The Wayne County Board met for their regular monthly meeting last night at the Wayne County Courthouse. Michelle Richards and Kris Parrent, representing the Wayne County Humane Society appeared before the board for enforcement clarification for their contract with the county. Currently, the society can only issue warnings in instances of animals running loose. For the most part, these warnings are ignored with the society unable to issue tickets as they do in Fairfield. The society is contracted by the county and city for animal control. The board, the Humane Society, and the States Attorney will review the issue. Richards also thanked the board for the funds to assist in a large remodeling project at the shelter. Stephanie Beehn, the owner of Stephy's Bar and Grill, appeared before the board asking for a revision in the Liquor Ordinance regarding hours of operation. The ordinance currently states that liquor license holders can't be open until 9 am, however, Beehn requested to open at 6 am in order to serve breakfast. She stated that as the ordinance states, no alcohol will be available between 6 am and 9 am, only food. The board unanimously approved the request. Libby Lingafelter from the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce updated the board on the activities of the Chamber and some of their future plans. She stated that there had been 13 new businesses opened and 5 business remodels. She said that planning had begun for the Solar Eclipse, which will occur on April 8. Lingafelter said that this is a huge event with an expected influx of thousands of people into the area. Chairman Appointments: Jerry Ridgeway was appointed to a 3-year term as trustee of the Orchardville Fire Protection District. Darren Atteberry was appointed to a 3-year term as trustee of the Bedford Fire Protection District. Vern Hutson Sr. was appointed to the 911 Board. Office Reports: Sheriff Chris Otey advised the board that a new incinerator had been purchased with funds from seizures. The incinerator is used to destroy prescription drugs and drug evidence. The Sheriff's Department has a used prescription drop box in their lobby which is supposed to be maintained by the DEA, who has stopped servicing the container, resulting in the overflow situation. The Sheriff advised the board that the Corrections Staff had been undergoing advanced training and a new Correctional Officer will be graduating this week, bringing the department back to full staff. Sheriff Otey said that recently deputies had recovered a large amount of stolen property, recovered 2 stolen vehicles, and made several felony drug arrests. County Clerk Lizann Woodrow told the board that early voting for the upcoming Municipal Elections will begin February 23 and she encourages everyone eligible to vote. County Treasurer Yvette Anderson informed the board that the Tax Sale was held and went very smoothly. County Coroner Carrie Dagg informed the board that they are still looking for a cooler unit and she also had high praise for the 3 ambulance providers in the county. ARPA Requests The board approved an ARPA request from the Wayne County Treasurer for flooring for their office. The total expenditure is $4,612. Finance Chairman Gene Kollak addressed the board, stating that the Finance Committee had met for over 4 hours meticulously going over bills presented for payment. He advised that this would continue for future meetings to ensure that tax dollars are used wisely.