News

The budget process is here.

Jacksboro City Manager Mike Smith presented aldermen with the initial draft of the 2021-22 fiscal year budget during a budget workshop, following the regular June 14 meeting. Smith told the council, which has two new members, he has to file a copy with the city secretary’s office in July.

In August, aldermen begin the process of cutting back on the budget in areas they see as needing some cutting. The fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, June 23, edition of the Jacksboro Herald-Gazette.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1927 into law Thursday, allowing permitless carrying of handguns, along with signing six other Second Amendment-related legislation. The state is now the 21st to allow the lawful carry of a handgun, concealed or openly, without a license.

The Texas Senate and House of Representatives approved House Bill 1927 in the 87 Legislative Session. The bill was approved by the House Sunday, May 23, and approved by the Senate Monday, May 24, and sent to Gov. Abbott’s office to sign off making it a state law.

Jack County officials looked at the 2021-2022 budget as part of their Monday, June 14 meeting. Commissioners heard from many different county departments on items they would like to see in the upcoming budget.

Judge Keith Umphress and commissioners are going over things after listening to what department heads and the county staff are looking for. Umphress has three priorities for the upcoming budget year, which begins Oct. 1.

A lot of interest has come about with Jacksboro officials looking into developing a shooting range at the former dump.

City officials discussed setting up a board of directors at the regular meeting June 14. Having a board will enable fundraising to be done and could possibly help with scheduling. The city also needs a resolution to get a gun range going which will enable them to set some policies on the governing of the facility.

TNT Fest has made some changes, but is still ready and rarin’ to go next Saturday, June 26 at Lake Jacksboro.

The festivities will kick off Friday night with the Jacksboro Youth Sports Association annual baseball tournament, which runs through Saturday, June 27. More than 40 teams, in several age divisions from throughout the state, will be taking part.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, June 16, edition of the Jacksboro Herald-Gazette.

Charlotte Haston led a new group of officers, sworn in by incoming Lions District Governor Carolyn Stroud, as part of Wednesday, June 9’s regular Jacksboro Lions Club meeting.

The Texas Workforce Commission in May offered ways for Texans to protect themselves against identity theft due to a wave of criminal elements attempting to fraudulently obtain unemployment benefits from state residents.

According to TWC, none of their systems have been breached, but criminals are using identities stolen from Texans to perpetrate fraud which is part of a broader trend across the country of ID thieves targeting state unemployment benefits.

After winter storms wreaked havoc on the Texas power grid and caused many residents to go days without electricity during periods of extremely low temperatures, Gov. Greg Abbott signed two bills into law last Tuesday aiming to improve the state’s main power grid and make changes within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas.

The Texas Department of State Health Services will hold a routine immunization clinic at Live Oak Baptist Church on Thursday, June 17. DSHS offers vaccines for kindergarten, seventh grade and college entry, as well as all infant and childhood immunizations. Adult immunizations are available to those who qualify.

This clinic will be by appointment only, no walk-ins will be accepted. To make an appointment, or to ask any questions about DSHS services, please contact Laura at the Archer City office at 940-574-2159.

Small town folks are always looking for something to do, particularly in the summer.

After a year where COVID shut down socialization for the most part, it was good to see the Jack County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo get back in the saddle last weekend, Friday, June 4 through Saturday, June 5. Because of smaller crowds the last few years, the rodeo was put into two nights instead of its normal three.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, June 9, edition of the Jacksboro Herald-Gazette.