At a regular meeting on April 28th at the County Courthouse, the DeWitt County Commissioners discussed illegal dumping of tires and trash that has significantly burdened taxpayers with cleanup costs and may result in stricter environmental enforcement measures. The court also lifted the burn ban on April 29th following their meeting. For guidelines on outdoor burning, please refer to https://www.co.dewitt. tx.us/page/dewitt. Emergency.
Another topic covered was the DeWitt County Historical Commission's annual report, highlighting the work of 51 active members who accrued 4,298 volunteer hours, and significant projects like a Civil War exhibit, a history book distributed to museums and schools, and a program of Texas history through the American and Texas Revolutions.
Otherwise, it was a short session with many decisions pending, such as the appraisal property tax, JP replacement for Precinct 1, and placement of the bronze Alamo Letter.
Tire dumping, vandalism
Dumping of tires and other trash along the roads has become a significant issue. Recently, Precinct 2 dealt with a particularly large dump of 30-40 commercial tires.
“With a ramp and trailer, it will cost us $2,200 to clean it up,” Commissioner James Pilchiek said.
On Monday, April 21st, Commissioner Varela also encountered vandalism. Although cameras were available in both situations, the perpetrators could not be identified. To address these problems, an environmental enforcement course will be held on April 30th and May 1st. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
Historical Commission Report Peggy Ledbetter, Chairman of the De-Witt County Historical Commission, presented the 2024 Annual Report to the DeWitt County Commissioners Court on April 28. The number of appointees has increased from 50 in 2023 to 51, and they have volunteered a total of 4,298 hours.
“They are very active volunteers,” she remarked.
The Annual Report requested information on several key areas: the budget, support from DeWitt County, outreach projects, training, county awareness, partnerships, and major projects. The budget for the Historical Commission is in good shape, with $20,000 set aside to cover costs associated with Veterans Park that are not covered by insurance. These funds were generated through the sale of pavers.
DeWitt County has supported the Historical Commission by providing space for exhibits, storage for archival records, office space, and internet access. The treasurer’s and auditor’s offices have also offered important assistance.
There has been considerable interest in outreach projects and training for both youth and adults, particularly concerning cemeteries.
“We receive phone calls all the time, not only about cemeteries we have established but also about those on private land or lost cemeteries. People are actively working on designating these cemeteries,” Ledbetter noted.
To raise county awareness, the Historical Commission conducts public tours of the courthouse. They have partnered with the county, city, libraries, museums, tourism organizations, and the chamber. Commission members have also led wildflower tours and volunteered at local museums.
This year, three major projects have been accomplished: the University of Texas traveling Rio Grande Civil War Exhibit in collaboration with the Cuero Heritage Museum and the City Museum; the publication of 'C.H. Waltersdorf’s History of DeWitt County 1899 and Essays of Rudolph Kleberg 1847-1924'; and a program highlighting Texas history from the start of the American Revolution to the Texas Revolution in partnership with the Daughters of the American Revolution.
There were no questions or comments from the Commissioners Court. However, Ledbetter and Judge Fowler remarked on the success of Dr. Kearny’s book signing reception at the German- English school on March 23rd. The food and the mustang grape wine which Judge Fowler got the recipe were greatly enjoyed.
“All the food was from old German recipes, including the cooked cheese, which you can't beat that,” Ledbetter said.
Other topics
As for an update on the granite monument and bronze replica of Travis’s Alamo Letter, it has been approved. Its placement is still under discussion.
Pending considerations are filling the vacancy of Justice of the Peace in Precinct 1 seat and the value estimate of appraised taxable property from the Chief Appraiser.
The Commissioners received a 2025 Texas Department of State Health Services payment from tobacco settlement proceeds in the amount of $12,670.96.
The Commissioners authorized the request for unclaimed rural electric cooperative capital credits, which will be used for economic growth and Cuero Livestock Commission, supporting the livestock raisers and the youth.
The Commissioners approved a temporary rightof- way application for AJ’s Logistics for the installation of a temporary water line along Wild Road in Commissioner Precinct No. 2, and pipeline crossing permits for three pipelines from Burlington Oil & Gas Company LP to cross Schendel Road in Commissioner Precinct No. 3.
The next regular Commissioners Court meeting will be held on May 12th at 9:00 A.M. in the County Courtroom of the DeWitt County Courthouse.
Peggy Ledbetter, Chairman of the DeWitt County Historical Commission, explains the details of 2024 annual report.
(Photo by Ele Chew)
