The Murray County Board of Commissioners met in executive session to discuss a lawsuit against the county filed by Christina and Jose Mascarro against Sheriff's Deputy Craig Billings for unlawful arrest.

The lawsuit alleges that Billings wrongfully invaded the Mascarro home and maced both members of the family, handcuffed them and dragged them from the home, causing psychological and physical pain and suffering and other physical and psychological damages. The suit is asking for $125,000 in damages.

Commissioners decided to forward the suit to the District Attorney's Office and also noted the county's insurance company will defend the county against the claim.

Edmund Geary, an Oklahoma City attorney, is handling the Mascarro's case.

The commission heard about the new coalition in the county to begin a recycling program in the county.

Debbie Sharp and Shelly Sawatzky represented the coalition and told the commissioners about the first meeting of the group last week and invited them to this week's meeting on Wednesday morning. Sharp told commissioners that Fenton Rude, of the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, would also attend the meeting and address ways the county can start a recycling service in the county.

"The county courthouse has gone green," Billy Frank Lance told Sharp and Sawatzky. "You always have our support. We will always be committed to do our part."

Sharp said the coalition agreed that to change attitudes, small kids must get involved in recycling.

"If we don't teach the little ones about recycling, we are not going to make it," she said.

Sawatzky told commissioners that the group is trying to find a place for residents to take recyclables once they have been collected.

"Our thought is that we need to start on a smaller scale with just paper and plastic items," she said. "Then, we can expand to other items."

The commissioners were invited to attend the Wednesday meeting.

In other business, the commission tabled an item about the placing of railroad crossing arms on Lover's Lane, near the State Barn in District 3. The commissioners want to receive more information about the project before taking action.

"I just don't think the county should pay for this," District 3 Commissioner Jimmie Primrose said.

Commissioners also approved two contracts for youth correction services, the first with Muskogee Youth Services and the second with Western Plains Youth and Family Services for the Beckham County Regional Juvenile Detention Center. Both votes were by a 3-0 margin.

Email our reporter at dhudspeth@sulphurtimes.com.