What happened on Thursday, 01 January 2026
Town of Templeton, Worcester County, Massachusetts
An unidentified presenter said the Town of Templeton will need to acquire temporary and permanent easements and complete appraisals and title work for a 2.6-mile Realeston Road reconstruction funded by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, currently programmed for fiscal 2029.
Perry County, Indiana
The commissioners tabled county supply and fuel bids during the Dec. 31 meeting after a vendor did not respond to questions; board set the item for the next meeting on Jan. 5.
Curry County, Oregon
On Dec. 31, Curry County commissioners approved Ordinance 25 0 4 to move emergency management oversight from the sheriff’s office to the Board of Commissioners via the director of county operations and to authorize the county emergency manager or a qualified appointee to serve as emergency management director. The vote was recorded as unanimous among the three commissioners present.
Norwalk, Los Angeles County, California
City officials said Norwalk secured more than $10 million in federal housing resources, expanded down-payment assistance and added a housing liaison. The mayor’s office also said HOPE teams reduced homelessness by 129% year over year; city officials did not provide supporting data in the update.
Perry County, Indiana
The board discussed the distribution of commercial vehicle excise tax (CVET) and financial institution tax (FIT) receipts and agreed to leave revenues in their current earmarked accounts to avoid disrupting department budgets, especially for the health department.
Rapid City, Pennington County, South Dakota
Following a presentation and debate over funding sources and contingency balances, the committee agreed to fund a pilot by nonprofit JourneyOn to place two hybrid street‑outreach/safe‑passages staff at Wilson Park and Wilson Elementary to reduce youth exposure to chronic inebriation.
Show Low, Navajo County, Arizona
Hundreds gathered in downtown Show Low on Dec. 31, 2025, for the city's New Year's Eve celebration, which featured the town's signature 'deuce of clubs' card drop, a live-streamed program with the mayor, games and midnight fireworks; organizers thanked first responders and city staff.
Chase County, Kansas
At their Dec. 31 meeting the commission approved routine consent items including warrants, payroll and minutes; authorized a $15,000 transfer to a senior center supplemental fund; approved several change orders and a $5,000 sheriff prevention fund request; and voted a 2% cost‑of‑living increase for county employees.
Rapid City, Pennington County, South Dakota
The Legal & Finance Committee authorized purchase of 12 Lucas 3 automated chest-compression systems from Stryker Sales LLC for $216,449.85, with council members expressing support for upgrading emergency medical equipment.
Perry County, Indiana
After extended discussion, Perry County commissioners voted Dec. 31 to move the highway department from a guaranteed four-hour comp-time minimum to an hour-for-hour overtime pay system (when employees have exceeded 40 hours) on a trial basis and to create an overtime budget line for tracking and payment.
Josephine County, Oregon
Chair Commissioner Chris Barnett said Dec. 31 that efforts to fill the vacancy left by Commissioner Andreas Black have stalled after Commissioner Ron Smith recused himself and did not participate; no quorum was present, no appointment was made, and a citizen has filed a mandamus action seeking judicial clarity.
Chase County, Kansas
After debate over inventory and accountability, commissioners voted to require Chase County Sheriff's Office approval before any programming, purchases or modifications to 800 MHz radios or KSICS talk groups assigned to the county; the board discussed reprogramming, training and an estimated not‑to‑exceed cost for equipment and laptop support.
Rapid City, Pennington County, South Dakota
The Legal & Finance Committee deferred approval of a proposal to close Main and Saint Joseph streets for an America 250 celebration after members raised traffic, parking and business‑impact concerns; the committee asked staff to return options in two weeks.
Cowlitz County, Washington
Transcript shows a request to replace a departing public facilities district member with Mark Wilson and a verbal acknowledgement of assent; no formal motion text or roll-call vote appears in the record.
Osage County, Kansas
Staff said Osage and Chase counties are pursuing a federal bridge grant covering 15 bridges with total costs of $69,000,000; the Kansas Infrastructure Hub committed $27,500 for the application and $9.4 million in match funds, with the county's expected 5% share if awarded.
