Dec. 6, the Catoosa County Democratic Party hosted the first annual Celebration of Service Bar-B-Q at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School. Summerville attorney Bobby Lee Cook was the keynote speaker. Longtime Catoosa County Democrats Sam T. Dills, former probate judge, and James A. Moreland, former sole county commissioner, were recognized for their dedicated service to Catoosa County.

The family of former tax commissioner, former county commissioner, former State Representative and longtime Democrat Bert Ward presented the committee with two portraits of Bert Ward to be used as memorial photos.

In addition, guests heard from seven 2010 Democratic candidates for state and federal offices, including R.J. Hadley (US Senate), Mike Freeman (US Congress), retired Lt. General David Poythress (Governor), Michael Mills (Secretary of State), Gail Buckner (Secretary of State), Dr. Beth Farokhi (State School Superintendent) and Brian Westlake (State School Superintendent).