Stephenville’s April 1 City Council meeting opened with powerful moments of recognition, as city leaders honored 12-year-old baking champion Micah Parsons and spotlighted the ‘Stop the Silence’ initiative to support victims of crime, child abuse and sexual assault across Erath County.
To start the evening, The council took time to honor 12-year-old Micah Parsons, who recently won the Food Network Kids Baking Championship. Mayor Doug Svien presented Parsons with a proclamation declaring April 1 as Micah Parsons Day in Stephenville.
“Let this serve as a reminder of the incredible talent and potential that exist within our youth and as a celebration of Micah’s hard work and creativity,” Svien said.
The council also issued a proclamation recognizing the week of April 6 through 12 as Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The proclamation, presented in partnership with the City of Dublin, Erath County and Tarleton State University, underscores the shared commitment to improving victim services and enhancing the criminal justice response across the region.
“Stop the Silence has been created to combine the awareness of these causes (victims of crime, child abuse and sexual assault) in Erath County,” said Laura Gambino, Director of Cross Timbers Family Services. “And therefore, the City of Stephenville, the City of Dublin, Erath County and Tarleton State University commit to creating a victim service and criminal response that assists all victims of crimes throughout the year.”
In other business, Fire Chief Robert Isbell and Chief of Medical Operations Steven Jacobsen provided a detailed update on the Community Resource Paramedic (CRP) Program. The presentation highlighted the department’s efforts to improve emergency care services through new technology and training.
Jacobsen explained that local ambulances now carry advanced tools, including portable sonogram machines, upgraded ventilators and supplies for blood transfusions. Equipment for conducting basic lab work in the field is also expected to arrive soon.
“Everyone can start IVs, everyone can give basic medication as far as paramedics, everyone can do EKGs,” Jacobsen said. “To be able to go a step further and bring some of that emergency room equipment into the field really helps to make a difference in patients that don’t really have time to spare.”
In matters of land use and annexation, the council authorized the city manager to notify the Fort Worth and Western Railroad Company of the city’s intent to annex a portion of the railway. According to City Manager Jason King, the move is part of a broader plan to connect additional land to the city.
The council also approved initiating annexation of city-owned parcels that lie outside the official city limits. This land will support future airport expansion.
Additionally, the council approved the rezoning of three lots to Integrated Housing, supporting efforts to expand housing options and accommodate the city’s growing population.
In commission updates, James Stephenson was appointed to Place 7 on the Planning and Zoning Commission, moving from his previous position as Alternate for Place 1.