V. Hugh Lewis II/Jefferson Jimplecute
Whether or not Marion County becomes completely “wet” is now in the hands of JP #2 voters on November 5.
Brookshire’s anticipated move to the intersection of FM2208 and US59 prompted the need for the Local Option Election as voting precincts 6 and 7, a part of JP #2, does not allow the sale of alcohol. Last year voters approved alcohol sales in voting precincts 8 and 9 in JP #1.
Marion County Elections Officer Karen Jones certified 315 signatures on petitions submitted to her office in July. Only 254 signatures were required to trigger the election.
Commissioners accepted the signatures and issued an order for election on the Local Option on the November 5 ballot.
In other election action, Commissioners appointed the 2024-25 presiding election judges and alternate judges for the County. They are, by polling location:
- • Mims VFD: Jeanne Stiegelmeyer (R) presiding, Linda Hawkins (D) alternate
- • Kellyville Senior Citizen Building: Joselyn Jordan (D) presiding, Vivian Foster (R) alternate
- • Marion County Election Building: Seth Buckner (R) presiding, Gloria Irving (D) alternate
- • Smithland VFD: Mandy Moore (R) presiding, Joyce Justice (D) alternate
- • Lone Oak Baptist Church: Cindy Dopyera (R) presiding, Nancy Scheland (D) alternate
- Substitute judges appointed were Sharon Hebert (R), and Cherrie Craver (D).
Early Voting Ballot Board judges for the November 5 election will be Dalia Rodriguez, presiding, and Maxine Flowers, alternate.
Commissioners approved a one-year sub-lease extension on the old Mims Volunteer Fire Department building on FM729 to Friends of Lake O’the Pines. The USACE is still working on their part of the sub-lease but this was required to help it move forward.
Commissioners granted Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur the ability to issue a letter of support on behalf of the County to any broadband internet supplier who wishes to apply for the Texas Broadband Development Office Boot II grant program for use in Marion County. Grants of up to $100 million are available to Marion County.
Lastly, Marion County received a “clean” audit report from Rod Abbott, CPA PLLC, for their 2023 Fiscal Year.