By By Sheila Blackmon/The Meridian Star
Dec. 1, 2000
DEKALB Bobbie Harbour has seen a lot of growth in Kemper County since she became county administrator. She ended her tenure Thursday, but said she looks forward to many years of good things to come.
Harbour said she's seen progress at Kemper Lake, including a paved access road and new campsites. Several dirt roads in the county have been paved, and 150-200 miles of road have been resealed.
She said county officials also made improvements to the county's volunteer fire departments during her terms. Several fire stations have been built, and three or four new fire trucks purchased.
She has also seen a new medical clinic opened this year and two new community group homes have been completed and are expected to open in January. There are also a couple of new industries, she said.
Harbour announced plans to retire about two weeks ago, but it becomes effective today.
She said now is a good time for her to retire.
She said she will miss her job.
A native of Kemper County, Harbour graduated from Kemper County High School and received her degree in business administration at East Mississippi Community College.
She entered the work force in 1952. She has served as secretary to two attorneys. She worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 13 years, for Sen. John Stennis for 15 years, and in the Department of Human Services for six years in what would now be considered the welfare division.
Until the Board of Supervisors hires someone to fill her position, Kemper County Economic Development Authority Executive Director Mike McGrevey will serve as interim county administrator.
Sheila Blackmon is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at sblackmon@themeridianstar.com.