County looks at defensive driving classes for employees

The Jasper County Commissioners' Court met in special session last Thursday, Dec. 27, to finish year-end business.

After a year in which three sheriff's patrol cars were wrecked, the court decided to appoint a committee to look into defensive driving classes for all county employees who operate government vehicles.

While some costs would be incurred, the court speculated the cost might be offset by savings on insurance. County Judge Mark Allen, Precinct 2 Commissioner Roy Parker, and Chief Deputy Jack Jett of the sheriff's department will research the options.

County Auditor Dru Miller reported that the county has received approximately $100,000 in reimbursement for the first two of five modular homes installed under a TDHCA grant to replace dwellings destroyed by Hurricane Rita.

The court approved commissioning James Force as a deputy constable under Precinct 2 Constable Ralph Nichols.

Laura Parker, wife of Roy Parker, was approved to be Parker's representative on the Jasper Newton County Public Health District administrative board.

After the meeting, Allen announced that ORCA has approved STEP grant of $350,000 for water service and water improvements in Precinct 4 near Buna.