Deputy Houston Gilbert presented a life rescue award – Andalusia Star -news

The Covington County Commission approved $ 2,500 for emergency funds for the three Notch Museums in Andalusia during a regularly planned meeting on Tuesday, January 28.

The Commission received a request from museum officers for $ 5,000, which was given in previous years. Dist. 3 Commissioner Lynn Holmes suggested that the amount be reduced half.

“I would like to reduce this, but not so much, because we have to do this in the budget time, not just in the middle of the year,” Holmes said. “I hate that it is so and maybe we can get to that amount (in the future). My other reflections are that we will have other cities with the same groups that come to us who want the same thing. We must be able to sit with our budgets and budget what we can afford for each group, not just give it to one and give the same to the next. “

Dist. 1 Commissioner Ben Kurson and Dist. 4 Commissioner Tommy McGaha offered his thoughts on the matter.

“From now on, we (the committee) must have a certain fund for what we give to these groups,” Kurlyson said.

“We would like to give what we can to every organization, but at one point we have to pull everything back,” McGa said.

After discussing, the committee eventually approved $ 2,500 with 3-1 votes with Dist. 2 Commissioner Robbie Weaver is the only vote “No”. Holmes also emphasized the importance of organizations that submit their requests for funding before the Commission adopts their budget with a deadline.

During the meeting, Sheriff Blake Tourman presented an award to save the life of deputy sergeant Houston Gilbert for his heroic actions on Tuesday, January 14th.

“This is a great opportunity to be able to present these awards to our employees. They work diligently and all employees working for the sheriff service are second. Sometimes we put ourselves in a position where you are in the right place at the right time, “Turman said.

According to Sheriff, Sergeant Gilbert answered a call related to a question of domestic violence in OPP.

“Sergeant Gilbert kept a frantic mother holding her baby when he left the residence. Without hesitation, he took immediate action with a calm and stable hand, removing the baby from the mother’s hands and struck. After times, the baby, once purple and unusually, began to cry and breathe again.

“His quick and decisive answer at this critical moment gave an example of the highest service standards. His actions reflect not only his professional skill, but also his unwavering commitment to protect and preserve life, regardless of the circumstance. For his courage, dedication and life -saving actions, Sergeant Houston Gilbert has been awarded the Covington County Sheriff Award, “Turman said.

In another business:

• Jacob Morgan of the Covington County Economic Development Commission has provided updates on the latest developments in the county. He emphasized the acquisition of a new property, located near the intersection of Alabama Hovey. 55 and County Road 107 in Dist. 4. The property was acquired through the Strategy for the Evaluation and Economic Development of the State, called the Seed Act.
• Morgan also spoke in a new industry known as Sims Bark coming to Florala. He said more information would be released soon.
• The Commission has announced two positions on the Council of the Covington County Industrial Development Authority will expire on Friday, February 14th. It was approved that the applications would already be accepted to complete these appointments on board.
• The Commission approved the announcement of several items in the sheriff’s office as a surplus. These articles, which include three Ford researchers, one pickup, several old cells and various equipment, will be listed at the Govdeals online auction.
• The Commission approved an emergency preparation resolution when county roads, facilities and buildings were closed during the winter storm last week.
• The Commission approved a change in the classification of Manning and the classification of the workforce, which included the reassignment of a maintenance worker from point A to the Arena of Covington County and the reassignment of a clerk from point A to the sheriff’s department.
• The Commission had to discuss the current audio and video system used in the Commission’s chambers and a proposal to update this system. It was decided to indicate the discussion of the next meeting.

The Commission will hold its next seminar on Thursday, February 6, at 9 am. The next meeting of the Covington County Commission will be held on Tuesday, February 11, at 9 am the audience is invited to attend both.