Commissioners honor Historical Commission for work

Milam County Commissioners honored several members of the Milam County Historical Commission and heard an annual report from the group during a meeting Feb. 25. Lynn Young with the Milam County Historical Commission spoke to the commissioners about the accomplishments of the group. The commissioners then honored Jeri Burnett as the recipient of the Jon Ben Sheppard Leadership Award from the Texas Historical Commission and honored Jack Brooks for his service to the group. Brooks presented the commissioners with maps of historic Milam County cemeteries. The commissioners also recognized Delores Mode for over 25 years of service to the Milam County Historical Commission. Milam County Judge Steve Young updated the commissioners on economic development during the meeting. “Last Thursday, I met with several senior executives from Bitmain regarding its operation in the county,” Young said. “Bitmain previously halted its operation due to the falling price of bitcoins and the stock market, however it is now ready to go forward.” Young said Bitmain has renovated several of the old Alcoa pot rooms by raising the ceilings and pouring concrete floors. It will use the buildings to house180,000 ant miners, which are the computers that are used to mine the certifications for bitcoins. Young said Bitmain is hiring people to help with the building preparation and installation of the computers and anyone that is interested should contact Workforce Solutions of Central Texas at (512) 446-6440. He also spoke about what is going on at Butler Weldments in Cameron and that they are hiring welders, technicians and others. Commissioners also approved an oil well fee for Treadstone of $10,000 per well. Young and Commissioner John Fisher have been in talks with Treadstone to help recoup some of the cost of keeping the county roads around the oil fields in repair. The fee will go to Precinct 3 to help maintain roads and will be paid within 30 days of well completion. Six wells have already been completed. Commissioners also approved compensation for nurses to perform blood draws for DWI warrants. Three nurses will be on call and will be paid $150 for each draw. Last year 13 warrants were issued for blood draws in the county. In other business commissioners also: approved a proclamation from Agrilife Extension for National Nutrition Month and approved contracts with cities and schools for the May election.