With elections coming up in May for three area entities, Stephens County Tax Assessor-Collector/Elections Administrator Christie Latham issued a release last week reminding eligible voters of the need to file a new application for ballot by mail.
Applications made be filed each year for that year’s elections. Last year’s applications have all expired.
Applications for ballot by mail are due at the Tax Assessor/Collectors office by 4 p.m. Friday, Feb 23.
Filing opened last week for open positions on three taxing entities within Stephens County. From Jan. 11 through Feb. 16 community members who satisfy filing guidelines can file to run for spots on the Breckenridge City Commission, Breckenridge Independent School District Board of Trustees and Stephens Memorial Hospital Board of Directors.
Election day for these positions will be Saturday, May 4.
The Stephens County Commissioners Court honored state Rep. Dr. Glenn Rogers with a resolution Monday, Jan. 22, recognizing the partnership the county has with the Texas State Legislature through the work of Dr. Rogers.
Stephens County Judge Michael Roach joined County Attorney Gary Trammel and Breckenridge ISD Superintendent Bryan Allen in words of appreciation.
Stephens County Appraisal District issued a release last week with updated property tax information.
Information is also available on the Comptroller’s Property Tax Assistance Division’s website at comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax, or by calling 254-559-8233.
The search has officially began for an interim police chief with the Breckenridge Police Department.
The Breckenridge City Commission voted Tuesday, Jan. 9 to approve using an outside contractor for the search of an interim police chief.
After exiting a closed session in which commissioners discussed the search for an interim chief following the resignation of Bacel Cantrell, commissioners approved to enter into an agreement with Strategic Government Resources for interim police chief services while the city continues its search for a new police chief.
The public had an opportunity to get an update on long-term facility planning and a possible bond election during a public meeting held last week at Bailey Auditorium.
Representatives from Parkhill Architects and Live Oak Public Financing to discuss renovation and construction options as well as bond options to fund the selected option.
Parkhill has been working with a citizen’s advisory committee to develop a long-term facility plan.
One suspect from last week’s high-speed car chase remains on the loose and is believed to be still in Stephens County. The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office remains in search of Michael Jacob “Lucky” Aldridge after Aldridge escaped authorities after two chases last week.
Aldridge has felony warrants in Stephens County for aggravated assault against a public servant and evading arrest detention with a vehicle with previous convictions.
An annual event will be skipped this year while a community favorite will return in 2024. The Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce announced its annual chamber banquet will not take place in 2024 and will be moved to early 2025.
The US 180 Bridge, better known locally as the “Mile Long Bridge” reopened to traffic Sunday, Jan. 7. Normal traffic was allowed on the bridge after it had been closed since Friday, Dec. 22 due to the failure of an emergency inspection.
The Texas Department of Transportation was successful in its goal of having the bridge reopened before Breckenridge ISD students returned to classes from winter break Monday, Jan. 8. For a short period, TxDOT indicated it could be a few days late on completion. An update issued Friday, Jan. 5 stated Jan. 11 was a conservative estimate.
One suspect was arrested and another is still on the run after a high-speed vehicle chase through Stephens County Wednesday, Jan. 3. Kari Haigler, 33, of Breckenridge, was arrested while a second suspect, identified as Michael “Lucky” Aldridge, remains on the run.
Haigler was taken to the Stephens County Jail to be charged with evading arrest and detention Wednesday night.
Stephens County Sheriff Kevin Roach said Haigler was found in a dumpster near a house on FM 207, with the help of a good Samaritan.
