The Tobacco Settlement Permanent Trust Account Investment Advisory Committee approved $50.3 million for the year 2004 tobacco settlement distribution. According to the distribution report published by the Department of State Health Services, 168 counties received about $8.7 million in reimbursements. Under the terms of a historic settlement negotiated in the summer of 1998, … [Read more...] about Counties Receive $8.7 Million in Tobacco Money
Miscellaneous
Women in County Government
When it comes to women in county government, Helen Walker has more than four decades of experience to draw from. Now retired, the former Victoria County judge has some sage advice to offer fellow female officials: “Love Your Work.” and “You GO, Girls!” Walker is one who practices what she preaches, and when it comes to “You GO,” she WENT. Helen Walker became Victoria … [Read more...] about Women in County Government
West Texas Resolutions
The following resolutions were passed by the West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association, representing 118 counties in the state of Texas, on March 24, 2005, during the Association’s annual conference. No. 1: Thanks to the Host Court WHEREAS, the 76th annual conference of the West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association was held in Odessa, Texas, … [Read more...] about West Texas Resolutions
Salt Fork Water Quality District
A federal grant has set in motion a tri-county effort that aims to bolster the economy in rural West Texas and improve water quality in the Upper Brazos River Basin. Garza, Kent and Stonewall counties are creating an expanded version of the Salt Fork Water Quality District, which plans to keep highly concentrated salt water from entering the Brazos River. With a grant from the … [Read more...] about Salt Fork Water Quality District
Monuments of Justice: Upshur County Courthouse
Upshur County has conducted county business in a variety of places: The first prosecution took place beneath a tree at William H. Hart’s home in 1846. Proceedings then were moved into a log courthouse until Gilmer, the county seat, was relocated. A second log cabin was put to use at the new site of the county seat. Boards from Hoover Brothers’ Big Sandy Creek mill were … [Read more...] about Monuments of Justice: Upshur County Courthouse