County approves archaeology bid, honors baseball team

Holmes County Commissioners approved a bid for an archaeological study on the Bonifay-Chipley Road paving project when the board met in regular session June 7. The bud was awarded to All Phases Archaeology.

The study was ordered by the Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) as a condition of the permit being issued after the State Historic Preservation Office requested that a study be done as the area is near a significant archaeological site that has already been documented. The study will take about three weeks to complete. The $13,346,27 cost will be paid for out of the road contingencies fund.

Holmes County Engineer Cliff Knauer states once the study is completed, one of two things will happen: If there are no findings, the project will begin construction. However, if there are findings, a second phase of the project will begin. Knauer advised any findings would lead to the need to conduct further studies. 

Commissioners also approved bid packages to be advertised for fencing on both the  Bonifay-Chipley Road and Bonifay-Gritney Road projects. Each project will have pre-existing fence along the construction path that will need to be replaced once the project is complete.

Sheriff John Tate also brought a proposal to the board that will allow for a second inmate work crew to work in the county. Sheriff Tate said $15,000 would cover the expenses over the next four months, and his office will supply a second group of inmates to perform work duties in the county, including park cleanup and litter pickup. The funds will cover the salary of the deputy supervising the work crew. The board approved the proposal and is looking into budgeting for the position in the next fiscal year.

Commissioners also honored the Holmes County High School Blue Devil varsity baseball team with a resolution naming June 8, 2022 as Holmes County Blue Devils Baseball Day. Commissioners praised the team for their hard work and perseverance in winning the State 1A Championship. Each team member received a framed resolution.