Commissioners approve project, address county updates

By Melinda L. Lucas

At Monday’s Shackelford County commissioners meeting, Shackelford County 4-H representatives reviewed a detailed proposal to enhance the Courthouse flower beds as a community service project.

After a brief introduction by 4-H advisor Kelsey Bell, Riley Reames and Kerrigan Howard took over the presentation, with multi-page handouts to explain their plans.

Reames, who serves as senior club treasurer this year, went over the diagram that showed different areas on the square. Howard, who assisted with the presentation, is junior secretary.

“Our plan is to add color and life to the Courthouse lawn,” Reames said. “If approved, we would like this to be an ongoing project for future 4-H officers to lead and organize.”

The proposal includes: 

–Moving and adding purple iris or possibly native wildflower mix to the walkway and steps at the gazebo

–Placing pre-established plants in the flower pots at the west and east entrances of the Courthouse, as well as at the marquee

–Thinning out established bluebonnets in the middle of some beds, moving them to places that are bare or sparse, then adding the native wildflower seed mix that includes flowers that bloom year round

–Removing the grass between the memorials on the north side of the lawn; add a layer of landscape fabric; top with pea gravel.

Reames noted that there is not currently any irrigation leading up to or around the gazebo or the memorials, and that some watering might be needed until the new plants are established.

The 4-Hers will send soil samples to A&M by March 1 at a cost of $15 to $40 per sample. They plan to buy several bags of seed mix from Turner Seed at $35 per bag and plant following a workday to prep the beds in mid-March, adding supplements and/or fertilizers if needed.

The commissioners approved the proposal, adding that they would help in any way that was needed. 

It was also confirmed that there were donated dedicated funds available to help with irrigation or other costs.

Other Business

•The commissioners approved an affidavit affirming the county’s $500 grant payment to Shackelford County Community Resource Center for home delivered meals in 2024, a document required in order for the Resource Center to close out the grant.

•The January 2025 treasurers report was approved.

•Sheriff Ed Miller reported that a $16,000 repair is necessary to replace a sewage grinder installed at the county law enforcement center in 2012. The parts normally have about a 10-year life.

•Miller also said that repairs are being made to two vehicles damaged by gunfire in the pursuit and subsequent arrest of an armed suspect on Jan. 28.

•There was no action on the burn ban, which is currently inactive.