Fannin and Grayson counties have joined the growing number of North Texas counties to institute an outdoor burn ban as a matter of public safety.

Out of 254 Texas counties, at least 240 are under current burn ban restrictions.

With a string of 100-degree days on the horizon and very little chance of rain in the forecast, a burn ban can help mitigate the risk of catastrophic wildfires by eliminating open fires and warning the public that dangerous conditions exist.  The designation, made at the county judge and county commissioner level, also makes state funds available quicker in case an emergency develops.

Fannin County Commissioners Court allowed provisions for welders as well as outdoor grills/BBQs, while specifying that no burn barrels or other open fires would be allowed until the burn ban is lifted.

Agricultural producers are instructed to garner the approval of his or her precinct commissioner before initiating controlled burns.

In other business, Fannin County Commissioners Court re-appointed Kenneth Karl, Jr. as Fannin County's representative on the Mental Health Mental Retardation Board of Directors. Mr. Karl explained how the organization is in the process of changing its name to Community Center of Texoma to avoid any possible stigma associated with retardation.

"It's a little generic," Karl said of the new name, "so it will take some getting used to."

Commissioners approved an expenditure of up to $550 to allow the county clerk to move the Voter Registration and Jury Clerk/Civil desks and personnel from Suite 103 to Suite 102.

Commissioners also approved an expenditure of $720 for a glass door on the south entrance to the county clerk's office and $80 for an official decal on the door.