Residents urge Board to reaffirm Second Amendment sanctuary; literacy group asks for continued support

Several residents used the public-comment period of the Feb. 15 meeting to press the board on two community issues: one group urged reaffirmation of the county's Second Amendment sanctuary position, and a literacy volunteer sought continued funding for a local tutoring program.

Kenneth Nestor of Independence told supervisors he wanted the board to update its Second Amendment sanctuary standing in response to recent state legislative activity. "I'm asking to update our standings and where we still stand as a county owned sanctuary," Nestor said, noting past turnout in favor of the sanctuary and asking the board to consider a renewed statement.

Douglas Cox, a resident and 25-year veteran of active military service, echoed the concern and urged proactive county planning to protect residents' rights and traditions if reciprocity or statutes change. Cox suggested community training opportunities and urged the board to communicate with adjacent counties and citizens about what protections the county can offer.

Separately, Joan Baldock, who said she coordinates a 1-on-1 literacy program serving Grayson County, described the program's long history (since 1987) and asked the board to continue supporting the volunteer effort that provides free, trained tutors to adults and children and partners with Head Start and public libraries.

Board members thanked speakers for their comments; there was no formal board action recorded on the sanctuary request or the literacy program at the meeting, although supervisors indicated they would consider next steps and follow up as appropriate.