Wood County commissioners approved three resolutions making April Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month and April 24-30 as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

Wood County District Attorney Angela Albers addressed the court concerning the resolutions. “I look forward to the day we don’t have to talk about sexual assault, especially child abuse which is a passion of mine, but until then we have proclamations to remind the public that at least in Wood County we are aware of the tragedy of child abuse and sexual assault and what victims go through,” Albers noted. “We are going to do our part. My office is making great strides to increase victims’ services and also just to bring awareness to the public. I invite all of y’all to Jim Hogg Park April 26 for the candlelight vigil, which is another way to get the public aware and educated.”

The vigil is set for 6 to 7 p.m. at Quitman Jim Hogg City Park. There will be booths and food available from 5:15 to 6 p.m. 

Commissioners approved $51,000 for the tower project being constructed in Precinct 1 near the Wood County barn at Quitman Lake. The grant for the project was $224,000.

“We need $51,000 to finish our project and be done over and above what our budgeted amount is,” Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Director Tully Davidson said. “That’s the building, the generator, the propane tank and everything that needs to be done.”

The $51,000 will be included in the new budget for the 2022-23 year.

In other business, commissioners approved an in-kind trade to exchange 11 tasers, which are obsolete, for 11 cartridges which can be used immediately. The tasers are out of date and have not been used since 2019. 

In personnel actions, commissioners approved the Wood County Sheriff’s Office request to hire Sam Mayer as a deputy, Jeremy Ragsdale hired as CID sergeant and the resignation of John Cooper as a jailer. The discharge of Joey Fenlaw as Wood County Assistant District Attorney was also approved.

Fenlaw spoke during the public comments portion of the meeting. Fenlaw thanked several people for their part in his 13-year employment by the district attorney’s office.

Commissioners approved a contract with www.auctioneeerexpress.com for another year.

Commissioners approved claims for payroll, $394,924; health and dental, $132,572; accounts payable $1,261,607; voided checks, $49,775; and direct claims paid, $417.

A public hearing for the revision of lots 156 and 157, Section 9, Holly Lake Ranch Subdivision was set for May 31 at 9 a.m. during the regular commissioners meeting. Also approved was a revision of Lots 392, 418 and PT 419, Section 9, at the Holly Lake Ranch Subdivision.