Franklin County, Washington
Franklin County commissioners discussed a notice to their insurance risk pool and outreach from broker Alliant; officials said the notice might be rescinded within a six-to-nine-month window and asked the risk pool director to clarify timing as the county reviews an estimated $700,000–$800,000 potential budget impact.
Cowlitz County, Washington
An executive session of 30 minutes was held to discuss a public employee's performance, extended 10 minutes, and concluded with no decisions reported, according to meeting remarks captured in the transcript.
Chase County, Kansas
Chase County commissioners heard that the county was awarded a three‑year Safe Streets for All grant to produce a county safety plan, fund engineering audits and demonstration projects at key trouble spots; the awarded package totals about $531,000 over three years with roughly $426,000 federal and about $100,000 state match.
Tolland School District, School Districts, Connecticut
Debbie McCoy, a long-time advocate for homeowners affected by tainted aggregate, told listeners the enhanced '90/10' grant scheme is failing victims of defective concrete blocks and pyrite-related damage because of three barriers: upfront costs, shortfall amounts and a punitive damage threshold.
Osage County, Kansas
Powerhouse Ministries told the county it operates two recovery residences serving adults with complex needs and said it will return in May to request special alcohol funds; presenters provided detailed program statistics and described steps to support residents' employment and legal needs.
Franklin County, Washington
At a workshop, Franklin County commissioners reviewed organizational appointments and agreed to verify committee memberships and meeting notifications after several commissioners said they had not received invites; staff will contact external entities and return with confirmations at the Jan. 7 meeting.
Penobscot County, Maine
The Penobscot County Commission unanimously approved a consultant agreement with the North/Northeast Workforce Development Board for a TIF scholarship program, adopted an ADA-reviewed fragrance-free workplace policy, and denied grievance GNC-200 in separate unanimous votes.
Tolland School District, School Districts, Connecticut
In a Doctor Powell Show interview, principal Kenisha Slowly described practical steps schools can take to support students diagnosed with autism: early assessment during the first six weeks, family engagement and familiarization visits, universal design for learning, targeted professional development, and community partnerships.
Atascosa County, Texas
Commissioners approved 2026 fuel and road-material bid awards, accepting Golden West for fuel and multiple vendors for hauling and road materials across many line items; several votes recorded an abstention by Commissioner Riley on multiple items.
Hopewell Valley Regional School District, School Districts, New Jersey
Superintendent Dr. Trese announced the next meeting location and plans to honor staff and principal Trish Riley, reported a recent bond‑rating call ahead of a planned bond sale, and described a transportation emergency in which a bus driver moved other buses to safety after a bus caught fire.
Osage County, Kansas
The Osage County Commission on Dec. 31 approved multiple purchase orders and a $650,000 transfer from Road and Bridge to Special Equipment, including a $146,963.73 Motorola maintenance contract and a $149,900 whole-body security scanner purchase.
Penobscot County, Maine
The Penobscot County Commission unanimously approved an amended 2026 budget on Dec. 30 that includes a roughly 13–16% increase over 2025 driven largely by jail-related shortfalls; the board allocated $75,000 in PILT revenue for consulting and transitional costs and heard public comment urging alternatives to building a new jail.
Onslow County, North Carolina
Emily Baker, Collections Manager, said the Onslow County Museum's America 250 exhibit will open Feb. 23 with a public reception Feb. 28; the exhibit is community-curated, colorful and aimed at engaging young visitors and partners countywide throughout 2026.
Atascosa County, Texas
The commissioners accepted a $307,346.08 81st Judicial District mental health court grant for Atascosa County with no local match and approved listed supplements and hourly rates for named staff, with the motion carried and one abstention recorded.
Hopewell Valley Regional School District, School Districts, New Jersey
Paul Green, the board's attorney, reviewed the School Ethics Act and the code of ethics, covering conflicts of interest, complaint procedures, financial disclosures, sanctions, social media guidance and examples from advisory opinions; members asked about replying to emails, CC'ing quorums, and identifying themselves when raising parent concerns.
Columbia, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
The zoning hearing board denied Wayne R. Williams Jr.'s request to operate short‑term rentals at 515 Chestnut Street. Neighbors testified that parking, enforcement and neighborhood character concerns outweighed the applicant’s proposed mitigation measures, and the planning commission said submitted materials were insufficient to recommend approval.
