For the 14^th year in a row, the work of the Van Zandt County Historical Commission has received state recognition from the Texas Historical Commission.

The announcement was made by VZC Judge Don Kirkpatrick as he presented VZC Historical Commission Chairman Elvis Allen with a 2021 Distinguished Service Award certificate from the state commission during the regular meeting of the VZC Commissioners Court Aug. 3.

Kirkpatrick read from a letter dated July 18 sent to him by Texas Historical Commission’s County Historical Commission Outreach Coordinator Emiliano Calderon.

“We are pleased to announce that the VZC Historical Commission has earned a Distinguished Service Award for 2021,” said Calderon in the letter. “While all County Historical Commission (CHC) efforts are valued, we acknowledge above average CHC performance based on a statewide analysis of CHC annual report documentation. Our agency received 193 CHC reports for 2021 and approved 82 awards, quite an accomplishment given that the pandemic limited public programming for all CHC’s.

“To honor appointees’ contributions, we ask that you acknowledge the award publicly as soon as possible,” continued Calderon. “Typically, we recommend presenting the enclosed certificate to CHC appointees during a formal meeting of the commissioners’ court.

“The Texas Historical Commissioners and staff congratulate you and your CHC on this well-deserved honor,” said Calderon. “Thank you for supporting appointees and their efforts to preserve county history.”

Among the 82 CHC’s receiving statewide recognition in addition to VZC included Cherokee, Henderson, Kaufman, and Wood Counties.

According to Calderon, the annual award recognzies the VZC Historical Commission appointees for managing well-rounded history and preservation-related programs that enrich Texas communities.

“The VZC Commissioner Court, the VZC Historical Commission’s governing body, works with the commission to determine the best way to present the Distinguished Service Award certificate and publicly acknowledges the VZC Historical Commission appointees for their dedicated service,” emphasized Calderon.

Texas Historical Commission Executive Director Mark Wolfe said, “Our preservation partners faced great challenges from the pandemic, but they redirected their efforts and ensured that history programming and preservation projects continued in communities across Texas. The VZC Historical Commission has demonstrated remarkable resiliency and innovation, and we are happy to honor its extraordinary volunteers with the 2021 Distinguished Service Award.”

Texas CHC’s provided more than 284,046 volunteer hours in 2021, which is an in-kind donation to the state valued at more than $8.5 million, according to the Texas Historical Commission.

“CHC contributions in 2021 are remarkable given challenges presented by the pandemic,” pointed out Wolfe.

The Texas Historical Commission assists more than 200 CHC’s through programs and services that preserve Texas’ heritage for the education, enjoyment, and economic benefit of present and future generations, according to Wolfe.

The state commission’s advisory role to CHC’s is outlined in the Texas Local Government Code, the statute that enables county commissioners’ courts to establish CHC’s.

“The volunteer appointees, as directed by county officials, initiate and conduct programs that preserve the historic and cultural resources of Texas,” said Wolfe.

For more information about CHC’s in Texas, visit thc.texas. gov/chcoutreach or contact the History Programs Division at 512-463-5853.

Kirkpatrick and the commissioners’ court expressed their appreciation to Allen and the VZC Historical Commission.

Allen then expressed his appreciation to Kirkpatrick and the commissioners’ court for their support of the commission.

In other business during the Aug. 3 regular meeting, VZC Human Resource Director Jessica Deville shared with the commissioners’ court that only two employees had not taken their required cybersecurity training, but efforts were being made to get those employees trained in order for VZC to have 100 percent participation by the end of August.

The annual Department of Motor Vehicles’ Optional County Fees Report was approved by the commissioners’ court.

A revision of the Memorandum of Understanding between VZC and the Andrews Center in Canton for the 2022 fiscal year was approved by the commissioners’ court following presentations by VZC District Judge Chris Martin and VZC Criminal District Attorney Tonda Curry.

The fiscal year 2023 Interlocal Agreement with the Andrews Center was also approved by the commissioners’ court.

A donation of Watchguard body worn cameras for law enforcement use was approved by the commissioners’ court following a presentation by VZC Sheriff’s Department Property and Evidence Tech Erin McLeaish.

“We now have not only enough cameras to supply our officers, but we also have enough to supply all of our constables as well as the two investigators from the district attorney’s office,” said McLeaish.

The purchase of a 2000 Mack Haul Truck in the amount of $30,000 as well as a 2006 CPS Bellydump trailer for $25,000 for use in VZC Pct. 4 from Wolf Pipe Company L.L.C. of Ben Wheeler was approved by the commissioners’ court following a recommendation by VZC Pct. 4 Commissioner Tim West.

A check received from Renda Environmental of Roanoke, Texas in the amount of $3,500 for damages to VZCR 2146 in VZC Pct. 2 were approved by the commissioners’ court fol lowing a recommendation by VZC Pct. 2 Commissioner Virgil Melton Jr.

Following a recommendation by VZC Pct. 1 Commissioner Chad LaPrade, the commissioners’ court accepted a check from the City of Fruitvale totaling $12,279.12 regarding work done on VZCR 1901 in VZC Pct. 1.

A series of fiscal year 2022 budget amendments were approved by the commissioners’ court.

Monthly reports submitted by various offices and departments of VZC government were approved and entered into the minutes of the commissioners’ court as a matter of record.

Minutes from the July 6 and July 20 meetings were approved by the commissioners’ court as well as the bills submitted for payment.

The next regular meeting of the VZC Commissioners Court is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, in the VZC Courthouse.