This week we spent time preparing for the Christmas Parade. Despite it being cold, the parade and Cookie Crawl went over very well. The City's float won "Judges Favorite". The Jazz Band was a huge success, and the Christmas Carolers were outstanding. Pictures with Santa were at the Fire Department.
Santa delivered the Sesquicentennial Time Capsule to the square during the parade. It will be opened in fifty-years for the Two-hundredth birthday of the City of Jacksboro. We buried the time capsule in the same location as the last one under the bell on the Court House lawn. Dozens of people were excited to throw a shovel full of dirt to help fill the hole.
We have collected several "Letters to Santa" in the mailbox on the square. We invite children, and those that are still "kids at heart" to send a letter to Santa.
As a reminder, the Friends of the Animal Shelter is hosting a "Pet Photos with the Grinch" on December 6th from 10am to 12pm at the Shelter. The event is sponsored by Double L Florist. We invite everyone to bring your animals for a photograph.
Distribution and Collection responded to twenty-two (22) calls for service to include water leaks, sewer issues, and locating utilities.
The Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer completed sixteen (16) inspections and permit reviews.
The Finance Officer continued to close out the last fiscal year in preparation for the annual audit.
In addition to helping with the parade, the Street Department completed a great deal of vehicle maintenance, filled pot holes, and delivered four (4) dump trailers.
The Police Department will swear in a new officer on Monday during the Council Meeting.
The Animal Shelter continues to remain almost full. We are finalizing the water installation at the Cat Habitat and will begin moving all cats into the building. The Animal Control Officer also set several traps around the old hospital. We have received several complaints about animals going in and out of the building. He did catch one raccoon.
As a reminder, the Grocery Gift Card Drive supported by multiple organizations will remain open until December 10, 2025. The goal is to help recipients purchase items that are not available at the Food Pantry.
Our Employee of the Week is Officer Jarred Gonzales. Officer Gonzales is our newest officer and is still in Field Training. Officer Gonzales was instrumental in assisting with the arrest of an individual that stole a vehicle and ran from law enforcement officers. The situation ended in an officer involved shooting with both the Sheriff's Department and Jacksboro Police Department. The suspect was shot in the leg and law enforcement officers immediately provided first aid until EMS arrived.
Our next City Council Meeting is December 8, 2025. As a reminder, we only have one Council meeting in December due to the holidays.
Respectfully,
Mike S.
MICHAEL R. SMITH, Lt Col, USAF (ret)
City Manager