Pearl River County Utility Vice President honored by Board of Supervisors
Pearl River County Board of Supervisors presented a resolution to W. Isiah “Ike” Lewis, honoring him on his 11 years of service with the Pearl River County Utility Board of Directors.
Mr. Lewis was appointed by the board of supervisors to PRCUA at it’s inception in 2006 and was serving as Vice President at the time of his resignation.
The Pearl River County Utility Association was created after Hurricane Katrina, to alleviated disastrous water and sewer issues in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Region, including Pearl River County. It was established as a political subdivision of the State of Mississippi by an act passed by the Mississippi Legislature in April of 2006.
The resolution was read aloud by District I Supervisor, Donald Hart, and stated that the Board of Supervisors wished to recognize the tireless and unselfish leadership and service of Mr.Lewis while helping to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Pearl River County.
“I want to thank the Board of Supervisors for standing by us the last 11 years. We needed all the help we could get,” Mr.Lewis said. “But I would like to say that we are in a state now that we are functioning well and just about able to take care of our own responsibilities. This has been for the citizens of Picayune, Poplarville and all of Pearl River County. We appreciate you and I thank you all very much.”
Board President Sandy Kane Smith, also addressed Mr. Lewis’ wife, Ivory Lewis for her service as well.
Left to Right: Ivory Lewis, Isiah "Ike" Lewis, District I Supervisor Donald Hart
“Its not easy being a wife of an elected official or anyone serving on a board. I know I don’t get to spend that time with my wife but that’s just part of the job,” Smith said. “So I appreciate the sacrifice you made, Mrs. Lewis, so that he could serve on this board, because it was an ugly mess for a while. And I appreciate you Mr. Lewis for getting it straight.”
The meeting continued with Bryon Hill of Mississippi Power, sharing an overview of the recent projects the power company has completed in the city of Picayune. Hill explained that Mississippi Power has also recently changed all existing lighting to LED at the Pearl River Central High School campus and practice baseball fields, and will soon begin the same process on the Elementary campus.
Hill was there in hopes of expressing Mississippi Power’s willingness to conduct more projects of a similar nature in the rest of the county.
“It really make a big difference. (superintendent of Pearl River Central schools) Alan Lumpkin said it really really made a lot of difference. All the (Pearl River Central) security guys have liked it. It’s just a lot brighter light and you’re able to put the light where you need it more,” Hill explained.
Hill explained that they hope to provide something better quality lighting to the area than what has been available in the past. He went on to say that Mississippi Power has already changed more than 250 lights in the city of Picayune.
Also discussed at the Wednesday’s meeting was the Pearl River County clean up day, which is scheduled for March 3.
Board President Sandy Kane Smith told the crowd that a meeting had recently been held at Margaret Reed Crosby Memorial Library, on Feb. 13, to discuss the details of the event. Smith said that more than 40 people attended the meeting, much better than last year, where the event received very little response. Smith also explained that local realestate agent, Irvine Template, is helping head up the event this year.
Citizens interested in helping with the event can join the Pearl River County Pride Facebook page. WRJW will be bringing you more information on this event in the days to come.