Sherman County, Kansas
The board approved a contract to buy a parcel from the Tompkins Trust, accepted an amended tax‑sale petition, authorized a noxious‑weed cost‑share with the State of Kansas, awarded a porta‑potty contract for Smoky Gardens, approved library and tax‑roll items, and authorized pavilion fundraising with a $4,000 Community Foundation grant.
Atascosa County, Texas
The commissioners approved a professional services agreement with H2O Partners for a multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation assessment and action plan after staff reported urgent GLO grant-term changes; one commissioner abstained due to a disclosed conflict.
Onslow County, North Carolina
Onslow County Parks & Recreation announced "Seniors and S'mores," a free midyear celebration for area high-school seniors on Jan. 31 at Onslow Pines Park starting at 5 p.m., with registration at onslowrecdesk.com or by phone; movie screening scheduled for 9 p.m.
Hopewell Valley Regional School District, School Districts, New Jersey
At its organizational meeting, the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education swore in elected trustees, approved the 2026 president and vice president by voice vote, and set committee planning for the year ahead.
Columbia, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
The Columbia Borough Zoning Hearing Board denied an application for an owner‑operated, appointment‑only tattoo studio at 475 Locust Street after borough leaders said a recent zoning change restricts tattoo parlors to Highway Commercial and found no demonstrated hardship for an exception.
Sherman County, Kansas
After a detailed account review from Blue Cross, the Sherman County Board of Commissioners voted to keep the current $40,000 stop‑loss attachment point and pay the adjusted premium for the 2026 renewal period, citing improved claims experience and prescription‑rebate offsets.
Atascosa County, Texas
Atascosa County commissioners approved an order reflecting district judges' decisions to set the county auditor's salary at $100,000 and district court reporters' annual pay at $125,000, with Atascosa County's share of each reporter set at $44,212.50, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Onslow County, North Carolina
Tori Parks outlined the library's winter offerings: a teen book club "Through the Pages" (Jan. 29), an after-hours romance book club (Jan. 28), a craft exchange at Swansboro, a winter newsletter, and a family-friendly K-pop dance party in Sneads Ferry.
Van Zandt County, Texas
Summary of motions and outcomes from the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court meeting: multiple items were passed, some were tabled pending additional information or workshops.
Inglewood, Los Angeles County, California
At a year-end address at the Kia Forum, city speakers highlighted 2025 cultural festivals, neighborhood events and civic-engagement efforts and pointed to NBA All-Star Weekend and the FIFA World Cup in 2026 as turning points for the city’s profile.
Marshall County, Iowa
On Dec. 31 the Marshall County Board of Supervisors approved the consent agenda (minutes, claims, manure plans, Veterans Affairs reappointments), a conflict waiver for Riverside Subdivision, the FY2025 cost allocation plan, a 5-year audit contract, zoning variance VAR6032, and resolution 2025-0032 assessing utility company taxable values; all motions passed on roll-call votes.
Laurens City, Laurens County, South Carolina
At a Dec. 31 special meeting, a 4-2 majority of the Laurens City Council approved Ordinance 12-22-25. The presiding officer said the ordinance lacked written approval from the city attorney, refused to sign it and said the matter will require judicial resolution; supporters said the measure responds to allegations referred to state investigators.
Onslow County, North Carolina
Dominique Van Pelt recommended small steps for nutrition and fitness (citing CDC's 150 minutes/week guideline), and encouraged gratitude and positive affirmations to support mental health; contact info and social channels were provided for more resources.
Van Zandt County, Texas
The court tabled a $14,007.74 one‑time contract proposal with Smarsh for archiving SMS on county devices and requested a workshop to evaluate phone policy, retention needs, vendor options and law‑enforcement impacts.
Winter Haven City, Polk County, Florida
The City of Winter Haven issued a short announcement urging residents to sign up for text alerts, emails and other channels for official updates and feedback, and invited public conversation about community issues.
