Columbus
Marlin Democrat
Emergency services discussed at meeting
Over 25 people were present at the Emergency Service District #1 meeting Jan. 23, 23 at the Falls Community Hospital Board Room with Wayne Young presiding. After discussing the options and pros/cons of the ambulatory services in Falls County, the group voted to offer a one-year contract to AMR insuring at least one ambulance in Falls County. It appears AMR is not interested in transports. It was understood that ESD #1 President Wayne Young would not sign the contract prior to meeting with ESD #2 and #3 who also met the same night at different locations. If in agreement, the cost will...
Falls County Commissioners meet, discuss several topics
The Falls County Commissioners Court met on Jan. 23, 2023, with County Judge Jay Elliott presiding. Commissioners present were Milton Albright (Pct. 1), F. A. Green (Pct. 2), and Nita Wuebker (Pct. 4). Jason Willberg (Pct. 3) was absent. Under Elected Official Reports, Commissioner Wuebker noted the Water District was making progress working on the lake. Judge Elliott announced Emergency Services Districts were meeting Monday, Jan. 23, but not together. Agenda items approved consist of the private resale of tax trust, 217 Shady St.- Marlin, to Stephanie Thomas, which was included in the December 2022 tax sale, a Resolution for 2024 Youth...
MSSLC employees expect pay increases in March
Employees of the 23 state-supported living centers and hospitals overseen by the Health and Human Services Commission, including Mexia SSLC, will see significant pay raises in March. Nearly 3,500 employees left the workforce since March 2020, said Scott Schalchlin, Health and Specialty Care System deputy executive commissioner. “That means we’re serving fewer people in the state hospitals because we’ve had to take beds offline,” Schalchlin said. “In the state-supported living centers, it’s made it more of a challenge. We’ve had a lot more staff working overtime. We’ve had to use temporary contract nurses.” According to the Texas Health and Human Services website,...
Commissioners discuss ESD contracts with AMR
Falls County Commissioners discussed the continuation of ambulance services in the county during their meeting on Monday. The Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse in Marlin on Monday, Jan. 9, with County Judge Jay Elliott presiding. Commissioners present were Milton Albright (Pct. 1), F.A. Green (Pct. 2), Jason Willberg (Pct. 3), and Nita Wuebker (Pct. 4). AMR has extended its ambulatory services contract in the county to March 31, 2023. During the meeting citizens expressed concerns as to “Then what?” It was noted Emergency Service Districts (ESD) 2 and 3 have a suggested contract available for signing but ESD...
Falls County Retired Teachers hold meeting
Informative & Protective Services (IPS) was the theme for the Falls County Retired Teachers Chapter December meeting. Members dined as the program was followed. IPS chair, Barbara Stewart, invited as guest speaker Rev. F. A Green Sr. who spoke on “Let’s have the talk of a lifetime.” He reminded the members to cherish what they worked for by having documents in order and not leave loved ones unprepared. Examples of readiness, including but not limited to, are banking, funeral service plans, insurance, property, credit cards, etc. Rev. Green explained the difference in power of attorney and medical power of attorney. Green stated, “When one...
County Commissioners move forward with solar contracts
The Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse in Marlin on Monday, Dec. 22, 2022, with County Judge Jay Elliott presiding. Commissioners present were Milton Albright (Pct. 1), Jason Willberg (Pct. 3) and Nita Wuebker (Pct. 4). F. A. Green (Pct. 2) joined via conference call. Public comments included concerns of the AMR Ambulatory Service contract that will end Dec. 31, 2022 and opposition to the tax abatements for solar panels contracts. After returning from Executive Session, Commissioner Wuebker moved to approve the BT Yixin Solar, LLC contract amendment with a $50,000 extension fee. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, motion carried. The...
Bulldogs compete at Rosebud-Lott Basketball Tournament
Last week the Marlin Bulldogs basketball team participated in an in-season tournament hosted by Rosebud-Lott. They played two games on Tuesday, the first was against the Whitney Wildcats. The Bulldogs defeated Whitney 75-69. The game started even as no team took a clear lead until Marlin fell behind 15-11. The Bulldogs closed the gap with a three pointer by Roderick Suiters (1) to make the score 15-14. That was followed with a basket by Jaidan Womack (11) to take a 16-15 lead. Whitney then went on an 8-2 run to go up on Marlin 23-18, which would be the score at...
