The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Patrick Beebe, director of the Orange County Mosquito Control Department, reported to the Orange County Commissioners' Court at their Monday afternoon meeting there is still a mosquito infestation problem.

In fact, the department set a record for February with 260 service calls.

"Our records go back to the early 1980s and some other years. The adult mosquito activity is extremely high," he said.

The department is monitoring stations and counting mosquito traps. Mosquito control personnel have only captured salt water mosquitos, so far, and none of the disease-carrying species found in brackish waters.

Beebe reported 91,164 acres have been treated by ground and 19,840 acres treated by air for 112,000 acres treated — another new record.

Precinct 1 Commissioner David Dubose commended Beebe and his department for springing into quick action during they are usually inactive.

Beebe told the court many full-time employees have been out spraying while new personnel were being trained or interviewed, so there is an additional cost for services. Overtime salaries, furthermore have been depleted.

County Judge Carl Thibodeaux said for Beebe to come to commissioners' court next week with a budget plan and it will be placed on the agenda.

In other county business, the commissioners approved the Hotel/Motel Committee recommendations from organizations for the 2010-2012 request funding.

Bobby Fillyaw, executive director of the Orange County Economic Development Corporation, said more than $350,000 have been collected in funds for HOT. The shelter of last resort being built on FM 1442 will receive $221,500 and $128,500 will go to the organizations.

Fillyaw added the public hearing between the committee and the organizations "went exceptionally well."

Tina Barrow, elections administrator for the county, reported a federal court ordered the state primary be held on May 29 and a run-off election, if necessary, on July 31. Early voting will be from May 19- May 25.

Voters will not receive their registration cards in the mail until the early part of April because of the delay in redistricting.

Michael James of the Road & Bridge Department reported crews have been taking down dead trees along roadways and they have been removing debris along FM 1130.

The court approved the purchase of two 2012 Ford F-150 trucks for $34,570 from David Self Ford. This is a purchase for the mosquito control department.

Thibodeaux said he was glad to see the purchase go to a local dealer.

Jeff Kelley, emergency management coordinator, said the shelter of last resort on FM 1442 construction is still on schedule and crews will start on the roof this Friday.

Thibodeaux read proclamations designating March 9 as "Orange County Charities Day" and recognizing and honoring the Port Arthur-Golden Triangle National

Association of Women in Construction, Chapter No. 377 and its elected Chapter Officers and Chapter Membership.

Photo: The Orange County Commissioners' Court proclaimed March 9, 2012 as "Orange County Charities Day." School personnel from the Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD helped celebrate the observance.

From left, Little Cypress Intermediate Principal Julia Dickerson, LCMCISD Superintendent Dr. Pauline Hargrove, Pct. 1 County Commissioner David Dubose, Little Cypress Intermediate Nurse Kelly Meadows, Little Cypress Elementary Nurse Shary Lyon and Little Cypress Intermediate Principal Kayla Casey.