Marshall County, Iowa
IMWCA safety manager Dean Shady told the Marshall County Board of Supervisors a large workers' compensation claim pushed the county's loss ratio to roughly 187%, risking roughly $50,000 in higher premiums; he urged a cost-of-risk allocation, stronger incident review and training to regain discounts.
Franklin County, Pennsylvania
Warden Warren Franzerne told commissioners the jail has 51 full-time and 3 part-time officers, additional applicants in onboarding, and an academy beginning Monday with cohorts of 6–7 officers over three-week sessions to accelerate certifications and training.
Onslow County, North Carolina
Anita Adkins described the CARE Team (Client Assistance, Resolution, Engagement), which began Oct. 1 with full duties Nov. 1, to provide ongoing case assistance, handle outreach at satellite locations, and assist families during service disruptions such as the federal shutdown that delayed benefits.
Van Zandt County, Texas
The court tabled appointments to ESD No. 1 and ESD No. 2 to allow applicants or representatives to appear; commissioners argued that residents deserve to meet candidates who would have financial oversight.
Winter Haven City, Polk County, Florida
An unidentified speaker told Winter Haven City residents to subscribe to agendas, review the annual budget and attend city commission meetings to counter misinformation and advocate for community service funding.
Franklin County, Pennsylvania
At the Board of Commissioners’ year-end meeting, resident Valerie Jordan urged use of a projected $10.6 million surplus to fund $900,000 in jail guard pay raises; a commissioner responded that the jail’s staffing shortfall is a scheduling problem, not one of pay.
Kenilworth, Union County, New Jersey
At the same meeting the board approved minutes from Nov. 25, acknowledged prior approval for a separate Nest 15 application, and adopted the 2026 meeting calendar with the caveat staff may adjust dates around major holidays.
Van Zandt County, Texas
After vendors said material costs have risen, the court approved ordering crushed‑rock flex base for Precinct 2 from either Woodrum Construction or 4M Trucking at $32 and for Precinct 3 from Woodrum at $30; the court also authorized solicitation of additional bids for the remaining contract period.
Onslow County, North Carolina
Shirley Campbell Nunez of the Onslow County Health Department outlined the department's preventive care, prenatal schedule (first-trimester testing and regular visits through 40 weeks) and postpartum home-visit support, stressing services are available regardless of insurance and translation services are provided.
Elkhart City, Elkhart County, Indiana
Airport management told the board it expects tower communications to be restored within weeks after a surge-protection study, that several vehicle radios and antennas have been upgraded, a new Kubota with plow is planned and heating system replacements are complete; the airport remains short one maintenance technician and one full-time air traffic controller.
Rockingham County, Virginia
Rockingham County commissioners approved replacing an outdated HVAC at an outdoor range trailer, agreeing to use remaining OSBM grant interest or, if not allowable, funds from the sheriff's budget or a budget amendment. The remaining grant balance cited was $8,034 and HVAC estimate $7,950.
Kenilworth, Union County, New Jersey
The Kenilworth Planning Board approved Eric Chavez’s plan to attach a garage, add a bedroom above it and build a covered front porch, conditioned on widening the driveway to 18 feet (plus a one-foot offset), removal of a pool and pergola, and a prohibition on using the basement as a bedroom.
Van Zandt County, Texas
The commissioners authorized the county judge to apply for the Texas Historical Commission 2026 courthouse restoration grant after discussing updated state funding, prior planning grants, and the need for current cost estimates.
Elkhart City, Elkhart County, Indiana
The airport board approved an amended agenda, elected officers, approved a claims docket of $128,488.40, and approved two vendor invoices (Butler Fairman Seifert $27,624.20 and BF&S $5,022.50). The board also authorized an FAA sponsor-intent letter for $150,000 in nonprimary entitlements.
Rockingham County, Virginia
During public comment at the Rockingham County commission meeting, a resident alleged a commissioner benefited financially from a Shiloh Airport project; the commissioner denied wrongdoing and said related boards operate independently. The board later voted to hire outside counsel to advise on sheriff-related conflicts after closed session.
Middlesex County, New Jersey
During public comment a Middlesex County resident flagged an issue at a Hotel 6 in East Brunswick where the county is housing people and urged commissioners to revisit a policy he said restricts what the public may speak about; the moderator said the matter was not appropriate for discussion at that time.
