By Billy Davis

Batesville business owner Boyce Crowell turned in the highest bid for a tract of land owned by Panola County government.

He bid $41,752.67 for the tract, located at Pamela and Turner streets. The property is located across Turner Street from a business owned by Crowell.

The county Board of Supervisors opened five bids Monday morning in Batesville. The second-highest bid, $40,001, came from Reed Buntin, whose residence adjoins the land.

Supervisors decided to sell the land after a dilapidated county building was torn down.

In other county business, supervisors approved the purchase of game cameras to monitor road signs that are the frequent target of thieves.

Panola EMA director Daniel Cole requested the purchase of two cameras with budgeted funds.

He justified the purchase by pointing out the county government spent $800 last year on road signs for just one road, River Road.

Sportsmen use the cameras to monitor deer activity. Cole said he plans to purchase infrared cameras, which take pictures without the use of a flash.

“How will you keep people from stealing them?” asked Chancery Clerk Jim Pitcock.

“We can put them up a tree. We can figure a way,” Cole said.

Cole also reported on the county’s dispatch center, saying it has returned to normal operations after a March 28 lightning strike.

The dispatch center operates from a building located at the sheriff’s department.