Columbus
Marlin Democrat
Egg prices expected to go down after Easter
Egg prices were trending downward in recent months but were rising again based on seasonal demand for Easter, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. David Anderson, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension economist, Bryan-College Station, said the Consumer Price Index reported retail egg prices dropped from $4.82 per dozen to $4.21 per dozen between January and February. Prices continued to fall into early March, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported wholesale egg prices were making their annual climb with Easter approaching. Egg demand historically peaks each year with traditions related to Easter like egg hunts and baking for holiday meals, and...
Marlin track teams do well at district
, The Marlin boys and girls both came in second place in the district track meet last week. Several team members advanced to the area meet which was held Monday and Tuesday in Reisel. The boys came in secons with 112 points. Roderick Suiters was third in high jump. Praiyer Jones was first in discuss and first in shot put. Jordan Womack was first in triple jump. Mario Hopwood was fifth in 110-meter hurdles. Ty Bell was fourth in 200-meter dash. Trajon Butler was second in 200-meter dash. JahVen Jordan was fifth in 100-meter adash. Caden Thomas-Judie was third in 400-meter dash. Christian Diles was second in 110-meter hurdles and...
Rotary: First aid kits for elementary school students’ homes
School nurses serve in a pivotal role that bridges healthcare and education. The Texas Department of State Health Services Board of Nursing states, “school nursing is a professional RN specialty. The RN has the educational preparation and critical thinking skills as well as clinical expertise which are essential to nursing in the school setting.” Judy Morrow is the School Nurse at Marlin Elementary School. As the main health contact in the elementary school setting, she addresses the physical, mental, emotional and social health needs of these young students. On March 24, at Marlin Elementary School, Rotary Club in Marlin joined hands with...
Commissioners award ARPA funds to center
The Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse in Marlin on Monday, March 27, with County Judge Jay Elliott presiding. Commissioners present were Milton Albright (Pct. 1), F. A. Green (Pct. 2), Jason Willberg (Pct. 3) and Commissioner Nita Wuebker (Pct. 4). The elected official reports included Commissioner Willberg’s comments of concern regarding the Silicon Valley based money possibly invested in county energy projects. Commissioner Albright initiated comments on Nutt Roads 605/606 official status as county or public roads. Discussion was tabled as an agenda item at the next meeting. Commissioner Green presented an update on the American Rescue Plan $30,000...
Young entrepreneur opens BBQ restaurant
Based on signs of renovations, the community was aware something was happening at the old Church’s Chicken building where DQ’s BBQ recently held its grand opening. The establishment is located 358 Live Oak and operating hours are Thursday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. or until sold out. The menu includes ribs, beef, links, chicken, and pulled pork and an array of sides, peach cobbler and banana pudding. Catering is also available. The restaurant number is (254) 447-4720. The dine-in or carry out restaurant is the vision of young entrepreneur Daquinton (DQ) Stuart. Stuart began with a BBQ food truck. This type...
Senate bills would up penalties for fentanyl
Those who make or distribute fentanyl illegally would face decades in prison under a bill approved unanimously by the Senate on Wednesday. Senator Joan Huffman of Houston said that the powerful synthetic opioid has become the leading cause of death for adults under the age of 45. “It’s a fact that fentanyl is flooding our borders, it is absolutely, without a doubt, killing our citizens on a daily basis, and it’s time that we take a comprehensive approach to combating this deadly drug,” said Huffman. Of the more than 100,000 fentanyl overdose deaths in 2021, 1,600 were in Texas. Her...
MISD proposing four-day calendar for 2023-24
Marlin ISD has proposed a four-day calendar for the 2023-24 school year. The Marlin ISD School Board of Managers met March 20 at the Marlin Middle School Library with President Billy Johnson presiding. Board Managers present were Byrleen Terry, Dr. Darryl Henson, Superintendent of Schools, and Dr. Cynthia Wilson, Conservator. Misty Ehlers was not in attendance. Two 2023-24 School Calendar options were presented by Superintendent Dr. Daryl Henson. Both options include the required 180 instructional days which is required to receive ADSY funding. The District Calendar Committee consists of teachers and executive cabinet members. Option A - First day of school will be...