Los Angeles County, California
The Board of Supervisors unanimously ratified a proclamation of local emergency for the late-December winter storm, prompting county agencies to begin damage estimates for potential state and federal aid, and confirming beach closures after a sewage overflow that contaminated Cabrillo Beach.
Elkhart City, Elkhart County, Indiana
The airport board granted tentative approval for tenant Harjid Tarani (DNS Hotel Tango LLC) to install an above-ground fuel tank on leased hangar property, with final approval conditioned on legal agreements, regulatory compliance and answers on fuel sourcing and finance.
Middlesex County, New Jersey
A Middlesex County resident asked commissioners to explain Resolutions 15-25 and 15-26 and whether the measures will affect previously passed but unfunded ordinances, including any tied to housing for people experiencing homelessness; staff said a schedule will be set by Dec. 31 but would not provide counts.
Rockingham County, Virginia
The Rockingham County Board of Commissioners approved Phase 2 of a countywide pay study and authorized short-term staffing and overtime adjustments for the Department of Social Services to address growing caseloads. Officials estimated full-year implementation at about $1.2 million, with FY26 costs roughly $604,000.
Moreno Valley, Riverside County, California
Mayor Ulysses Cabrera delivered brief year-end ceremonial remarks highlighting public safety improvements, parks rehabilitation and community events; no policy decisions or formal actions were recorded.
Onslow County, North Carolina
Stacy Miles of Onslow County Emergency Management told viewers to slow down on icy roads, "leave early" to allow extra travel time, carry traction materials and check generators and fireplaces before winter storms to reduce risk of crashes and carbon monoxide incidents.
Norwalk, Los Angeles County, California
The city promoted improvements across parks (Glacier and Ramona), street and signal maintenance, a new roof for the Senior Center and holiday events; a resident praised the Senior Center services in-person. The transcript includes a mix of project updates and community event recaps.
Bullhead City, Mohave County, Arizona
The city promoted Community Park and Rotary Park amenities, outlined senior-campus programs and Meals on Wheels, and announced Republic Services' Monday–Thursday trash collections and suspension of residential recycling.
Norwalk, Los Angeles County, California
Juan Martinez, the park landscape supervisor, said crews painted base radiuses and performed nail- and mat-dragging at Ramona Park Baseball Field as part of routine upkeep across 12 parks. City staff urged residents to report problems through the Norwalk Connects app for a prompt response.
South Charleston, Kanawha County, West Virginia
Council approved a resolution endorsing an ABCC special-event license application for the MultiFest fundraiser at the Indian Center and authorized donation of surplus city property (a police SUV) to the Kanawha County Parks and Recreation Commission.
Bullhead City, Mohave County, Arizona
The city reminded renters and operators of personal watercraft that a local ordinance requires wristbands showing the safety video was watched and a consumer protection form signed; Police Chief Robert Treves introduced a video with detailed operating and life-jacket rules.
South Charleston, Kanawha County, West Virginia
The council voted to award a contract to OpenGov for city tax, licensing and permitting software — $102,313.03 in year one with annual fees of $51,997.18 and a 5% annual increase through June 30, 2030 — to be paid from fiscal year 2026 funds.
Bullhead City, Mohave County, Arizona
Bullhead City wastewater staff urged residents not to flush wipes, baby wipes or other non-paper items after showing debris that clogs pumps; the city cited pump replacement costs and urged simple disposal changes to avoid costly repairs.
Norwalk, Los Angeles County, California
At its annual reorganization on Dec. 9 the City Council by unanimous vote selected Vice Mayor Jennifer Perez as mayor and Council Member Margarita L. Rios as vice mayor; the transcript records the unanimous selection but does not include names of motion-maker or vote tally by member.
Norwalk, Los Angeles County, California
Norwalk officials outlined the Hermosillo Park redesign—synthetic soccer fields, community building, amphitheater, trail, playground and stormwater upgrades—and said funding includes Proposition 68, Measure A regional park funds and Measure W water-quality grants; groundbreaking is scheduled for December 2025 with a roughly 2½-year construction timeline.