Bridge barricade to be fortified
By Melinda L. Lucas
Shackelford County commissioners heard a report from Clifford Teinert about the historic bridge at Fort Griffin, the object of vandalism over the last few years.
The bridge, which spans the Clear Fork of the Brazos, touches the Collins Creek Ranch on the south side, and is in Throckmorton County on the north. It has been closed to vehicle traffic for a number of years, but is a popular foot bridge and location for photos.
Teinert noted that the commissioners were aware that the barriers frequently get torn down, and that there is a lot of trash left at the site.
“I’ve thought of asking that the road be closed, but that’s probably useless. They’ll still find a way to get in,” said Teinert.
The road to the bridge is in Precinct 2 and is maintained by the county.
Teinert suggested that a more substantial and permanent barrier be installed, with an opening only large enough for a person to get through, as well as signage saying that the bridge is condemned and visitors should enter at their own risk.
Pct. 2 commissioner Ace Reames agreed to work with Teinert to get the barrier and signs in place, and Reames added that he would probably do the same thing at the Caldwell bridge, which is also condemned.
Other Business
•County judge Robert Skelton stated that he had received a letter from Sherry Garvin announcing her retirement effective March 31 because of health reasons. A luncheon for her is being held April 14.
•Skelton also reported that workers from Wolcott Industries were already in the process of “rehabbing” the wooden shutters in the Courthouse, an action item at the March 28 commissioners meeting.
•There was no action taken on the county-wide burn ban, which remains active.
•An application to install a private line on CR 187 was approved.
•Interlocal agreements for jail confinement services with Callahan and Throckmorton, with increases to $75 a day for males and $125 for females was approved, to go into effect in October.
•A new policy about releasing voter registration lists was approved.
