Texas County Progress

The Official Publication of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas

Shelby County

Monuments of Justice: Shelby County Courthouse

by

County Seat: Center * County Population: 25,448 (2010 Census)

    The Historic Shelby County Courthouse is the only Irish castle-style courthouse remaining in the United States. Designed by Irishman John Joseph Emmett Gibson, the county capitol was completed in 1885 and is a National Register Property. Gibson used castles in his native Ireland for inspiration, hence the turrets, towers, and a frame cupola. While the county conducts the … [Read more...] about Monuments of Justice: Shelby County Courthouse

A Glimpse in the Life of Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison

by

Every so often, County Progress asks our distinguished Judges and Commissioners to allow us a glimpse into their public lives giving us a fresh appreciation for the myriad of roles and responsibilities they shoulder every day. Our thanks to Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison for taking the time to visit with us.

  HISTORY: I am a lifelong resident of Shelby County. I was raised in the southeastern part of Shelby County in the middle of the Sabine National Forest on a 240-acre ranch. We raised cattle, horses, and 100,000 broiler chickens. Broiler chickens are raised for six to seven weeks and then processed for consumption. My mother managed the farm, and my father worked for … [Read more...] about A Glimpse in the Life of Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison

What does the Recent Supreme Court Ruling in Shelby County v. Holder Actually Mean for Texas Counties?

by

By Robert T. Bass Allison, Bass & Associates, L.L.P. On June 25, 2013, the Supreme Court issued a long-awaited opinion on the Voting Rights Act, codified at 42 U.S.C.A. 1973.  The case was filed by Shelby County, Alabama, seeking a declaratory judgment that Sections 4 and 5 of the Voting Rights Act were facially unconstitutional, and further sought a permanent … [Read more...] about What does the Recent Supreme Court Ruling in Shelby County v. Holder Actually Mean for Texas Counties?

158 Counties Receive $6 Million in Tobacco Money

by

The Tobacco Settlement Permanent Trust Account Investment Advisory Committee approved $50 million for the year 2013 tobacco settlement distribution, the same as the previous year’s amount. According to the distribution report published by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), 158 counties received just under $6 million in reimbursements. Under the terms of a … [Read more...] about 158 Counties Receive $6 Million in Tobacco Money