Stone County Rodeo Arena is proposed to undergo upgrades to attract more visitors. Heather Stevens, secretary-treasurer of the Stone County Saddle Club, believes that a competitive arena could bring in new visitors multiple times a year. A county ordinance sponsored by Dist. 8 Justice of the Peace John Dawson Irvin was adopted in February, creating a line item in the county budget to receive donations for the arena. Dist. 24 State Sen. Missy Irvin has created a 501(c)3 corporation called the 'Invincible Fund' to gather donations. The immediate goal is to collect $7,500 in donations, which would qualify the county for a matching grant. The desired upgrades include a concession stand with bathrooms, grading the arena floor, and adding a soft-soil top dressing for barrel racing. The Arkansas Cowboy Association and the Arkansas Rodeo Association are the state's biggest rodeo event organizers. The Stone County arena currently seats about 250 spectators and needs some repairs and expansion to accommodate 400 spectators. Sen. Irvin envisions a covered arena, and additional matching funds are available. Allyn, the Irvins' daughter, who has a master's degree in architectural construction and administration, has agreed to donate in-kind services to the project. [7c91f185]
Meanwhile, in Llano County, the Commissioners Court has approved the final steps necessary to acquire over $4.8 million in federal funds to build a new criminal justice center. The money was applied for from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Community Facilities Program through U.S. Rep. August Pfluger's office in 2023. The proposed criminal justice center will likely be located on the same property as the Llano County Sheriff's Office at 2001 Texas 16 North. It will include offices for the 424th/33rd district attorney, district clerk, and local public defenders, as well as serve as a venue for county court, family court, and federal and state courts. The USDA retains an interest in the building, and the county will have to amend a contract with Riley Mountain Engineering, the project manager. There is no firm completion date yet, but with USDA funding secured, a timeline should develop soon. [2ea00596]
In Kurten, Texas, the city is preparing for its annual fireworks show and fundraiser. After 20 years, the Brazos County District 2 Volunteer Fire Department has decided to step down from hosting the show. This year, Savage Outdoor and Defense will be the new host and will also present the festivities. The fireworks show will feature bounce houses, balloon art, axe throwing, and more. Savage Outdoor and Defense will hold a gun raffle fundraiser, with tickets being sold for $10. The gates will open at 5 p.m. and the fireworks show will begin around 9 p.m. [9cae7600]