Supes say landowners hesitant amid Blackjack Road project

The Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors met in closed executive session Monday evening to discuss land issues relating to the Blackjack Road project.

Supervisors entered executive session with Starkville City Attorney Chris Latimer and Clyde Pritchard of Pritchard Engineering to talk about the project. The nature of the conversation revolved around the county acquiring land needed to widen the road.

District 2 Supervisor Orlando Trainer said several landowners have been hesitant to give up the land needed for the project to continue.

While supervisors discussed potential methods to acquire the land, no action was taken on Monday.

Trainer also spoke to the board's direction regarding the project.

"We're moving forward," Trainer said.

Supervisors also entered executive session for an unrelated matter to discuss a project near Pleasant Acres in Starkville. The project involves repairing a damaged bridge in the area.

Despite the bridge being in the city's jurisdiction, the county discussed plans to potentially help with its repair.

No action was taken after the executive session.

J. L. KING CENTER

Latall Harris of the J. L. King Center asked the county to consider helping the community center with their utilities bill. The center recently announced it has lost its funding, which came primarily through grants and as a result of the temporary government shutdown earlier this year.

Harris said the center was seeking funding through a fundraising effort called the Lighthouse Project. The project would allow businesses and community organizations to pledge to donate money every year for five years.

According to Harris, the center needs at least $60,000 per year to run at a minimum. She asked the county for $2,700 to pay for utilities for the center.

Harris said the Lighthouse Project has raised $25,000.

Legal procedure blocked the board from outright agreeing