The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office arrested a local man Friday, May 2, on charges related to the conspiracy to commit capital murder for hire. Jacob Wayne Spencer, 45, was taken into custody at about 2 p.m.
Giddy up!
Alex Kielar news@breckenridgeamerican.com Since 1949, the United States has recognized May as Mental Health Awareness Month. In Breckenridge and Stephens County as a whole, the effort to further raise awareness for mental health and get people struggling the help that they need is at the forefront of many important individuals’ minds.
Following an extensive investigation conducted by the Breckenridge Police Department, three individuals were recently busted and arrested for illegal gambling under Texas state law. In the State of Texas, novelty gaming must not exceed payouts of more than five dollars a day.
After approving the purchase of a new 3D mammogram machine in December to replace an aging one, the Stephens Memorial Hospital Board of Directors has worked extensively over the last few months to get one in the facility.
Stephens County is currently in line, as part of the Alamo Letter Society’s mission to place a large bronze plaque containing Colonel William Barret Travis’ Alamo “Victory or Death” letter at all 254 Texas courthouses.
Voting in the two local elections concluded Saturday, May 3 as unofficial election results were released for the contested races for the Breckenridge City Commission and Stephens Memorial Hospital Board of Directors.
Early voting in the elections ran from Tuesday, April 22 through Tuesday, April 29, while Election Day was held Saturday, May 3. Each entity held its election at its own polling place, the city election at city hall and the SMH board election at the O.C. Heairren Annex.
Results are unofficial until canvassing by each entity.
The Breckenridge Economic Development Corporation has a new executive director following the resignation of David Miller last month. Michael Paris was recently selected to fill the role for BEDC after previously serving as executive director of San Patricio County EDC since November 2023 and of Paris, Texas EDC from January 2016 to February 2020.
Following a lawsuit-induced two-year delay, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) released the 2023 A-F accountability ratings for school systems and campuses statewide Thursday, April 24. Those ratings reflect all schools’ performance from the 2022-23 school year and are available to be viewed by the public at TXSchools.gov.
With a passion for public service in his blood, Stephens County Constable Wayne McMullen followed in his father, Roger McMullen’s footsteps in serving the county and the city. Stephens County and its public servants who served alongside McMullen, the first responder community and McMullen’s family are mourning the loss of one of their own.
