County adopts resolution on child abuse; commissioners debate game room rules

By Larry Tucker
editor@wood.cm
Posted 4/8/20

Wood County commissioners declared April 2020 as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month Tuesday.

Wood County Child Welfare Board President Sam Scroggins said the annual candlelight vigil at Jim Hogg City Park has been postponed.

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County adopts resolution on child abuse; commissioners debate game room rules

Posted

Wood County commissioners declared April 2020 as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month Tuesday.

Wood County Child Welfare Board President Sam Scroggins said the annual candlelight vigil at Jim Hogg City Park has been postponed.

“We are planning on holding the vigil once things get back to a rather normal state, probably in the fall in September. We all believe very strongly that we must do all we can do to be aware and help prevent child abuse,” Scroggins said.

“Child abuse comes in many forms, not only physical and sexual abuse, but also mental. All these things are detrimental to our children. On behalf of all the organizations, I appreciate your commitment to help us spread the word and help raise the awareness of child abuse,” he said.

After a 15-minute discussion, no action was taken on Wood County game room regulations. Commissioners will meet later in a workshop to discuss the matter.

“We probably need something to be pro-active in our county instead of just relying on the penal code,” Judge Lucy Hebron noted. 

There were several personnel moves in the Wood County Sheriff’s Office. Lynn Bettis was moved to courthouse security officer supervisor while Don Fortner was moved to deputy. Jeremy Ragsdale is now CID sergeant and Jeremy Smith was moved to a deputy position after serving in the past as a courthouse security officer. Cody Burge replaces Smith as a courthouse security officer. Billy Hill was transferred within the county to another department and is no longer on the sheriff’s office payroll.

 In the district attorney’s office, Rebecca Monk resigned as a clerk and Suzy Bain was hired as a deputy clerk.

The addition of a fixed structure at Lake Hawkins RV Park was approved. The structure is set to be a general store for the area.

Commissioners approved an inter-agency agreement with Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

In case of an infection of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Wood County Sheriff’s Office will receive all incoming 9-1-1 calls and administrative calls for Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

Due to increased call volume placed on Wood County, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office will provide all “healthy” telecommunications officers to report to Wood County Sheriff’s Office for a 24-hour shift.