Wallendorff takes oath as new constable

Mike Wallendorff was sworn in as the constable in Precincts 3 & 4 Tuesday morning by Donley County Judge Jack Hall.
 
Wallendorff was elected in the general election and was not scheduled to take office until January. He was sworn in early due to the November 1 resignation of Constable Pecos Hagler.

Wallendorff says he’s looking forward to serving the people of Donley County.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their votes and support,” he said.

The new constable will receive law enforcement training at South Plains College in Levelland next year from May to August.

He says he has some plans for the office but didn’t offer any specific objectives.

“There are just some things that need to be tended to that haven’t been tended to,” he said.

Wallendorff’s predecessor resigned to pursue another employment opportunity.

Meanwhile, Judge Hall said he has received a proposed budget from Jimmy Swinney, the constable-elect in Precincts 1 & 2. The proposal calls for $35,493.98 to be allocated for the office, which includes $17,146.95 for a salary.

Swinney was present at Monday’s meeting of the Commissioners’ Court but did not address the court, Hall said. The county took no action on the proposed budget.

The Precinct 1 & 2 constable’s position has been vacant for about 30 years prior to Swinney’s filing as a write-in candidate for the position. He was elected with 52 votes last month and will take office in January.

In other business, Judge Hall says TxDOT and the county are moving forward with plans to replace bridges on Skillet Creek and Carroll Creek.

A joint federal and state program will pay for the bridge replacements with the stipulation that the county spend matching funds on other road improvements in the county. Commissioner Bob Trout said the county has spent $27,500 on the Mulberry Creek bridge to provide the match.

December 31, 2000, has been set as the date to let bids for the Skillet Creek project, Hall said. The Carroll Creek project will be bid some time next year.