John Gavin and Michelle Carter, from the Bradley County Extension Office, presented their annual report to the Bradley County Quorum Court on Monday, March 20. They discussed some of the programs the extension office sponsored in 2022.
Carter said they had an increase in participation in archery since the program started last year.
Those in 4-H competed in county, district, and state BBQ competitions. They were judged on fire safety, food safety, and presentation.
The extension office collaborated with the Calhoun County and Cleveland County Extension Offices for the “Great Outdoor Youth Day”.
The carpentry program participants built wooden boxes to take home.
The extension office hosted a hunter’s education class. Those in attendance had a 100 percent passing grade.
Bradley County 4-H gained 50 new 4-H members from First Baptist Church School.
It was also reported a few from 4-H visited the state capitol. Representative Jeff Wardlaw and Senator Ben Gilmore showed them around the senate floor.
In their overview, it was reported there were 55 members in Bradley County 4-H, six clubs, 185 volunteers, and 979 volunteer hours. Carter commented they’re always needing volunteers.
Bradley County 4-H serviced 25 families with holiday meal bags and 35 angel blankets for various hospitals.
The fair premium sale profits were $25,975. Scholarship winnings were $500.
Bradley County FCS donated three quilts and hosted an annual quilt show. They also hosted the All-Tomato Luncheon during the Pink Tomato Festival. They donated $400 to local charities. They hosted eight food preservation workshops with 70 participants.
The agriculture and natural resource program had several meetings and demonstrations.
The community and economic development program had 78 volunteers and 556 volunteer hours. They conducted the Bradley County Fair and Livestock Show, the Junior Livestock Premium Sale (where $25,975 was raised), Hermitage City Food Bank, Bradley County Farm Family selection, Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival, and the All-Tomato Luncheon.
Bradley County Medical Center CEO Leslie Huitt presented her monthly report to the quorum court.
“I want to be transparent,” Huitt told the quorum court.
She said there were three major issues they were working on. One was trying to replace the boiler and chiller. Huitt said they sent out bids for the roof repairs due to the urgent need. She also said plumbing was an issue with clay coming out of the pipes. She invited the quorum court for a dinner at the Bradley County Medical Center to show them the master plan.
Bradley County Judge Klay McKinney reported the county picked up 120 miles of trash on county roads.
He reported lights were installed on the courthouse bell tower. There are four color lights.
The courthouse lawn is being re-soded after having the crane and other big equipment in the lawn during the courthouse bell project.
The next quorum court meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 17 at the Bradley County Courthouse.
