Other Days: March 13, 2024

10 YEARS AGO MARCH 12, 2014 Cleveland County Judge Gary Spears told the Quorum Court that he plans to hold at least three public meetings around the county in early May to explain the county's proposed 2-cent sales tax for solid waste services. In February, the court approved putting the proposed 2cent sales tax before voters during the primary election on May 20. If approved, the tax would eliminate the trash bills that residents currently receive - over $61 on a quarterly basis.At Monday night's meeting of the board of the Cleveland County School District, Supt. Johnnie Johnson reported that the state has approved the district's request to convert Kingsland Elementary into a K-5 elementary starting with the 201415 school year. Beginning next school year, sixth grade students at Kingsland will be transported to Rison to attend the junior high school that is housed in the same building as the high school. Last year, the board voted to convert Rison Elementary from a K-6 school to a K-5 school, and move the sixth graders into the high school to create a 6-8 junior high. That move became effective with the start of this current school year. Also Monday night, the board also approved a $500 pay raise for the certified staff, and approved naming Davy King as the new Rison High School principal beginning July 1. King replaces Kent Baggett, who is retiring at the end of his current contract on June 30.Wendy Wegner James of Kingsland formally announced Monday that she is withdrawing from the race for Justice of the Peace in District 1.The Woodlawn School District seems to be financially healthy, but Supt. Dudley Hume said the district still needs more money to stay competitive. That was the summation of Monday night's meeting of the district's board after it heard a financial analysis of the district presented by Jason Holsclaw of Stephens, Inc., the district's financial adviser. Holsclaw told the board that Woodlawn's financial data stacks up well overall, especially…