The Leflore County Extension Service's Advisory Council decided to show its appreciation for local political leaders Monday with a luncheon held at the Leflore County Civic Center.
"Generally, we do a little more talking. The local advisory council decided they didn't want to do it that way this year. We're doing a little less talking and a lot more eating," said Dr. Joe Street, the head of the Delta Research and Extension Center at Stoneville.
Delta farm-raised catfish, donated by Heartland Catfish of Itta Bena - and cooked to perfection by Bubba DeLoach - served as the bait.
Political leaders attending included Greenwood City Council members Johnny Jennings, John Lee and Taylor Dillard; Leflore Board of Supervisors members Phil Wolfe, Robert Moore, Wayne Self and Larry "Kite" Johnson; Willie Perkins, county attorney; Sam Abraham, county chancery clerk; Trey Evans, county circuit clerk; Sara Kenwright, county tax collector; and Leflore County Circuit Court Judge Richard Smith.
Andy Braswell, the Extension Service's county director, said receptions have been held in the past.
"This is the first sit-down meal we've had in a while. We felt it would be better to get them together as a group," he said.
More than 50 people attended the event, which was held at the Leflore County Civic Center.
Sonic Drive-In provided the cole slaw cups used at the luncheon. Other donations came from Staplcotn and The Learning Tree, Braswell said.
Kipp Brown, a veteran area livestock agent who serves ranchers in 22 of Mississippi's 82 counties, said get-togethers like Monday's are important to find out what's on people's minds.
"I try and go to all my counties that I can. I go to all the meetings so they can tell me what they want," he said.
Street said the interaction between the advisory council and the public helps to make the Extension Service more attuned with the public it serves.
