Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown requested the board allow the sheriff's office to apply for a $42,556 grant from General Mills.

The grants would go to fund initiatives like Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety, better known as C.H.A.M.P.S. and the Explorers program.

The C.H.A.M.P.S. program teaches students to avoid self-destructive behavior such as alcohol or drug abuse, gangs and violence. The Explorers program is designed for students interested in future careers in law enforcement.

Grant application approved for Girl STEPS program
The board approved a request by the Newton County juvenile court to apply for a $30,494 grant for the Girl STEPS program.

The grant for Girl STEP, Sister Teaching Empowering Parenting Sisters, will come from the Department of Human Services Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program. It strives to help adolescent girls redirect disruptive behavior and improve family relationships.

Commissioner Nancy Shulz complimented the program.

"Those of us who have seen the Girls STEPS program in action can attest to the fact that it is an excellent program [and has] really impacted our county in a positive way," Commissioner Shulz said.

The board also voted to approve a $75,000 grant award on the behalf of the juvenile court from the Governor's Office for Children and Families.

In other news
The board voted to renew a $15,405 four-year contract for the antivirus program for all county computers and mobile devices.

The board also approved the L.O.S.T. distribution resolution for another 10 years.