The Liberty County Commission Dec. 1 meeting opened with several formalities before moving on to a couple of zoning matters and road work actions. 

County retirees are usually honored at a large annual luncheon, but that affair is one of many changed during the current COVID pandemic. The commissioners will honor small groups of retirees at each upcoming regular meeting, starting with last Tuesday’s. Thirteen former employees were in the first batch. 

A standout among them was former Election Supervisor Ella Golden who retired this year after 46 years of service. Other retirees and their years of service include Denise Arrington (25), Jerald Binkley (27), Randy Durrence (21), Evelyn Jackson (12), Diana Keel (32), Ivonne McGee (23), Donovan McMillan (36), Paul Miller (39), Everette Mitchell (22), Michael Oglesby (17), Bob Sprinkel (18), and Debbie Whitehurst (25). 

Fire Chief Brian Darby appeared before the commissioners as they honored Dr. Tad Jackson, Gunn McIntosh and Micah Spivey of Midway Family Dental for their part in rescuing victims of a November auto crash in front of the Midway Family Dental clinic. 

The commissioners awarded oversize ceremonial checks to recipients of historical and cultural grants from the proceeds of the Special Local Option Sales Tax. Checks went to Geechee Kunda, the Glenn Bryant Foundation, the Hinesville Area Arts Council, the Liberty County Historical Society and the Midway Museum, Hinesville Downtown Development Authority,  Liberty County Chamber of Commerce, and the Convention Visitors Bureau. 

The commission approved Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission recommendations to allow a truck terminal to be established by Joshua and Russell Guyett. The business will be on Highway 196 West across from JK&T Tire. 

County Engineer Trent Long recommended a $28,000 change order to improve drainage in connection with the county improvement work on Third Street. He also recommended acceptance of a large part of Smiley Loop Road for maintenance. Commissioners approved both of Long’s recommendations. 

County officials are working on bids for paving of Yeoman’s Road and expect to provide information at the commission’s midmonth meeting Dec. 17.