SCSO request for new patrol vehicle

During the Stephens County Commissioners Court meeting, Sheriff Kevin Roach requested that the court consider providing the initial funding for a new vehicle to replace one that is in consistent need of repair. Sheriff Roach discussed options with the commissioners, including obtaining grant money, a state program that offers a significant discount on the base price for law enforcement, and leasing a vehicle. The commissioners approved the motion to provide the upfront funding with the expecta tion of recouping most of the initial investment.

Sheriff Roach said, “The option we are proceeding with is in the best interest of the taxpayer.”

This was also verified by Judge Michael Roach who said, “At a point, it no longer makes sense to keep repairing aged vehicles, and that is where we are with the vehicle in question.”

Judge Roach updated the court on the status of the Stephens County Airport. The airport is looking to increase cross country traffic by offering competitive fuel prices. He said, “Much like a gas station, people do not buy expensive fuel. Not when they can go to Graham, Eastland, Albany or several nearby airports.”

According to Judge Roach, the county makes an average of $1.25 on jet fuel and $.75-$1.00 on 100LL per gallon. “If we keep things going, we can have a full-time employee and significant traffic that allows the airport to be a substantial revenue source. Like all businesses, it takes a while to turn things around.”

Judge Roach offered to provide the commissioners with monthly updates while focusing on an in-depth review of profits in August of this year, to which the commissioners agreed.

Precinct 1 Commissioner David Fambro proposed implementing fines for anyone building pipelines under county roads without prior authorization. These fines would range from $1,000 to $2,000 based on the number of offenses and the county would consider pursuing legal action after a third offense. Commissioner Fambro went on to request that the fees and fines collected for a particular crossing be allocated for use by the precinct in which the crossing occurs. The court approved the motion.

The commissioners then approved the authorization to cross county roads 125 and 136 for the purpose of laying a three-inch natural gas pipeline, and the authorizations to cross CR292 and CR290 to lay an eight-inch natural gas pipeline. The installation of a fiber optic cable on the west side of CR168, starting at FM701 and extending south for 1.5 miles was approved by the court pending payment of required fees.

The burn ban in Stephens County was reinstated due to a recent rise in fires, both inside and outside of the city limits. Fire Chief Calvin Chaney said that these fires were caused by negligence. “They burn and not stay with them. Then the wind gets up and we have a grassfire.”

For any questions regarding the burn ban contact the Breckenridge Fire Department at 254- 559-6242.

Director of Business Development at Stephens Memorial Hospital, Chris Curtis, updated the court on the progress of the Senior Meals program which the hospital took over after the closure of the Senior Citizens Center.

Curtis said that many people are unaware of the program that provides three meals per week to residents. He reported that medical staff are actively working to spread awareness which has resulted in substantial growth for the program, up 49 participants since the hospital began the program. While the program ended 2020 with a surplus, it is still dependent on donations and grants to keep it going.

Curtis said, “I would just really like to thank the people that supported it. The support from the community has been overwhelming.”

The request to the court for additional funding for the next six months was unanimously approved.

Family Community Health Extension Agent, Sumer Russell addressed the court to discuss the effectiveness of 2020 health programs and intentions for 2021 programs.

Two programs, from 2020, were discussed. The Walk Across Texas program encourages adults to eat healthy and exercise while the Learn, Grow and Go program is aimed at teaching third graders at South Elementary gardening skills.

Expanding on the benefits of the Learn, Go and Grow program Russell said, “We meet once a week. The students have built the garden beds, planted the transplants and seeds. They maintain the beds every week and we will soon harvest their vegetables and create recipes out of the harvest.”

According to Russell, based on the pre- and post-survey results, both programs were considered a success, and the extension office plans to continue them in 2021. She said, “Walk Across Texas will take place May through June and then another October through November. Anyone in Stephens County, youth or adults, can participate in this program.”

The extension office is starting a new Freezer Friends program. Frozen meals will be available for purchase at the extension office starting in March. Three frozen crockpot meals will be provided for a cost of $40 per month. These meals are designed to encourage healthy eating habits and staff will provide tips for safe food preparation. “Anyone wanting to participate in the freezer meals can call my office at 254-559-2313 to get on the list and pay to participate in the program for the month.”