In its last meeting, the Izard County Quorum Court addressed a resolution that would say the JPs agree to re-name the Izard County Detention Center in memory of the last two, late Sheriffs of the county — Tate Lawrence and Earnie Blackley. Both men died in office due to medical reasons.
The motion to accept the resolution received six “yes” votes with one justice voting “no” and two “abstaining.” Before that motion was brought forward, a motion to table the resolution until the quorum court’s next meeting in April was rejected by a vote of the JPs.
Izard County Judge Eric Smith said the final vote was not controversial. He said some justices would have liked to have had time to study the request and perhaps get feedback from the public. Smith said one JP noted that another former sheriff had died “in the line of duty.” He said that would be worth remembering as well.
The resolution calls for the detention center to be re-named the “Lawrence/Blackley Law Enforcement Facility.” Current interim Sheriff, Jack Yancey, estimated the cost of the sign would be in the $5,000 to $6,000 range and would be paid for through donations.
On another subject — county roads — Judge Smith said since November, the county road crew hasn’t been about to effectively maintain them. He said the constant rainfall in the area has been a real problem. He said graders haven’t been on the roads in some time. He said, luckily, none of the county roads have been lost. The judge said there is a lot of aggravating potholes to navigate. He said hopefully it will dry up soon, and the county road crew can put their equipment back on the roads and make improvements.
