Lincoln County is accepting donations to help cover the cost of insurance premiums for the family of slain sheriff’s deputy William Durr.

By law, the county cannot maintain insurance coverage for a spouse and dependent of a deceased county employee beyond the end of the month in which the employee died. In Durr’s case, the end of that month was May 31.

Insurance coverage can be provided under the COBRA provision, which allows insurance to be offered to spouses and dependents, but the county cannot cover the cost of the COBRA coverage.

County Administrator David Fields at a Board of Supervisors meeting Monday said the county is accepting donations from anyone who would like to contribute to help provide this coverage for Durr’s wife and son until they have acquired new health insurance. Donations can be made to the county for this purpose. An account has been established at Trustmark National Bank to help provide financially for the family as well. Donations can be made at any Brookhaven Trustmark branch.

A gofundme.com account has been set up to help the Blackwell and Edwards families. Jordan Blackwell, 18, and Austin Edwards, 11 were killed May 28 during a shooting spree that claimed eight people, including Durr.

“Jordan would have been a senior at Brookhaven High School this coming fall. He loved football and was a star inside linebacker for his high school. His love for God, family and friends was immeasurable and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He had a personality that you would never forget and he made a lasting impression with everyone who met him,” the account states. “Austin would have been a sixth grader at Lipsey Middle School in Brookhaven. He loved being with is family and was a very energetic and loving child. He also loved animals, cooking, fishing and dancing.”

For other items of business from Monday’s meeting, see this story online at www.dailyleader.com.

The board will have its docket meeting on Thursday at 9 a.m. A meeting to discuss bonds will take place Monday, June 19, at 9 a.m.