By Larry Holt

The Orange Leader

 

On Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Orange County Commissioners’ Court met in special session to conduct county business. Fallon Foster, AgriLife Coordinator, and two members of the local 4-H Youth Development Program, gave a brief presentation to the court of the benefits and outreach of 4-H. Foster requested the court approve a proclamation and the court was proud to honor the 4-H Youth Development Program and its 110 year history in the Lone Star State. The court therefore resolved to designate October 1 through 7, 2017 as Orange County Texas National 4-H Week. Judge Stephen Brint Carlton read the proclamation, “commending the 4-H Youth Development Program of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service which seeks to enable young Texans to become self-directed, productive, and contributing members of society.” As the proclamation proceeds, “the program undoubtedly could not have achieved the success that it has if not for the service of its more than 22,000 volunteers, who have given of their talents, energies, and resources.”

Other business related to clean-up efforts post Hurricane Harvey. The Orange County landfill will continue its extended hours through October 17, 2017, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, free of charge.

The Court agreed to a proposal offered by Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) to help assist with debris removal for approximately one week in Orange County at no cost to County residents. Commissioner Jody Crump clarified the agreement between TXDOT and Orange County would not only save the county money in debris removal but would also speed up the process as well.

Carlton led discussion of the certification of the Orange County Hospital District Petition submitted by citizens of Orange County. Carlton confirmed the petition satisfied legal requirements and was therefore valid. In other related business the court approved moving forward with a special election on December 19, 2017, publishing the notice in the county newspaper between November 19 and December 10, 2017, and designating early voting locations, dates, and times for the Orange County Hospital District Election.