The matter, which was brought before the court by County Judge Mark Barr, is also being considered by other entities, including Big Spring Independent School District, Coahoma Independent School District, Forsan Independent School District, the city of Big Spring, Howard College and the Big Spring Economic Development Board.

The idea to use a grant writer to actively seek and acquire grants to support, among other things, a vocational training system in Howard County, came during a meeting of local officials, according to Barr.

“I recently met with officials from several local government entities... We got to talking about the problems Big Spring and Howard County face, and the biggest problem we seem to have right now is with our young people,” said Barr. “I was surprised to find out that Big Spring alone has a 30 percent drop out rate, which was a shock to me. And this leads to other problems. When I was a kid, if I wasn't busy then I was probably getting into things I wasn't supposed to be getting into, and I think that's what's happening here.

“You know all of the problems we're having with juveniles and the drive-by shootings in this community. I think it's time for us to step up and try to find a solution to these problems. There are no guarantees, but this money would allow us to hire a grant writer, and our main focus would be on finding a way to support these drop outs and families, and try to catch these kids before they get into these things.”

Barr said the grant writer would work for the agencies through the Texas Workforce Network, but would be dedicated to the agencies that are funding the endeavor.

“There are a lot of grants for education,” said Barr. “The education system in Texas is aimed at kids who are going to be going to college. As we all know, not everyone goes to college. There are things out there people who don't go to college can do very successfully. One of the things the grant writer would be looking at is developing a program for these drop outs to learn a trade, like electricity and welding, or plumbing. We would work in conjunction with Howard College on this.

“The grant writer would be working for the Workforce (Network). They would have their office here in Big Spring and would exclusively be working for Howard County entities. We (the entities) would pay for her salary and for the office. Also, she would be available to help with other matters, such as grants for the sheriff's office.”

Barr said the idea, which has already gained acceptance from several local entities, will help turn around a dangerous trend in the Crossroads area.

“I think it's a step in the right direction,” said Barr firmly. “I've talked to a lot of educators, and they are all behind the idea 100 percent. The total package would be $120,000 a year, and that includes Big Spring ISD, Howard College, Howard County, the city of Big Spring and the Big Spring Economic Development Board donating $20,000, and Coahoma ISD and Forsan ISD will donate $10,000 each. The city has already approved it, and Howard College will be presenting it to their board during their next meeting. Big Spring ISD has already approved it, as well.

“The cities of Forsan and Coahoma will not be giving any money to this project because they just can't afford it. Their budgets are just too tight right now. That's where I feel like the county needs to step in and help those two smaller communities out.”

Commissioner Jimmie Long, newly elected and attending his first commissioners meeting as the District 3 representative, said he understands the importance of a vocational training program.

“I understand the program very well because I'm a by-product of it,” said Long. “I've visited with Rep. Joe Heflin and Sen. Kel Seliger about re-establishing funds for vocational programs, and it's something they are very aware of. The city of San Angelo struggles with having enough workforce as well. They are working during this legislative session to start re-implementing some funds for the schools, but that takes time. This is an opportunity as a community to do something on a local level. The grant money is available, we just have to request it. And it has to be written by someone who has knowledge of how to write these grants so they will accept them.”

The court gave the go-ahead to fund the project to the tune of $20,000, which will come out of the county's reserve contingency fund.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it