County court recognizes 4-H, Relay for Life at Monday meeting
By BENJAMIN SHARP news@leader-news.com

Proclamations recognizing Wharton County 4-H Week and Relay for Life Week were both approved by the Wharton County Commissioners Court during their regular meeting Monday morning.

The first proclamation recognized the week of Oct. 7-12 as 4-H week and urged "the people of this community to take advantage of the opportunity to become more aware of this special program which gives youth the chance to learn together and on their own."

It stated the Wharton County program numbers more than 400 members and more than 130 volunteers.

The Relay for Life proclamation recognized the program as "being the signature activity of the American Cancer Society and honors cancer survivors (anyone ever diagnosed with cancer) and remembers those who lost their battle with the disease."

It also recognized the program funds more than $100 million in cancer research each year as a whole.

The proclamation designates the week of Oct. 15-21 as Relay for Life Week and encouraged citizens to participate in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Wharton County at Ricebird Stadium in El Campo on Oct. 20. Relay Co-Chairperson Joan Andel reminded the commissioners the relay switches between El Campo and Wharton each year to keep both communities involved.

In other actions, the commissioners:

• Approved the purchase of a camper top and slider shelf for the Sheriff's Office criminal investigations vehicle.

• Authorized County Judge John Murrile to sign a maintenance agreement with Schindler Elevator Corporation for the elevator in the renovated courthouse. The cost is $196 a month.

As part of the motion, the commissioners approved making a monthly payment in December and then an annual payment for calendar year 2008 which woul d include a 3 percent discount.

The decision to delay the contract to the start of 2008 as part of a move to get all similar contracts on the same calendar year renewal schedule.