A local group hopes to install a memorial patio for U.S. veterans around the existing memorial outside the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Government Complex.

     Dell Beal proposed the memorial to the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors as way to honor Lincoln County veterans who survived wars and made it back home. He said the plan would be to sell eight-by-eight-inch blocks to veterans and their families. The blocks would allow space for engraving the name, branch, year and any medals or awards the veteran may have received.

     Beal said there is a similar memorial in Tylertown.

     “Sounds like a good idea,” District Three Supervisor Nolan Williamson said. “We pray for them everyday.”

     The board wanted to make sure an authenticating process was in place. Bob Allen, county attorney, said he would talk to the attorney at Tylertown to see what their process was. The board postponed a decision until a procedure for maintaining authenticity was presented.

     “You can’t do enough for the people who provide our freedom,” Chancery Clerk Tillmon Bishop said.

     The board welcomed Michael Davis of Pearl River Basin Development District. Davis presented letters of appreciation to two Lincoln County residents who have served on the Board of Directors: Millard Smith and Travis Tadlock. Two directors are appointed from each member county by the county board of supervisors.

     Smith, who was an unable to attend the meeting, served from 2000 to 2013. Tadlock served from 1989 to 2013.

     “One of the finest men in Lincoln County,” Bishop said of Tadlock as he was presented with the framed letter.

     The board passed resolutions also thanking Smith and Tadlock for their service.

     The board also looked at bids for a paving project. Dickerson & Bowen had the lowest bid at $738,794.80. The bid, before mobilization fees, would cost district three $68,940.38; district four, $37,796.50; and district five $620,057.92.

     The board was unable to agree on how to split the $12,000 mobilization fees and deferred the decision to Dickerson & Bowen.

     Dudley Nations, district five supervisor, was ready to move forward on the project. Nolan Williamson, district three supervisor, and Eddie Brown, district four supervisor, wished to see the final numbers and compare to the finances of the district before deciding.

     Redistricting is on the horizon for the county board of supervisors. Allen said it was necessary to equalize the districts and make sure all residents of Lincoln County were being represented fairly. Allen said it should be easier since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Section Four of the Voting Rights Act was unconstitutional.

     The board passed a resolution congratulating Laura Lee Lewis on being second runner-up at the Miss Mississippi Pageant.