Hale County

Hale County Offices

Hale County Town List

Hale County was founded in 1876 and organized in 1888. The county was named to honor Lt. John C. Hale, the hero during the Battle of San Jacinto.  

Plainview is the county seat that offers various services, including schools, churches, banks, post office, fire department, hospital, library, museum, and historical society.  

Two major highways run through the county: U.S. Highway 77 and State Highway 114, which run east and west across the southern part of the county. 

Continue reading for more details about Hale county. 

Attractions in Hale County  

Hale County is blessed with many attractions. These places offer visitors an opportunity to enjoy nature at its best. 

Lake Texoma 

Lake Texoma is on the border between Oklahoma and Texas. Congress has designated it as one of America’s Great Lakes. This lake covers over 1,000 square miles and provides excellent fishing opportunities.   

Visitors can also take advantage of boating activities or relax around the campfire while enjoying the beauty of this natural wonder. 

Big Spring National Park  

Big Spring National Park is another place worth visiting. Located near Amarillo, it features beautiful scenery and wildlife. One can visit the park from May until October when there are no restrictions on camping.   

In addition, visitors can go hiking along trails that lead them into some of the country’s most scenic areas.  

Fort Worth Stockyard 

Fort Worth Stockyard is yet another attraction in Hale County. It is home to the largest stock exchange in North America. Here you will find everything related to cattle ranching.  

You can even watch live auctions here. If you want to learn how to become a cowboy, then this is your chance!  

Contemporary Art Museum Plainview 

Contemporary Art Museum Plainview is another exciting place to visit. It houses works of art created by local artists. Some of these pieces include paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, ceramics, glassware, jewelry, and furniture.   

The Museum of the Llano Estacado  

The Museum of the Llano Estacado is another great place to see. It showcases the history of the region dating back to prehistoric times.  

The exhibits feature artifacts found throughout the area. They range from tools used by Native Americans to weapons used by soldiers who fought against Mexico. 

What Farmers Grow in Hale  

Hale is a fertile county with large chunks of land devoted to agriculture. Farmers grow wheat, corn, sorghum, cotton, soybeans, oats, barley, alfalfa, and peanuts. Other crops are pecans, hay, sugar beets, sunflowers, wheatgrass, milo, rice, beans, potatoes, sweet clover, tobacco, and more.   

When it comes to animals raised in Hale County, farmers keep beef cows, dairy cows, sheep, goats, horses, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, rabbits, and llamas. Others keep donkeys, mules, and camels.  

Since Agriculture is lucrative among farmers in Hale, it is one of the top economic activities in the county.  

You need a permit to keep wild animals in your home. However, if you have livestock, you do not require any permits. 

Hale County Election Information 

Elections in the county are held during odd-numbered years. Elections are conducted under the supervision of the Secretary of State’s office.  

Voting machines are used to count votes cast in all elections except those involving judicial offices where hand-counting takes place. 

Voting hours vary depending upon whether it is primary election day or general election day. Primary elections usually begin early morning and end late evening. General elections start later in the afternoon and continue through midnight. 

Primary elections last two weeks. During this time, voters must register at their polling places before they vote. Voters may only change party affiliation once per year. 

General elections run for four months. All registered voters receive mail ballots that contain instructions about voting procedures. These ballots are mailed out approximately three weeks before an election date.  

On election day, people line up outside their precincts to cast their ballot. Poll workers check each voter off the list after casting his/her ballot. 

Once the elective positions are complete, the elected officials serve for four years unless the governor calls for a special election. 

County Offices and Roles 

County Judge – This position was created in 1876. The Honorable David B. Mull presides over criminal cases involving misdemeanors and traffic offenses. He also hears civil suits filed against individuals or businesses. Contact the office at (806) 291-5214. 

Sheriff – This official has jurisdiction over law enforcement within the county. The current sheriff is David Cochran. He also oversees court proceedings and serves as the jailer. Sheriff’s deputies patrol the streets looking for crime suspects. Contact them at (806) 296-2724 / (806) 296-5725 

The Attorney – This person represents the state when prosecuting crimes committed in the county. James M. Tirey currently holds the office. His job includes investigating cases, preparing indictments, conducting trials, and sentencing convicted criminals. Contact them at (806) 291-5306. 

Tax Assessor–This individual collects taxes owed by property owners. Roland Nash currently holds the office. He sends the amount to the county treasurer. Contact the office at (806) 291-5276. 

Treasurer – This individual manages the funds collected from taxpayers. Ida A. Tyler is the current treasurer. She receives payments from local governments and distributes them among public agencies. For example, she pays teachers’ salaries, provides funding for road repairs, and helps pay for social services. Contact the office at (806) 291-5209 / (806) 291-5313. 

Commissioners Court–This group comprises five members who oversee the operations of the county. They set policies regarding issues like zoning laws, budgeting, land use planning, and other matters affecting the quality of life in the area. The office is under Harold King. Contact him at (806) 296-5863. 

County Clerk–This office handles documents related to births, marriages, divorces, adoptions, and name changes. The clerk must keep accurate records of these legal affairs. When someone dies, this information becomes part of the probate process. The office is under Latrice Kemp. Contact him at (806) 291-5261. 

Conclusion 

Finally, Hale county is a peaceful county for those living here. Crime rates have been low since it became an incorporated city back in 1995.  

However, if you live outside the city limits, consider moving because crime could become more common. If you are new to this county, check the various county offices for help.