The Graham Economic Improvement Corporation and the city of Graham signed off on providing $38,500 to make Graham the home of Smooth Ag Solutions, which will produce automated rovers to aid ranchers with the feeding process, livestock monitoring and data collection.
Over 60 contestants in the Texas Cattle Feeders Association region participated in the 2023 Junior Fed Beef Challenge and Caden Joy, of Young County, walked away as Junior Division Overall Champion.
The challenge, featuring participants from third through twelfth grade, was held Friday, July 28 at West Texas A&M University in Canyon. The contest seeks to give youth exposure to the process of feeding cattle and help build the upcoming generation of cattle feeders.
The office of the Texas Secretary of State last week drew the ballot order for the proposed 14 amendments to the Texas Constitution which will be included in the November election.
The deadline to register to vote in the election will be Tuesday, Oct. 10. The last day to apply for a ballot by mail will be Friday, Oct. 27.
Early voting will be held Monday, Oct. 23 through Friday, Nov. 3. Election day will be Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Constitutional amendment propositions
Members of Young County and Graham met with the Olney Volunteer Fire Department this week to discuss options for county structure protection while Engine 3, used by Graham Fire Rescue in the county, is down.
Young County Sheriff Travis Babcock, Young County Judge Win Graham, Graham Fire Rescue Chief Jim Don Laurent and GFR Assistant Chief David Aleshire met Tuesday, Aug. 1 with OVFD. Laurent said that the truck used by GFR for county structure protection went down and the city is currently attempting to get that truck repaired.
Newcastle ISD teacher Courtney Bozeman was named this week as the Region 9 Secondary Teacher of the Year. Bozeman was one of 34 teachers nominees from 17 districts which were honored during the educator recognition ceremony in Wichita Falls.
Region 9 ESC hosted a luncheon ceremony to recognize the educators Wednesday, Aug. 2 at the service center located at 301 Loop 11 in Wichita Falls. Each teacher nominee was recognized and the Elementary Teacher of the Year and Secondary Teacher of the Year for Region 9 were announced.
Young County Commissioners Court appointed Kyle Milam this week to the unfilled treasurer position which was vacated at the end of July by Kathy Mishler.
The court on Monday, July 31 passed the motion to appoint Milam with a 4-0 vote, with one commissioner absent at the time.
According to the Texas Association of Counties, the treasurer receives and deposits all county revenues, acts as a chief liaison between the county and banks, disburses funds upon the order of the commissioners court, can prepare payroll and have other various roles.
Graham ISD advised parents and guardians this week of a policy change passed in the 88th Texas Legislature regarding e-cigarettes, vaping, marijuana and THC-related products. Students found in possession, under the influence, selling, gifting or delivering the substances will be placed in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP).
House Bill 114 was signed Tuesday, June 13 by Gov. Greg Abbott which was related to the possession, use or delivery of marijuana or e-cigarettes on or near public school property or at certain school events.
The Humane Society of Young County is one of over 500 animal welfare organizations across the country which are requesting support in the month of August through the online effort Clear the Shelters. Shelters could also receive weekly matching funds given during the fundraising event.
The Young County Sheriff’s Office sent off one of its own last week with a service honoring K9 Deputy Sam who died Wednesday, June 21 due to medical complications. The six-year-old Dutch Shepherd served the county for five years.
Sam was donated to YCSO by the Southern State Canine organization, where two Young County K9 handlers had trained for six weeks in 2018. Young County Sheriff Travis Babcock spoke at the service for Sam held Friday, July 28 at the sheriff’s office.
Newcastle ISD is working with Young County on plans to implement a School Resource Officer (SRO) as mandated by House Bill 3 (HB3).
The proposal by NISD is to commission the SRO through the Young County Sheriff’s Office, which would make it a full-time position.
A major point regarding the position is whether the school district or the county would be responsible for the new SRO’s salary and benefits.
