Texas County Progress
The Official Publication of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas
In his 1913 autobiography, Theodore Roosevelt referenced a quote from Squire Bill Widener of Virginia that remains popular to this day: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Over the years, this quote has been rephrased in various ways, often issued as a challenge: “Do the best you can with the tools available.” Enter Texas County Government. While some may … [Read more...] about Explaining County Authority
Callahan County is on the homestretch of a decades-long restoration journey that pays homage to the past while preparing the county for the future. Voelcker & Dixon Architects & Engineers of Wichita Falls designed the 1929 Callahan County Classical Revival Courthouse. As of press time, the county was making plans to celebrate the reopening of the county … [Read more...] about Callahan County Courthouse Restoration
Ochiltree County Commissioner JW DeWitt, 64, of Perryton, Texas, passed away on Sept. 28, 2026, at the age of 64. JW was born March 5, 1962, in Pampa, Texas, to JW and Marcella DeWitt. He graduated high school in Canadian, Texas, and attended West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas. Introduced by Beth’s brother and JW’s sister, JW and Beth dated for four years before … [Read more...] about Ochiltree County Commissioner JW DeWitt
Texas county jails continue to operate in an environment that is constantly changing. While counties across the state face many of the same challenges, those challenges do not always look the same from one county to the next. After more than 35 years in corrections, including over 30 years working in county law enforcement and jail operations, I've learned there is rarely a … [Read more...] about Texas County Jails: Preparing for What Comes Next
Erath County Commissioner James C. “Jim” Buck II passed away on Sept. 24, 2026, at the age of 70. Jim was born on Sept. 7, 1956, in Stephenville to the late James Calmes and Sally Standridge Buck. He attended public school in Stephenville and was a member of Stephenville High School class of 1975. Jim married the love of his life, Deborah Lynn Shinn, on Aug. 30, 1975, in … [Read more...] about Erath County Commissioner James C. ‘Jim’ Buck II
