DAHLONEGA, Ga. — The early portion of Tuesday’s Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners meeting was dedicated to honoring county employees whose service to the community has been above and beyond the call of duty.

First among the honorees was Marie Satterfield, a senior records technician in the Sheriff’s Office, who was the recipient of the 40-year Service Award.

Satterfield has dedicated half her life to serving the residents of Lumpkin County. Nine U.S. Presidents have moved into and out of the White House since she began her tenure.

Sheriff Stacy Jarrard said, “Marie is one of the hardest working people in the world. She has been a blessing to me and will continue to be a blessing to me for many years. She has so much knowledge. She cannot be replaced. It would take multiple people to replace her.”

Tim Foster was honored as the Sheriff’s Office Employee of the Year, Gabriel Hernandez was named Emergency Services Employee of the Year and Ashley Peck, the county’s Elections Superintendent was named Employee of the Year.

Malone Harrell was appointed to the Chestatee-Chattahoochee RC&D Council and Patrick Wood was appointed to the Park and Recreation Citizens Advisory Panel.

The board approved resolutions authorizing:

Tax Commissioner to accept checks and debit and credit cards for all taxes, fees and licenses due;

The Community Healthcare Partnership Grant application;

Local legislation to create Lumpkin County Airport Authority;

The City of Dahlonega and Lumpkin County to make improvements to Auraria Road.

The board also awarded a series of contracts, including:

The dates of June 3 & 4, 10 &17 & 18, 24 & 25 be reserved for the 16th annual Three Sisters Vineyards Georgia Wine Country Festival.