This week the Fire Department responded to nineteen (19) calls for service. Eight (8) calls were in the City and eleven (11) were in the county. There were nine (9) EMS calls, one (1) motor vehicle accident, four (4) grass fires, one (1) vehicle fire, one (1) dumpster fire, one (1) environmental call, one (1) public assist call, and one (1) call was dispatched and canceled enroute. The Fire Department also began fitting the new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) that we received last week.
Parks and Recreation planted trees at the Animal Shelter that were donated by the Jacksboro Garden Club. They also began demolishing old concrete picnic tables around the lake area in preparation for installation of new tables. Additionally, they pre-positioned barriers in preparation for STOMP Fest on the square this weekend.
Leslie Jackson attended a meeting with the Texas Midwest Community Network to explore options to have the City of Jacksboro designated as a "Film Friendly City". The Governor makes these designations after a lengthy application process.
Several of us met with representatives from the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife, the County Judge, and representatives from Fort Richardson to discuss the trail system that runs from Fort Richardson to the north side of Lost Creek Reservoir.
The Street Department prepared Oakwood Street for asphalt. Oakwood Street is the only designated truck route in the system, with the exception of TXDOT highways. They also assisted Parks and Recreation to help prepare for STOMP Fest.
The Distribution and Collection Department responded to twenty-four (24) calls for service. They also assisted the Fair Association by relocating an alarm system for a lift station in preparation for additions to the Fair Barn.
Late last week, the Animal Control Officer became aware of a confirmed case of Distemper-Feline Panleukopenia in Jack County as well as the shelter. Unfortunately, several kittens passed away as a result of the disease. All the cats at the shelter have been vaccinated, and Live Oak Veterinary Clinic has the vaccine available. As a result, we will not be accepted cats at the Shelter until further notice.
In coordination with the Friends of the Animal Shelter, we hosted the County Commissioners and the Jack County Sheriff and provided a tour of the shelter. This provided an excellent opportunity for the Commissioners and Sheriff to gain a better perspective on the close working relationship between the Friends and the City.
Hanna Atkinson, City Finance Officer, attended training for a new Asset Management Module for FundView. This is the last module that we have been waiting to implement before we could fully transition away from our old data system and have all our information on a single system.
The Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer completed six (6) inspections and three (3) force mows this week.
Upcoming Events:
October 18, 2025: STOMP Fest on the Square
October 20, 2025: Early Voting Begins
October 25, 2025: Farmers Market on the Square
October 31, 2025: Trunk-r-Treat on the Square
November 8, 2025: Chamber of Commerce Chili Fest on the Square
December 4, 2025: Christmas Parade - the theme is "Christmas Through the Decades"
Our Employee of the Week is Jackson Bailey. Jackson works in the Parks and Recreation Department. Despite being one of our newest employees, Jackson has already contributed a significant amount to the City by consistently assisting all departments whenever needed. He is always one of the first to volunteer to assist with the many events that have been going on around the square recently.
Our next City Council meeting is October 27th at 5:30.
Respectfully,
Mike S.