaged. Robin described a sample activity that uses a fluorescent lotion and black light to demonstrate contamination, and said one presenter will address vaping, which organizers said is an increasing concern among middle‑school students.

Board members pressed organizers on how they will measure success. The presenter said staff would ask teachers to collect short written feedback or return a simple survey, and that the organizers would follow up as feasible; board staff reminded applicants to keep receipts and documentation for reimbursement to the mayor's office.

A board member moved to approve the request "as presented" and the board recorded an affirmative voice vote. A recusal was announced during the vote; the transcript does not record a named roll call or exact tally. The event date discussed in the meeting was May 18.

The board asked organizers to return with any materials, receipts and a plan for basic evaluation at the next meeting so the board can judge outcomes and potential repeat funding.