Young County Commissioners Court
County ratifies $350,000 rural ambulance grant Young County commissioners ratified a contract accepting a $350,000 rural ambulance grant during their July 13 meeting, officially approving funding that will help support emergency medical services in the county. The grant is intended to strengthen ambulance service in rural areas by helping offset equipment and operational costs. The action was one of several public safety measures approved by the court before commissioners began their annual budget workshop.
Commissioners approve new emergency communications tower in Eliasville
Young County commissioners voted July 13 to construct a new emergency management communications tower in Eliasville, expanding the county’s emergency communications network in the western part of the county. The tower is expected to improve radio communications among emergency responders during wildfires, severe weather and other disasters, providing more reliable communications in an area where coverage can be limited. The project is part of the county’s continuing efforts to improve emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
County renews inmate housing agreement with Baylor County Young County commissioners approved an interlocal agreement with Baylor County to provide inmate housing when needed, ensuring Young County has additional jail capacity if its own facility becomes overcrowded or temporarily unavailable. Agreements between neighboring counties allow local governments to house inmates in nearby detention facilities when necessary while maintaining continuity of operations and complying with state jail standards.
Volunteer firefighters to receive bulldozer training for wildfire response Young County commissioners agreed to organize a bulldozer operating course for volunteer firefighters to increase the number of qualified operators available during major wildfires. The county owns a bulldozer that is used to construct fire lines ahead of advancing grass fires, but only trained personnel are permitted to operate the equipment. County Judge Win Graham said expanding the pool of trained operators will improve the county’s ability to respond quickly during wildfire season and better support volunteer fire departments throughout Young County.
Commissioners confer with attorney on Project Saltworks
Young County commissioners met with the county’s attorney during their July 13 meeting to discuss legal matters involving Project Saltworks, the proposed data center development planned for southern Young County. Although no public action was announced following the discussion, the project continues to be a major topic for county officials as developers pursue tax abatements and other agreements necessary for construction. The proposal has generated significant public interest because of its potential economic impact and concerns raised by some residents about water use, infrastructure and future growth.
Criminal court resolves seven cases during weekly docket Young County Criminal Court handled 32 criminal cases during the week of July 13, resolving seven of them, according to County Judge Win Graham. Two cases were dismissed, one defendant was ordered to pay a fine, three defendants received probation sentences and one defendant was sentenced to jail. One defendant failed to appear for a scheduled hearing, prompting the court to issue an arrest warrant. Graham also ordered three drug tests during the week’s proceedings, all of which returned negative results. No probate cases were heard during the week, and the county’s regular criminal docket will pause next week while the court conducts a jury trial.
Olney highways among TxDOT resurfacing projects Several highways serving the Olney area will receive new pavement later this year, according to an announcement made during the monthly Nortex Regional Planning Commission meeting in Wichita Falls. Texas Department of Transportation officials told local leaders that State Highway 114, State Loop 132 and Farm-to-Market Road 210 are all scheduled for resurfacing as part of the agency’s regional maintenance program. County Judge Win Graham attended the meeting, where officials also reviewed priorities for the upcoming 2027 legislative session, approved regional Community Development Block Grant priorities focusing on water, sewer, street and drainage infrastructure, and received updates on hazard mitigation plans being developed across the region to improve disaster preparedness.