Juvenile background check enhancements pass
The Senate passed its first bill of 2023 on Wednesday, a measure that would bring the state into compliance with new federal firearm background check legislation and would hopefully catch mentally troubled young adults if they attempt to purchase a firearm. In the wake of the 2022 Ross Elementary shooting, the federal government approved a bipartisan safety bill which included a provision for enhanced background checks for anyone 21 or younger trying to buy a gun. Buyers could fail this check if they have a history of mental health problems that involve institutionalization or other contact with the juvenile criminal...
Pandemic problems still linger in public education
Though all Texas public schools have returned to in-person instruction following two years of pandemic-induced hybrid learning, the state education commissioner warned lawmakers on Wednesday that students and teachers have a long road to get back to where they were before COVID-19 hit the state. Commissioner Mike Morath told members of the Senate Education Committee that the pandemic undid as much as twenty years of academic gains in some subjects. In math, for example, the number of eighth grade students performing on grade level in 2019 was 62 percent, according to state standardized testing. In 2021, that number had fallen...
MISD hears reports on Reading Vision 2025
The Marlin ISD School Board of Managers met Feb. 20, 2023, at the Marlin Middle School Library with President Billy Johnson presiding. Board Managers present were Misty Ehlers, Byrleen Terry, and Dr. Darryl Henson, Superintendent of Schools. The Lone Star Governance recognitions included Student of the Month – Fifth grader Marshun Woodson; Teacher of the Month - Milagros Rodriguez; and Employee of the Month - Vince Margoitaa. In recognition of Counselor Appreciation Week, District counselors Ingrid Armstead (MMS), Denise Clifton (MHS), and Wanda Jefferson Ward (MES) who is the 2022-23 Counselor of the Year, were noted for their dedication to the students...
BTW Alumni to host Community Farm Bill Outreach Program
The National BTW Alumni & Ex-Students Educational Association will host two public forums focusing on educating Falls County residents on the impact of the 2023 Farm Bill on their day to day lives. The forums will be March 9 and March 16 at 6 p.m. and will be held at the BTW Alumni Building, 219 Falls St. in Marlin. The Farm Bill is a massive piece of federal legislative and services as the primary agricultural and food policy instrument for the federal government. The 2018 Farm Bill authorized an estimated spending of $876 billion over 10 years. Congress deals with the renewal and...
Community Garden Club to celebrate 100th Anniversary with event on March 11
Who isn’t thinking about a garden these days? But if you’re at a loss when it comes to your (unmanicured) lot in life, or simply looking to start out, the Marlin Community Garden Club can help. Let’s begin with this. The Community Garden Club in Marlin invites singles, doubles, family and friends to its 100th Anniversary celebration at the historic Allen House located at 305 Ward Street in Marlin, on Saturday, March 11, at 1 p.m. Meet the gardeners who consistently care for gardens throughout the city. Simply call Terri Glover at (254) 230-6228 and “come on down” for munchies, door prizes,...
Rotary Club, John Barrett and Marlin’s Economic Development Corporation
The Economic Development Corporation, John Barrett, and the Rotary Club in Marlin have something in common. They agree that Marlin has an opportunity for an extraordinary bright future. Let’s begin with what is the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and who is John Barrett and what is his role in Marlin? On Feb. 15, 2023, John Barrett addressed the Rotary Club at the club’s weekly meeting. The subject was the EDC, the truth, and why and how it will work. As is the custom of all presenters at Rotary Club meetings, he began by introducing and defining himself. John Barrett is Irish; he...
Prices strong as growing conditions improve for grain producers
Circumstances are improving for Texas grain producers as spring plantings get underway in southern parts of the state, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. Mark Welch, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension grain market economist, Bryan-College Station, said strong grain prices, improving planting conditions and lower input costs are likely to encourage producers going into the season. Welch said soil moisture conditions have improved across much of the state. Some areas in Central Texas, the South Plains, Rolling Plains and Panhandle remained severely to exceptionally dry, but widespread rains have improved conditions for two-thirds of the state, according to the U.S. Drought...
