By Marla Jones,Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The DeKalb County Commission honored retiring Judge Randall Cole at their regular meeting this week. At the time of him leaving officer, Cole was the longest-serving judge in the entire State of Alabama. He began his tenure in 1974. 

Commission President Ricky Harcrow extended great appreciation and presented a resolution to Judge Cole during the meeting. 

“I want to thank you for your kindness to me, for your cooperation and the working relationship that we’ve had,” said Harcrow. “I thank you for all the help that you’ve been to me and the Commission over all these years.” 

Cole thanked the Commission for their recognition, saying “I am grateful to the people who have allowed me to serve as one of the public officials of this County for the years that I have. 

The Commission also recognized Donald Donaghy of the American Legion. The American Legion will host a memorial for the four military chaplains who died during World War II. 

Emily McCamy, the Director of DeKalb County’s Council on Aging delivered a few announcements before the Commission. 

She announced that Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG) had provided $2,000 for senior citizen resource directories to be printed and passed out through the county. She also announced two events: a caregiver’s support group on the first Thursday of every month starting on February 7 at 10am and the DeKalb County Senior Prom. The prom is presented in conjunction with the Fort Payne Parks and Recreation Department and will feature Still Kickin’ as entertainment. It will be held on Tuesday, March 26 from 5pm to 8pm at the Wills Valley Recreation Center. Please register by March 12, 2019. 

Road Superintendent Tom Broyles asked the Commission to hire Ben Dendio to fill the open temporary position in Commission District 1. The Commission approved the hire. 

County Engineer Ben Luther addressed the Commission regarding a necessary resolution for an ALDOT municipal project. The bridge replacement project is on Highway 11 over Dry Creek and a detour will be set up that will mostly be routed to the Interstate. The impact would be a short portion of County Road 140 between the exit and Highway 11. 

Luther requested two speed limit resolutions. The first on County Roads 394 and 199 to be posted at 25 miles per hour (mph), and the second on County Road 112 to the Sylvania town limits at 40 mph. He also a road vacation at the intersection of County Roads 283 and 30 in Collinsville. The Commission approved all of Luther’s recommendations.

DeKalb County Revenue Commissioner Tyler Wilks requested the hire of Krista Tramel to fill the open tag clerk position in his office. The Commission approved the hire. 

Sheriff Nick Welden announced more personnel changes. The transfers were: Zach Aldridge from full-time deputy to transport deputy and Steve Bobbitt from part-time deputy to full-time deputy. The new hires were: Dustin Fleming as a part-time deputy, John Jackson as part-time courthouse security, Nick Turner as a full-time School Resource Officer (SRO), Bo Cagle as a part-time SRO, Travis Chapman as a full-time jail nurse, Misty Williams as a part-time jail nurse, and Sebastian Gomez as a full-time correctional officer. Welden also announced the resignation of officer Richard Anderson.

The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be held on Tuesday, February 12 at 10am in the DeKalb County Activities Building.