During the Wood County Commissioners Court meeting March 17, Alba citizen Brandi Varner spoke on the availability of veteran services in Wood County. Varner said that Wood County veterans have needs that “are not being met,” as she said she and husband Justin have had to go to Smith County for assistance due to what she said was limited availability of the Wood County Veteran Service Officer. Varner requested that the county look over the Veteran Service Officer operations and increase availability of veteran services in the county.

The Commissioners also heard a short presentation by UT Health EMS Air One administration officer Scott Berkeley. Berkeley pointed out that the helicopter EMS unit was begun 40 years ago last December, and since that time, has flown over 44,300 flights. To commemorate the occasion, Berkeley said they created a coin stamped with the unit’s three mission statements – “Serving the lives of East Texans since 1985. Safety, quality, and integrity.” Berkeley presented a coin to each commissioner.

The court also approved several like-kind trades, including several law enforcement vehicles and a Wood County Road and Bridge in Prec. 3. Several annual agreements were renewed.