County attorney to retire at year-end

By Melinda L. Lucas

Shackelford County elected officials and others honored outgoing district attorney Colton Johnson at a special retirement reception Monday afternoon following the regular meeting earlier that day.

Johnson  was appointed to the office by county commissioners in 1998 and ran for his first full term in 2000. He has served the county for 20-plus years over five consecutive elected terms. He was presented with a plaque by county judge Robert Skelton. Several officials offered comments, including district judge Brooks Hagler and longtime former county judge Ross Montgomery.

Johnson’s current term will end Dec. 31, with the new county attorney, Rollin Rauschl, taking over those duties on Jan. 1.

Special Recognition

During the meeting on Monday morning, Skelton acknowledged the efforts of county and local law enforcement and emergency personnel with the news that Shackelford County had been awarded “Trailblazer Recognition” by Texas Transportation Commissioner Laura Ryan as part of the state’s effort to “End the Streak” of daily deaths on Texas roadways.

Shackelford County was one of only 20 Texas counties to have zero roadway fatalities in 2019.

Other Business

•Commissioners decided to reenact the county-wide burn ban because of recent fires and dry fuel, even though in many cases the dead grass is on top of green vegetation.

•An agreement with the Regional Public Defender of Capital Cases was approved at a pro-rated cost of $1,000.

The regular meeting dates for 2021 were approved and this year’s Christmas luncheon was set for Dec. 22.

•The treasurer’s report for October was approved.

•Several youth members of the Shackelford County 4-H Club were present to observe the meeting.