There is new life at the Brownfield and Terry County Cemeteries. The Terry County Cemetery Association recently got rid of several dead trees at both cemeteries and planted 89 new trees. Sheriff Timothy Click, Vice-President of the association, stated, “There will be more planted. We were able to get rid of many of the dead trees that had become an eyesore at both cemeteries and will be planting more as they become available.”
The trees were purchased through the Terry County Soil and Water Conservation program. The total cost of the trees was around $5,000. Also, as a part of this project, drip irrigation was installed at the Brownfield Cemetery.
The Brownfield Cemetery is the oldest one and the layout has been a bit problematic for the association in the past, as far as trying to lay an underground line. The current drip will not service the entire cemetery, but they did what they could. Water supply has always been, and continues to be an issue at this cemetery. Hopefully, with the drip line, the cemetery can be watered more efficiently.
The association has plans to get these new trees established and then purchase 100 more for placement in the next year or so.
The Terry County Cemetery Association relies almost solely on donations to operate. They do receive money from the selling of plots, and the cost of burial, but the majority of their budget comes from private donations. If you would like to donate to the Cemetery Association and help with the upkeep of the cemeteries, donations can be made at the County Treasurer’s office, or at the Sheriff’s Office. All donations are welcomed and needed.
The Cemetery Association would like to thank:
- County Commissioner Ernie Elizardo who assisted in moving dirt
- Cat Gonzales and the City Electric crew who dug holes and trimmed trees
- Klint Forbes for fertilizer and guidance on how to place the trees and what to use
- TC Soil and Water Conservation for the trees sold to the association at cost
- Texas Ag Plus for help on the drip irrigation project
- Terry County Sheriff’s Office for the use of inmates to help with the project
- Next Door Rentals for the use of a trencher.
Sheriff Click stated, “This was a huge undertaking for such a small group with limited funding, but we know it will improve the looks of the cemeteries and will be appreciated for years to come.”
