The Hockley County Commissioners’ Court held a regular meeting Monday where they were provided updates from the Hockley County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office.
The extension office assists kids of various ages within surrounding communities through organizations such as the 4-H Program, the Food Prep Program and the summer camps they host.
They also provide opportunities for the youth in agriculture, natural resources, family consumer sciences and leadership. The office offers children the ability to be officers in their clubs, which provides them with leadership opportunities.
For the Court, they offer assistance financially for the extension office. Extension Agents and current students involved in the various programs attended the morning meeting to show the Court how appreciative they are of their continued support.
“We always appreciate your support. Not only for the emotional support that you all give us, but the financial support as well,” said Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Office County Extension Agent-Agriculture and Natural Resources, Wes Utley. “We can’t do what we do without your support, and we thank you.”
Utley introduced the three students who are involved in the 4-H program.
“These guys are great examples of the kids that we raised. They’re an asset to all our communities and schools they go to,” Utley said.
McKinnley Tucker, Bradley Gray and Britton Clevenger all expressed their gratitude and shared some of the accomplishments they have had in the program.
Tucker ran as an at-large delegate for the Texas 4-H Council. She also competed in soil qualifying, quiz bowl and livestock judging. Tucker was also fifth overall in the competition.
“I’ve been in 4-H for about nine years now. The state roundup has been the best forage experience that I’ve had. I never felt unsupported or not backed up by Ashley Tristen and Wes. They always had my back and made me feel encouraged throughout the program,” Tucker said.
Gray expressed his experiences at the state round up. Gray was ninth overall in the competition.
“I’d like to start off by thanking all the county commissioners for your support of 4-H. The state round up is not just seriousness and hard work. There are moments we can sit and share a laugh with friends,” Gray said. “At the end of the day, there is a time to step back, enjoy the environment and the people around you. My favorite thing about state 4-H is being able to go and compete at the state level. It’s a lot of work, but when you hear your name called saying you placed in the top 10 it’s all worth it.”
Clevenger wrapped it all up with his experience at the 4-H roundup. He participated in the quiz bowl, while showing his swine.
“It was something different compared to the FFA Roundup. It was out of the ordinary, but it was fun. I got thrown into the quiz bowl and competed in the livestock judging where I got fourth in swine and ninth in cattle,” Clevenger said.
It was emphasized that without the support of the court or the community these kids wouldn’t have these opportunities.
“We get these kids up at 6 a.m., eat breakfast and go to a contest at seven. We have stuff going on all day long. We want to have fun, and they meet kids from all over the state that they never would have met otherwise,” Utley said. “We appreciate you and thanks for everything that you all do for us.”
Moving forward, the Court approved a sales contract for the purchase of 710 Avenue H, Levelland, to be renovated into the Hockley County Elections Office.
The group considered and took necessary action to approve the renewal of the employee insurance with Texas Association of Counties, which was approved with no issue. The group also approved the adoption of an updated employee handbook. The Court approved the Continuation Certificate for Brandon Walters, Chief Deputy Treasurer.
Housekeeping items included the approval of minutes for the special meeting held on June 9 and the regular meeting held on June 12.
Additionally all monthly bills and claims submitted to the Court dated through June 16 were approved.