Senate panel considers rural hospital shortage
The industry group that represents rural hospitals says that recent state and federal reforms have stopped the epidemic of hospital closures in rural counties but there still remain pockets of the state without access to healthcare services. Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee completed its first round of public hearings on the budget with a marathon session of public testimony. Initially scheduled for the week that Austin was closed down due to a severe ice storm, witnesses weren’t deterred by the delay as hundreds showed up to offer testimony. Among these was John Henderson, the CEO and president of the Texas...
Emergency Services tax cap election set for May
n BY elizabeth richardson Staff Writer The Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse on Monday, Feb. 27, with County Judge Jay Elliott presiding. Commissioners present were Jason Willberg (Pct. 3) and Nita Wuebker (Pct. 4). Commissioners not in attendance were Milton Albright (Pct. 1), F. A. Green (Pct. 2). Judge Elliott presented a short overview of the status of the Emergency Services Districts (ESD) upcoming May 6 Ad Valorem Tax Cap Election. Early voting will be at the Falls County Courthouse Annex. Locations for the May 6 election are ESD #1: The Methodist Church - Pct. 101 and BTW Alumni...
Mayor gives update on grant funding
Marlin Mayor Carolyn Lofton delivered her State of the City address on Feb. 14 addressing several different topics. Along with the topics of road repair, water bills, and property sale revenue addressed last week she also addressed several ongoing capital improvement projects. The first of those is the Texas Water Development Board Capital Improvement Water Fund Grant. This grant was $10.4 million and $2.9 million awarded for ongoing water, sewer and drainage projects. Lofton said there will be a Town Hall meeting to discuss this project with citiznes soon. Next she discussed the TCEQ HHPD DAM Grant which is in phase one. That...
Marlin Solidarity Economy Panel visits with MHS students
The Marlin Solidarity Economy Panels consisting of representatives from local businesses and organizations spoke to the Marlin High School Black Social Economics Senior Class Friday, Feb. 10, at the school auditorium. Under the direction of Dr. Sharon DeLoach, MISD Director of Student Services. Dr. Karynecia Conner, PhD Baylor University candidate, served as moderator. Students were provided the opportunity to understand aspects of economic lives in Marlin and how social and professional networks help move money, resources, and ideas throughout the Marlin Community. The panelists included Chelly Bell - Juneteenth Association, Herman Bell - Paul Funeral Home and Cremation, Ethelene Green - BTW Marlin Chapter & Alumni Association, Elizabeth Richardson - Falls County Retired Teachers Association, Bobbie Milton - BTW Marlin Chapter & Retired Teachers Association and Shamera Kirk Whatley - BJ’s Tiny Tots Day Care/J & K Warming & Cooling Shelter. The panelists shared how they contribute to the local community through time, talents, and gifts through their organization or business. Topics included being actively involved in social change and how organizations and businesses work together to strengthen one another.
Mayor gives State of the City address
Marlin Mayor Carolyn Lofton gave the State of the City address during the City Council meeting on Feb. 14 citing several good things going on in Marlin. Lofton announced that the city achieved an A+ S&P Gobal Credit Rating higlighting the fiscal soundness of the city’s financial state. “When I was elected, we were told that we did not have enough money to make payroll that year,” Lofton said. “We were also notified that the city could not secure a lender due to poor credit rating. The city was on a grant hold probation stemming from 2015.” Lofton said the city was initially...
Roger Nutt recognized with Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship x3
Roger Nutt was recognized for his contributions to the Rotary Paul Harris Foundation with a x3 gem pin. The special event took place at the meeting of Rotary Club in Marlin on February 8, 2023, with District 5870 Governor Shannon Coleman officiating. Special guest was Assistant District Governor Richard Shcneider. A Paul Harris pin is presented in recognition of a $1,000 donation to the Rotary Paul Harris Foundation. This was Roger Nutt’s 4th such contribution, so the pin has three gems embedded for each thousand above the original. Paul Harris gifts have helped provide vocational training for teachers establishing an early childhood...
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