3 county retirees recognized

By Melinda L. Lucas

Three Shackelford County employees with several decades of county experience were recognized at Monday’s regular commissioners meeting, with plans made for a retirement reception this week.

Gayala Askew, who has worked 29 years in the county tax-assessor’s and voter registration office, and Tempie Wiloth, who retired May 29 after 28 years with the sheriff’s department, were both given plaques by county judge Bob Skelton during the June 24 session.

Also honored was Arlene Farmer, who actually helped trained Askew almost 30 years ago, then moved away and worked for Tarrant and Wise counties before coming back to Albany several years ago. She has been working alongside Askew in the same office for the past three years. Of her 33-1/2 years of county service, about nine have been with Shackelford County.

Askew will be honored with a reception upon her retirement this Friday, June 28 in the second floor courtroom of the Shackelford County Courthouse, starting at 2:00 p.m.

“These ladies have served the county well and long, and have lots of knowledge,” said Skelton.

Certified Mileage

The judge reported that the state is asking for accurate mileage figures for the four county precincts for the upcoming year.

Because there is some discrepancy in the new calculations and what the commissioners have in their records, the elected officials decided to table the certification until they can actually measure their roads.

County Barn

Precinct 1 commissioners Steve Riley told the court that electrical problems at the county barn can be repaired for less than first estimated if a breaker box is installed rather than the system that is currently in place, which would cost about $1,300 to replace.

Because the electrician’s estimate was less than $500, the commissioners decided to split the cost between the four precincts rather than applying it to the extension agent’s budget.

Other Business

•Skelton reported that the county cannot legally give equipment, specifically an old courthouse handicapped ramp, to an individual, but items can be donated to a charitable organization within the county.

•Commissioners voted to reimburse county employee Belinda Perez for health insurance since she is already covered by her husband’s insurance.

•The treasurer’s report for May was approved.

•County JP James Breeden commented that several calls had come from Moran residents thanking the commissioners for the new commodities freezer.