Appling County roundup: sheriff previews law‑enforcement expo; recreation, roads and SPLOST updates

At the April 4 Appling County Board of Commissioners meeting, Sheriff Mark Melton briefed the board on a law‑enforcement and first‑responder expo and the county's ongoing opioid response, while county staff provided routine recreation, roads and SPLOST updates.

Sheriff Melton said the 6th Annual Law Enforcement/First Responder Expo will be held April 5 at the Ag Center beginning at 10 a.m., that organizers expect participation from "over 50 agencies (including local, state, and federal)" and five helicopters, and that the expo plans to serve roughly 1,200–1,500 free lunches. Melton also reported the county has seen more than 30 recent deaths related to substance abuse but noted multiple lives have been saved with Narcan; he said deputies will receive additional Narcan training.

Recreation Director Timmy McGuirt said 205 participants registered for T‑Ball this season and announced a track meet on April 6, district meets April 21–22 in St. Marys, and that Appling will host district and state swim meets plus a June tennis meet at Appling County High School. Road Department Director Brooks Johnson reported the county bulldozer has been repaired and crews addressed several roads with standing water.

County Manager Al Meadows referenced a SPLOST spreadsheet attached to the public agenda that details current balances and expenditures, said the county negotiated a motor-grader training with Yancey/CAT, and noted FY2024 budget worksheets will be distributed to departments for planning.

With no further business, Chairman Leslie Burch adjourned the meeting at 6:30 p.m.