The DeWitt County Commissioners met at a regular meeting on April 14 at the County Courthouse to discuss the placement of a granite monument and bronze replica of Colonel William Barret Travis’s Letter from the Alamo, proclamation of Soil and Water Stewardship Week, and preparation of May 3rd elections by Election Administrator Deidra McCollum.
Alamo Letter Monument
Bill Blackwell and Fain McDougal, the De-Witt County Co-Chairs of the Alamo Letter Society, approached the Commissioners Court to request the placement of a 2-foot x 3-foot granite monument and a bronze replica of Colonel William Barrett Travis's Letter from the Alamo on the Courthouse Square as a gift from the Alamo Letter Society and assist in the dedication ceremony.
The mission of the Alamo Letter Society is to educate Texans about the struggle for freedom and liberty by installing a large bronze plaque featuring Colonel Travis's 'Victory or Death' letter in all 254 Texas courthouses.
“Currently, it's been placed in 19 Texas county courthouses, with dedications scheduled in four counties, and an additional eight for a total of 31 'Letters from the Alamo' in Texas courthouses this year,” McDougal said.
Highlighting the historical significance of DeWitt County, located between Goliad to the south and Gonzales to the north, as well as near the site of the final battle at San Jacinto, Judge Fowler read the poignant Alamo letter.
The commissioners did not take an official vote to approve the monument since they need to consult with the DeWitt County Historical Commission first. They did, however, discuss possible locations for the new monument.. They also recognized the need to collaborate with local historians in their decision-making process.
Soil & Water Stewardship Week
On April 14, DeWitt County Judge Daryl Fowler signed a proclamation from the DeWitt County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) designating the week of April 27, 2025, through May 4, 2025, as Soil and Water Stewardship Week with the theme 'Home Is Where the Habitat Is.'
This annual proclamation aims to raise awareness among De-Witt County residents about the importance of caring for and conserving our soil and water for current and future generations.
Judge Fowler referred to an article from the Texas Farm Bureau.
“This proclamation is timely. I read about population growth restricting productive farmland,” he said.
Effective conservation practices ensure that soil, water, animals, plants, and air can support a sustainable living environment. Our survival and continued access to quality food and water depend on the robust management of diverse natural resources across the nation. Stewardship calls on each individual to help conserve these precious resources to ensure their prosperity for generations to come.
In March, the SWCD offered continuing education programs to educate landowners in DeWitt County on the benefits of soil care and the importance of water conservation through brush and weed control. Check their website for more educational programs. https://www. tsswcb.texas.gov/ Additionally, in October, the DeWitt County Soil and Water Conservation District sponsors “Conservation/ Farm Ag/Healthy You Day” for 4th graders in the county. This event educates students about the advantages and disadvantages of conserving or neglecting our water and soil resources.
Election Service
Deidra McCollum, De-Witt County elections administrator, provided an update on upcoming elections, stating that four different entities will be holding elections: the City of Cuero with two contested At-Large positions; the Cuero ISD with one trustee position; the DeWitt Hospital District with two director positions; Yorktown ISD with three trustee positions.
The cost of election services was discussed. The election costs for Cuero Councilman, Cuero ISD, and Cuero Regional Hospital are all approximately $6,966, and Yorktown ISD are $7136.
“I find it instructive, helpful that the public knows that elections aren't free. There is a cost attached to them. It's whether you get one vote or 1000 votes,” Judge Daryl Fowler said.
The logistics for the elections include details about early voting and election day locations. All early voting and election day voting for Cuero (City Council, ISD, and Hospital) will be held at the De-Witt County Weber Annex, located at 115 N Gonzales, Suite A. For Yorktown ISD, early voting and election day voting can be done at both the DeWitt County Weber Annex and the Yorktown ISD Administration Building, located at 331 W Main, Yorktown. For more information, please refer to the following link: https://www.co.dewitt. tx.us/page/dewitt. elections.
The commissioners approved the contracts for election services between DeWitt County and the various entities.
Other topics
Ashley Hunt, De-Witt County Human Resource Director, announced that DeWitt County received a Zero Lost Time Safety Award from the Texas Association of Counties for having no lost time in 2024, the first such award in fourteen years.
“This award is granted to counties that report no indemnity claims during the year, meaning no employees in the county receive workers compensation benefits due to time loss from regular work. So, this is a great accomplishment for the county,” Hunt said.
Additionally, they adopted a resolution supporting House Bill 13 to enhance radio interoperability in rural counties for better emergency communication. The court reviewed a public safety user agreement allowing DeWitt County to conduct Motor Vehicle Record checks on employees and a health insurance mid-plan year review from the Texas Association of Counties.
