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Bradford’s Daughter Will Fill District 4 Seat

By REBECCA HAZEN
News Editor

The Dade County Board of Commissioners appointed Melissa Christiansen, Allan Bradford’s daughter, to the District 4 Lookout Mountain seat previously held by Bradford. Bradford passed away from a lengthy battle with COVID-19 on March 23.

Christiansen will hold the seat until November, when there will be an election held for the seat, for the reminder of the term.

“I am very overwhelmed. Just like my dad, I want to do this county well. I just want to serve and to help,” Christiansen said. “I appreciate this opportunity.”

“It has been very difficult to go through this. I would like to thank each and every one of you. It is going to be hard but Allan would want us to carry on. He cared so much about the county and the people in it. Regardless of who runs for this term, I hope that we can get someone in there that will follow his shoes. This county needs people to step up,” Kathy Bradford, Allan’s wife, said.

The commissioners honored Bradford by draping his chair in black cloth, and placing a bouquet of flowers on the table.

“It’s just unbelievable. I don’t know what else to say. It’s like a nightmare to us, and to his family. But we’ll move along and carry on his work. It’s just hard,” County Executive Ted Rumley said.

In other news, the board issued proclamations designating April as National Donate Life Month and Confederate History Month. April is also National Child Abuse Month.

Martha Baker with Dade First Family Connection, spoke about the events happening for National Child Abuse Month. She presented blue pinwheel lapel pins to the commissioners.

“We are asking that the community wear blue on April 14 to stand together against child abuse and neglect,” Baker said.

The board approved the purchase of equipment for Dade County Mountain Rescue with SPLOST funds for $10,606.35.

Fire Chief Jerry Kyzer appeared before the board to ask about the construction of a concrete pad, a new parking lot, behind Trenton Fire Department. However, only one bid was received. The commissioners agreed to table the matter until more bids come through.

The board approved an amendment to Ordinance No. 12-03-09 to include no vaping and no e-cigarettes at parks.

Commissioner Lamar Lowery reported that there were 3,494 911 calls for the month. There were 197 EMS calls, 236 fire department calls and 3,061 police calls.

Commissioner Phillip Hartline reported that 155 kids that signed up for baseball and 140 kids signed up for soccer. A softball tournament is scheduled for this weekend.

Eleven banners have been sold for the fences around the fields. The banners cost $200 the first year and $100 every year after that.

According to Hartline, kids are reportedly climbing up on the roof of the bathroom. They are using the Coke machines to get up, and the machines are not bolted down.

“First of all, it’s unsafe. The other thing is if they damage the roof, the parents are going to be liable for the damage,” Hartline said. “We put a lot of time and effort into keeping that place nice, so help us take care of it.”

Commissioner Robert Goff reported that SPLOST is at $208,646.78 for the month.

“March is usually one of the lowest months, but this March it went up,” Goff said.

Goff also thanked the community for doing their duty and voting, and passing the Education SPLOST referendum.

Goff noted that Tax Commissioner Angie Galloway said there was a record of 503 new car titles for the month, 22 of those for people new to the county.

“It shows the boost in the overall economy and people having confidence in the economy,” Goff said.

Rumley reported that the final pours are happening on County Road 6.

Rumley also noted that there will be a Dollar General built out in Hinkle on the border of Dade County.

“We have a lot of Dollar Generals, but I know it helps the rural areas,” Rumley said.

Rumley also spoke about Allan Bradford’s funeral, held on March 26.

“I appreciate all of our governmental people that participated in Allan’s funeral. It was a special thing,” Rumley said.

Cristy Ballard, youth education coordinator at the Dade County Public Library, told the board that the virtual Read to Lead event was successful.

“We gave away about 250 free books to all of the kids,” Ballard said.

Ballard also noted that the kick off to summer reading starts May 31 and registration opens up on May 15.

There was a presentation provided by Sarah Dyer, UGA Extension Agent, that detailed 4-H ongoing and upcoming events.

There will be a livestock show meeting on April 13 at 6 p.m. at the Ag Center for all kids and their parents who are interested in showing livestock.

The next 4-H Cloverbuds Club meeting will be held on April 13 at 5:30 p.m., in the Library. Register for the activity kit by Friday, April 9 to participate at home. Cloverbuds is for third grade and under.

The next Tri-State Cattlemen’s Association meeting will be Tuesday, April 20 at the Walker County Ag Center.

George Williams, Chair of Alliance for Dade reported to the board that there are now 63 investors.

Don Townsend presented the financial report. The general fund balance is $1,868,112. Revenue as of the end of February is $478,364. Year to date revenue is $9,544,717.55. For the month of February, expenses were $752,910.14.

The next County Commission meeting will be May 6.

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