Commission recognizes pageant winners, Judge Brooks urges runoff turnout; staff updates spraying and equipment

The commission opened the June 9 meeting with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, then paused for brief citizen remarks recognizing local youth pageant winners who will compete at the National Peanut Festival in October. Commissioners presented pins and pennants and congratulated the winners; one participant described rules for the festival including overnight room decoration and restricted phone contact during the event.

Judge Brooks reminded Covington County residents that runoff voters must use the same party ballot as in the primary (Democrats vote Democratic ballots; Republicans vote Republican ballots) and urged turnout for the runoff, noting compressed timelines and the staff effort required to set polling locations.

In staff reports Derek provided an update on the county’s roadside spraying program: the first cycle is roughly half complete with an expected two to three week window to finish, a second spray cycle is planned in early August and bush‑hogging will follow unless the commission requests otherwise. Derek said the spray is a turf application intended to reduce weeds (the grass will brown temporarily) and that contractors left green buffer strips to show application boundaries. Staff also reported two new trucks were placed in service for supervisors; minor equipment accessories (toolboxes, light bars) are still pending installation.

Commissioners also discussed available courthouse space in anticipation of other agencies relocating and reminded organizations that appropriation-request deadlines are approaching.