News

Jacksboro FFA opened a gift card drive as they aim to serve, determined to aid Texas communities devastated by record flooding over the July 4 holiday weekend.

The drive is open now until 12 p.m. Thursday, July 17. Contact any Jacksboro Ag teacher to donate, or leave a message on the Jacksboro FFA Facebook page to schedule a drop-off time. Donations will be delivered Friday, July 18. Gift cards from retailers like Lowe’s, Home Depot, Wal-Mart or H-E-B were preferred, as well as prepaid Visa or Mastercards.

Jack County Clothes Closet has been serving neighbors in need since 1984, providing gently used clothing and household items at a low cost. They help families rebuild after losses from fire or flood, supplying clothing, kitchenware and other goods.

The organization stocks its shelves with items donated on-site, but over the years it has become a dumping ground for garbage.

Jacksboro Economic Development Corporation purchased land across from Twin Lakes on Hwy. 59 in Jacksboro as part of a 177-acre business park project meant to entice new business development and stimulate economic growth.

The EDC was awarded a $1.5 million grant in 2022 to support the project, administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration and funded by the American Rescue Plan Act under former President Joe Biden. 

Plans are in motion to build a new water treatment plant in Jacksboro, one with the capacity to sustain future growth in the city.

Plans for the new plant were submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in June. The city estimated a 90-day review process, and expected to go out for bids for construction in October or November.

Effective at the end of August, Texas Department of Criminal Justice is set to take over operations at privately-run Lindsey State Jail, affecting 117 employees in Jacksboro. 

The city of Jacksboro and Texas Workforce Commission were notified in June of possible layoffs resulting from the transition.

All Lindsey State Jail positions were impacted, including 59 correctional officers, 10 food service managers, eight assistant shift supervisors, three shift supervisors, the warden, administrative and maintenance staff, counselors and other personnel.