County proclaims National 4-H Week, hears airport updates

PERRY — Houston County Commissioners heard from the Houston County 4-H and recognized many program members. Chairman Dan Perdue issued a proclamation making Oct. 5-11 as National 4-H Week. 

Youth Development Agent for the Houston County UGA Extension, Samantha Price, said Houston County 4-H has nearly 3,500 youth enrolled in the program. She added that the number is largely due to 4-H’s school support system. 

“We service fourth and fifth graders with our in-school programing, and that has been a big hit this year,” Price said. “Additionally, our sixth through twelfth graders come to us once a month for their monthly meeting so that they can learn from the opportunities they have and also the special opportunities happening.” 

Houston County 4-H had a lot of success this year. Price mentioned they attended the State Congress in July and had three participants receive Master status, which she said is the highest honor that anyone in 4-H can achieve. 

Price also recognized the Houston County 4-H county council, which is made up of 7th-12th graders.

“[The county council] is here to help us as the 4-H leaders know what their peers and constituents want.” she said. 

Chairman Perdue shared words of admiration for those recognized in the Houston County 4-H program. 

“I appreciate your participation in 4-H; congratulations on all the success to these young people and congratulations to the organization supporting them,” he said. 

Houston County Director of Utilities Terry Dietch attended a SWANA (Solid Waste Association of North America) awards banquet for the Georgia chapter. Dietch said they had never won an individual award until now as Otha Sutton was awarded the SWANA Georgia Chapter Solid Waste Worker of the Year. 

“Everyone calls him ‘Smiley’ because he smiles all the time. He has trained almost every employee out there since 1978 including myself, so he has been an asset to the county for almost half a century,” Dietch said. “We are very appreciative to Mr. Otha for his many years of service and very appreciative to the many other employees we have that stay with us year after year,” Perdue said. 

The Commissioners also heard from Perry-Houston County Airport Authority Manager Jim Marquardt, who updated the Board on the airport’s performance over the past year. 

He spoke about the airport’s budget. He said last year’s budget was $1,468,000 and is projected to have an annual income of $1,548,651. 

“Eight years ago, [our budget] was more in the realm of $600,000, so we’ve grown considerably,” he said. “Our cost of goods is high and our gross income is $775,000, that is projected for this year.” 

One of the goals Marquardt mentioned is for the airport to become self-sufficient. However, based on their net income, Marquardt said they would not be able to do the things needed without the support of the City of Perry and Houston County. 

The airport had completed crack sealing the entire second apron, primarily funded by the Federal Government. Marquardt shared they are currently constructing 14 new T-hangars. The hangars, funded by a county grant, are expected to generate approximately $42,000 in additional annual income. 

“Within the last three years, we have had four jet aircrafts, one Turbo-Prop and three piston airplanes that were not there before,” he said.  “The airport’s continued growth remains contingent on the financial assistance we get from both the city and the county, and we are certainly very aware of how important that is.” 

The next Houston County Commissioners meeting will be Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 5 p.m., located at the Houston County Annex on 200 Carl Vinson Parkway. The full agenda of this meeting can be found at www.houstoncountyga.gov/minutes/2025-10-07%20Department%20Heads.pdf