Lynn County commissioners approve game-room license, deny part-time deputy request and clear bonds and finance report

Lynn County Judge Mike Braddock and Commissioners John Hawthorne and Larry Durham met in regular session on Feb. 23, 2026, in the Lynn County Courthouse in Tahoka and handled a string of routine business, approving a game-room license and county financial matters while denying a requested part-time deputy position.

The court accepted a completed application to operate a game room in Lynn County after Judge Mike Braddock said the application listed the machines and location correctly. Commissioner John Hawthorne moved to accept the application and Commissioner Larry Durham seconded; all members present voted in favor.

County Treasurer Arny Schuknecht presented the county’s finance report for January 2026, which the court approved after a motion from Commissioner Larry Durham and a second from Judge Braddock. Schuknecht also stated there were no budget amendments to act on.

Karen Rendon, the county clerk, presented bonds for approval including those for Erin Mackenzi Reynolds (County Treasurer deputy) and Carly Henderson (District Clerk deputy). The court approved those bonds. After noting a bond for Mandi Stone had been omitted earlier, Rendon and Judge Braddock reopened the bonds item; Braddock moved to approve Mandi Stone’s bond and Durham seconded. The court approved the bond along with the previously mentioned bonds.

Chief Deputy Chris Hennsley reported the county jail held 44 inmates: 35 from Lynn County, two from Lubbock County and seven from Potter County.

The sheriff’s office requested permission to hire one part-time deputy to serve as district and county court bailiff, paid at the county budgeted deputy hourly rate ($26.791 per hour) with an estimated annual cost at or below $8,000. Judge Braddock said the sheriff’s budget showed elevated overtime and other costs and suggested the request be reconsidered during the budget process. Commissioner John Hawthorne moved to deny the hiring request; Commissioner Larry Durham seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

The court also approved claims and payroll presented by Treasurer Arny Schuknecht after a motion from Commissioner Durham and a second from Commissioner Hawthorne.

During general county business, Commissioner Hawthorne asked about recent fires in O’Donnell. Chief Deputy Hennsley said crews extinguished a fire and reported another near the rodeo grounds; Hennsley also criticized commissioners’ public comments about the incidents. Judge Braddock clarified that, under the county’s burn-ban guidance, household trash contained in a burn barrel or trash pit is allowed.

On facilities, Kathy Grant inquired about plumbing in her office; Judge Braddock had no update. Braddock said plans for the courthouse air-conditioning project are pending receipt of blueprints before work can begin.

The court adjourned at 9:52 a.m.