Lavaca County
Texas Historical Commission

LCHC earns Distinguished Service Award

Presented by the Texas Historical Commission

  • The LCHC was one of 83 county historical commissions throughout the state to be honored. From left are members of the LCHC including Nancy Obelgoner, Roger Ramey, Bea Wyatt, Duff Wagner, Doug Kubicek (chairman), Irene Szwarc, Harvey Matusek, Bob Morgenroth and Dennis Svetlik. Back row from left include members of the Commissioners’ Court including commissioners Dennis W. Kocian, Kenny Siegel, judge Keith Mudd and commissioners Wayne Faircloth and Edward Pustka. Photo by Jimmy Appelt
    The LCHC was one of 83 county historical commissions throughout the state to be honored. From left are members of the LCHC including Nancy Obelgoner, Roger Ramey, Bea Wyatt, Duff Wagner, Doug Kubicek (chairman), Irene Szwarc, Harvey Matusek, Bob Morgenroth and Dennis Svetlik. Back row from left include members of the Commissioners’ Court including commissioners Dennis W. Kocian, Kenny Siegel, judge Keith Mudd and commissioners Wayne Faircloth and Edward Pustka. Photo by Jimmy Appelt

    By Jimmy Appelt

    jimmy.appelt@lavacacounty today.com

     

    The Lavaca County Historical Commission was recognized at the Monday, June 12 Commissioners’ Court meeting for being presented the 2022 Distinguished Service Award (DSA) given by the Texas Historical Commission. 

    According to the Texas Historical Commission, the DSA acknowledges above average county historical commissions (CHC) based on a statewide analysis of annual reports. 

    Nano Calderon, CHC Outreach coordinator said in 2022, the THC received 197 CHC reports approving 83 awards with the Lavaca CHC one of those awarded.

    According to a THC press release, the annual award affirms Lavaca CHC appointees for managing well-rounded history and preservation related programs that enrich Texas communities. 

    Calderon said county historical commissions provide critical volunteer efforts to preserve Texas’ unique historic, architectural, and cultural assets and have provided 294,634 volunteer hours in 2022, which is an in-kind donation to the state valued at $9,269,361.

    “The THC assists more than 200 CHCS through programs and services that preserve Texas’ heritage for the education, enjoyment and economic benefit of present and future generations,” Calderon said. 

    According to LCHC chairman, Doug Kubicek, the local commission has been very busy in 2022. 

    Kubicek said they put a project into place in Lavaca County in regards to historic cemeteries and utilizing the “Framework for Preservation” from the THC.

    “We contacted several cemetery associations in the county and made a concerted effort to promote cemetery preservation,” Kubicek said. “Our members attended training sessions online and in-person  workshops. This helped give our members and the cemetery associations an understanding and helped two of the cemetery associations, Mossy Grove and Andrews Chapel.”

    Kubicek said they held in-field programs at both cemeteries on how to properly clean tombstones and discussed the needs for cemetery funding as well as updating the inventory and making a new plat map at the two cemeteries. 

    Another project the LCHC takes part in each year is hosting the Alton C. Allen Historical Conference. 

    Kubicek said the 2022 conference had guest speakers presenting topics  that included: Driving Cattle – Trails and Tribulations; The Louisiana and Texas Cattle Connection; The Birthplace of the American Cowboy and The Chisholm Trail  Evolution of a Legend.

    Kubicek said in 2023, they will host their 25th conference. 

    Other areas the LCHC was involved in 2022 included:

    • Working with the City of Hallettsville and Texas Parks and Wildlife on a survey study of the Lavaca River.

    • Consulting with TxDOT on several county bridges that are scheduled for repair or replacement.

    • Speaking with the City of Shiner and TxDOT regarding plans of improving handicap excess in front of the downtown business section.

    • In a November Commissioners’ Court meeting, the LCHC was asked to help create a small Standing/Working committee to help with recommendations dealing with the upkeep, maintenance and future grants for the Courthouse.

    The needs assessment includes courthouse safety/security for County and District Judicial Judges as well as courthouse employees.