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Stephens County Sheriff Kevin Roach was awarded with a plaque from Colleen Horan of Carter BloodCare and Battle of the Badges co-coordinators Les and Sherry Strickland during the Rotary Club of Breckenridge’s weekly meeting Tuesday,  Aug. 8. File photo

Year-in-Review

As we wrap up 2023 and are venturing into a new year, the Breckenridge American is taking a look back at the local news which happened during the past 12 months.

In the series’ second of two installments, we look at July through December 2023.

The US 180 bridge, known locally as the “Mile Long Bridge”, was closed Friday, Dec. 22 after an emergency inspection performed by TxDOT deemed the bridge unsafe for travel. Photo/Mike Williams

Officials working to reopen ‘Mile Long Bridge’

Temporary repair work has started on the US 180 bridge, also known as the “Mile Long Bridge,” crossing Hubbard Creek Lake. Officials hope to reopen the bridge before Breckenridge ISD resumes classes Monday, Jan. 8.
The Texas Department of Transportation and Stephens County both issued press releases Dec. 26 and 27 addressing the repair work to the bridge.

Breckenridge High School held a ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 13 to induct 30 new members into the National Honor Society. Contributed photo/Calvin Best

BHS inducts new NHS class

Breckenridge High School held the 43rd annual induction ceremony for the BHS chapter of the National Honor Society last month. In total 30 new members were inducted during the ceremony which took place Wednesday, Dec. 13 at Bailey Auditorium.

Opening ceremonies were performed, including a lighting of candles and pledging to the four pillars of NHS. Chapter president Zaea Ragle began ceremony with Charlie Salazar representing scholarship, Cora Roan representing service, Marissa Martinez representing leadership and Matthew Bueno representing character.

Breckenridge High School graduate Chase Lehr broke a 55-year old record at the 2023 Possum Kingdom Relays in Graham. Lehr set a new record Saturday, March 18 with his time of 1:55.71 in the boys’ 800 meter run. File photo

Year-in-Review

As we wrap up 2023 and are venturing into a new year, the Breckenridge American is taking a look back at the local news which happened during the past 12 months.

In the series’ first of two installments, we look at January through June 2023.

Stephens County Judge Michael Roach gives a county update to the Rotary Club of Breckenridge during the club's meeting Tuesday, Dec. 19. Photo/Mike Williams

Stephens County to open first rural Mental Health Court in Texas

Stephens County is set to achieve a first in the state of Texas.

When Stephens County Judge Michael Roach begins to hear misdemeanor cases in January, the county will also become the first rural county in the state to host a mental health court.

Roach spoke to the Rotary Club of Breckenridge Tuesday, Dec. 19 to give an update on the county.

According to the Texas Judicial Commission of Mental Health, only 23 counties have a recognized mental health court program with some counties having more than one program.

Breckenridge Junior High School sixth grader Rylan Kirkeby earned a spot on the TNT School of Self Defense Wall of Fame after earning three medals at the Amateur Organization of Karate state championship Dec. 8-9 in Houston. Contributed photo

Kirkeby takes first at state karate tournament

A Breckenridge Junior High School sixth grader is quickly making a name for herself in the martial arts world.
Last month, 12-year-old Rylan Kirkeby competed in the Amateur Organization of Karate state competition in Houston and claimed three medals in the at the three-day competition.

AOK hosted its annual state championship Dec. 8-9, with Kirkeby competing in point sparring, continuous sparring and weapons.

The deadline to file for a spot on the March Primaries ballot passed last Monday and several incumbent candidates will enter the March primaries in unopposed races.

Filing deadline passes for March primary election

The deadline to file for a spot on the March Primaries ballot passed last Monday and several incumbent candidates will enter the March primaries in unopposed races.

The position of Stephens County Precinct 3 commissioner will see a contested election, with Houston Satterwhite filing to challenge incumbent Will Warren for the position. Satterwhite, who previously ran for the same position in 2016, is the former Breckenridge Public Works Director.

Two state races with seats representing Stephens County will see contested elections.

BEDC Executive Director David Miller (shown speaking at the Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce chamber banquet) is looking for volunteers for the newly formed Keep Breckenridge Beautiful. Photo/Mike Williams

Keep Breckenridge Beautiful program begins in city

A nationwide beautification project has made its way to Breckenridge. The Breckenridge Economic Development Corporation recently approved the creation of Keep Breckenridge Beautiful. The group will be an affiliate of Keep Texas Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful.

BEDC Executive Director David Miller said Keep Breckenridge Beautiful is another initiative started to beautify and help attract more businesses to the area.

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