Councilman’s chair sits empty

The empty chair of the late Archie Barron sat empty during last night’s meeting of Oconee County Council. But his chair was adorned with a white bow and flowers as part of the council’s tribute to a man who spoke sparingly during meetings and conducted himself in a gentlemanly manner. According to the county elections office, Barron’s death Monday will require a special election this year to fill the remaining months of his four-year term in office. And Joy Brooks, the elections director, said that depending on the interest in the seat, special primaries may be required leading up to that election.