NEWPORT-Retired Newport Grammar School teacher Linda Powell took the oath of office as the newest member of the Newport City Board of Education on Monday afternoon prior to the group's October meeting. Judge John Bell administered Powell's oath as members of her family, the board, and several guests looked on.

Powell, who was already a candidate for election to the board in the city's December election, was named by Newport City Council at their last meeting to finish the term of Kim Hux Hudson, who recently resigned.

During the board's business session, members voted unanimously on a motion by Mike Overholt, seconded by Powell, to accept Brockwell Construction Company's bid of $42,908 to replace the flooring in Newport Grammar School's Little Warriors area, including hallways and two classrooms. Other bids were received from Discount Carpet, B & D Carpet Services, McSpadden, Inc., and Reed Construction.

For more details, please see the latest edition of the Newport Plain Talk.