Carthage Chief of Police Blake Smith, Chief Sheriff Deputy David Gray and Deputy Sheriff Bruce Koch represented Panola County law enforcement at the May meeting of the Carthage Service League.
Each officer gave updates on their programs and emphasized the importance of being prepared professionally, mentally and physically for any situation that may occur.
Gray and Koch spoke specifically about the newly formed Special Response Team’s goals, training and gear. Smith related how an earlier donation from the league had been used for vests and body cameras.
During the business meeting presided over by President Debbie Jernigan, volunteers voted to give monetary donations to both groups to support their efforts in keeping officers and citizens safe. The donations come from proceeds at the downtown Thrift Shop.
Members also voted to donate funds to the Old Jail renovations being conducted by the Panola County Historical Association.
Sammy Brown Library Board Chair Nancy Langford reported on circulation and programs at the library. The Book Bunch Lunch Club was set to meet May 18 at noon to discuss Marie Benedict’s novels. In addition, the annual summer reading program will kick off on May 31 with a program at the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame at 2 p.m.
At the recommendation of the Scholarship Committee, members voted to award three scholarships to area high school students. The recipients will be announced at the scholarship assemblies.
Volunteers were given work schedules for the month of June by Calendar Chair Linda Salgado.
Hostesses for the Spring Garden themed event were Lacy Jones, Jo McMillin, Sandra Morrison, Linda Salgado, Linda Howard and Cheri Gibert.
Members attending included Donna Arnold, Brenda Beasley, Ruth Bristow, Bobbie Cariker, Donna Cariker, Sarah Davidson, Cindy Ellison, Cecilia English, Kristy Essery, Cherie Fleming, Gibert, Fran Giroux, Darline Graves, Jo Hall, JoAn Henry, Kim Holcomb, Margie Hopkins, Howard, Harriet Huff, Janet Humber, Jernigan, Jones, Betty Kasper, Sharon Kyle, Langford, McMillin, Morrison, Alice Newton, Lana Overton, Patti Rushing, Salagado, Kerry Smith, Judy Stuart, Linda Walkoviak and Kay Williamson.
