In the Kent County Commission’s first regular session of May 2025, County Judge Layne Coulter was pleased to report that the final replacements of windows in the courthouse after hail and wind storms occurring in June 2023 had been completed and he will submit closing documents to the insurance carrier. Coulter has asked for review of a couple of things on the county aircraft hangar, he said.
Commissioner Ray Hall asked whether the Girard Community Center building was covered in that policy, as its metal roof is “beat up.” He also asked about the chapel at the Girard Cemetery but learned that it is not covered on the county’s insurance.
Sheriff William Scogin reported one inmate in jail and one awaiting transport to TDC.
He also discussed a proposal from the South Plains Auto Theft Task Force, headed by Doug Clements, to install license plate reader cameras on state highways at county line entrances, for monitoring possible illegal activity; the program, Scogin said, covers approximately 20 counties under the auspices of the Lubbock District Attorney. Each participating county has to match some funds, Scogin said; installation of four cameras and first-year participation would cost $3,500, then $600 per year per camera thereafter. The cameras are wired, not solar- powered; they capture images in both highway directions but do not show private property. King and Garza counties are already participating, and Dickens is in the process of installing right now. Lubbock County is spending $1.4 million on their matching grant, Scogin said. He also confirmed that the system can be used for tracking statewide amber alerts, and the local sheriff’s office would have access to cameras and footage.
“For the amount of money, for the benefit you would get out of it, I think it would be worth giving it a try,” Scogin.
The court entertained a motion and second, and the motion carried unanimously.
Other than routine approvals of county bills and a brief discussion regarding health insurance deductible rates for county employees, the remainder of the meeting was devoted to introducing several members of the Kent County Nursing Home staff.
At 10 a.m., Kent County Nursing Home (KCNH) administrator Nathan Smith and staff arrived, along with three new clinical coordinators to introduce, including Michael Valeria, director of nursing. Valeria explained that his position handles a lot of scheduling, especially in light of frequent turnover of entrylevel staff, and also has responsibility for reports and incidents to the state of Texas.
Valerio stressed the numerous training opportunities available to KCNH staff “I pride myself on education,” Valerio said. “We give you the resources, it’s your job to apply.”
“This is our residents’ house,” Valerio said. “It’s our honor to come in and help them, but it’s their place to live. We want the people to feel the love and compassion that our whole team strives to provide.”
Wendy Vinson, assistant director of nursing, is from Roby and considering a move to Jayton — is a wound care nurse; her philosophy is to try to prevent wounds but also provide care if they occur. She also takes care of immunizations.
Kim Gleghorn, MDS coordinator, works with the state to assess level of care needed for each patient.
County human resources director Gina Coulter asked the KCNH team what help county staff can provide: “We want to set you up for success,” she said Commissioner Debbie Myers asked whether the facility could schedule CNAs more often than relying on outside agency services; Valerio explained that scheduling presents a difficult situation, given needs for multiple shifts.
Smith added that with growth in the resident census— 51 as of May 12—there would be more need for a higher level of skill in transport to outside appointments, especially when a doctor visit can take the better part of a day. He reported, as well, that former consultant Steve King would not be able to continue consulting, due to his new position; KCNH will continue searching for a new consultant.
Valerio explained that increasing PRN staffing, by adding part-time staffers would be a good strategy as well. The court entertained an extended discussion of continuous improvement in staff training, and enhancing shift coverage., along with topics ranging from minor repairs needed to the facility; the rate strategy; and enhancements to website, social media and logo wear.
Smith noted that he was drafting an Emergency Preparedness Plan for backup residency at nearby homes, or even churches, and transportation as needed, and would present it to the court at a later date.
Information on time of adjournment was not immediately available.
