A variety of updates were provided by several visitors when the Polk County Historical Commission met Thursday.
“The Polk County Courthouse is over 100 years old, and like all old gals, she had some hitches we had to address,” County Judge Sydney Murphy said regarding the ongoing historic renovation of the Polk County Courthouse. “It’s been a challenge. It’s been interesting. It’s been very educational.”
Partially funded by the Texas Historical Commission Courthouse Restoration Grant Program, the project will yield a revitalized courthouse offering more space and improved functionality for conducting county business.
“It’s supposed to be 50/50, but it’s going to end up being about 70/30,” Murphy said, adding, “Once it’s designated as a historic building, you can’t do anything but fix it. We’re keeping everything we can and we’re trying to find everything we can.”
Polk County Chamber of Commerce CEO/President Brenda Clifton and Administrative Assistant Kim Jernigan introduced themselves to the commission and provided an update regarding the chamber’s various activities.
“We promote. We promote businesses. We promote events,” Clifton said.
“Please share your flyers, etc. with us. We send these out to our over 400 members,” Jernigan said.
The chamber ladies also shared info regarding the chamber’s new initiative, Food Truck Monday, which will be held the first Monday of each month in the chamber parking lot. The first one kicks off Oct. 6 and will be available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Another visitor to Thursday’s meeting was Sandy Donnell, the new owner of the Fain Theater, who is seeking community input regarding the future of the historic theater.
“My vision is bringing it back to life,” Donnell said.
As for historical commission business, work has been completed on the driveway/parking project at the Polk County Memorial Museum located at 514 W. Mill St. The existing driveway was expanded and reconfigured to include handicapped parking, a ramp to the front porch, four regular parking spaces and five additional angle parking spaces out front.
Work is continuing on the creation of a new pictorial history book that will include county history from 1910-1960.
The commission will be recognized at Tuesday’s meeting of the Polk County Commissioners Court and will be presented the Distinguished Service Award.