MISD announces election for board, hears reports
n By elizabeth richardson Staff Writer The Marlin ISD Board of Managers met Dec. 12 in 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 Esteban Nunez; Teacher of the Month Max Martinez; and Employee of the Month Rhonda Milton, Elementary Dean of Students. Superintendent’s Reports followed. J Adam LeJeune, Director of Technology presented the E-rate Workshop, a federal funding program for libraries and schools that provides discounts for certain telecommunications services and internal network equipment. Marlin ISD...
Office hours to change at tax office
Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse on Monday, Dec. 12, with County Judge Jay Elliott presiding. Commissioners present were Milton Albright (Pct. 1), F.A. Green (Pct. 2) via conference call, Jason Willberg (Pct. 3) and Nita Wuebker (Pct. 4). Kayci Nehring, County Tax Assessor-Collector, announced change of office hours. Effective immediately and until otherwise noted, the Tax Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The office will close for lunch 12:30-1:30 p.m. Friday only. In other matters, Commissioner Willberg noted the AMR Ambulatory Service proposed to...
County Commissioners meet
The Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse in Marlin on Monday, Nov. 27, with County Judge Jay Elliott presiding. Commissioners present were Milton Albright (Pct. 1), F.A. Green (Pct. 2), Jason Willberg (Pct. 3) and Nita Wuebker (Pct. 4). Presently, there is no existing burn ban in Falls County. An updated order prohibiting outdoor burning was reviewed stating: “All outdoor burning is prohibited in the unincorporated area of the county for 90 days from the date of the adoption of this order, unless the restrictions are terminated earlier based on a determination made by: (1) the Texas Forest...
Commissioners approve ARPA recipients
The Falls County Commissioners Court met on Monday, Nov. 14, with County Judge Jay Elliott presiding. Commissioners present were Milton Albright (Pct. 1), F.A. Green (Pct. 2), Jason Willberg (Pct. 3) and Nita Wuebker (Pct. 4). Jerri Gauntt, American Rescue Plan Project Manager, presented updates on ARPA recipients. Chilton VFD, Falconer-Stamps Center, Golinda VFD and Marlin Men’s Civic Association were listed as recipients with concerns of application procedures and progress. Gauntt noted she has reached out to each to assist. Commissioner Green moved to accept the Faith, Hope, and Charity spending change of plan for playground equipment. Seconded by Commissioner Albright,...
MISD board discusses several topics
The Marlin ISD Board of Managers met Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. in the Marlin Middle School Library with President Billy Johnson presiding. Board Managers present were Byrleen Terry and Dr. Darryl Henson, Superintendent of Schools. Board member Misty Ehlers was not in attendance. The Lone Star Governance Student of the Month was awarded to fifth grader Ce’Mariya Wright, daughter of Ceaira Kelly and Delvin Wright. Teacher of the Month was presented to Dietra Harris (MES), and Employee of the Month Nikisha Edwards, Executive Director of Academics. Board of Managers went into closed session re: pursuant to Texas Government Code 551.074,...
Chilton ISD is a hidden jewel
The Chilton ISD, once considered a diamond in the rough, is now radiating as one of Central Texas’ most impressive hidden jewels. The school district received an ‘A’ Rating from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) in August for academic performance. More impressively, the district received academic performance distinctions in the following areas: • Science Performance • Comparative Academic Growth • Comparative Closing the Gap Dr. Brandon Hubbard, Superintendent of Schools in Chilton ISD, believes that district success begins with culture. The district has explicitly worked to build a culture of resilience through the implementation of the 7 Mindsets SEL program and a partnership with...
Traditional holiday baking costs up
Holiday baking will be more expensive this year as basics like milk, eggs, flour and sugar, as well as some popular sides, have all risen since last year, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. David Anderson, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension economist, Bryan-College Station, said grocery shoppers will not be surprised that costs have risen. The Oct. 13 Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index showed the index for food at home rose 13% over the last 12 months. The index for bakery products increased 16.2% over the year, while the index for eggs increased 9% and dairy and related products...
Marlin voters approve $32 million MISD bond
Voters in Falls County voted to pass a $32 million bond that will help revitalize schools in Marlin ISD on Nov. 8. The bond will also enhance the safety and security at Marlin elementary and middle schools. Residents in the area should expect an increase in their tax rate by $22.69 per month. “Last night, our community voted in favor of two propositions that will positively change the future of our students, school district, and community forever,” MISD Superintendent Dr. Daryl Henson said. “On behalf of the Board of Managers, I would like to thank everyone who voted in yesterday’s election. The momentum...
Community Service in Action
Marlin Chapter BTW Alumni & Ex-Students Association recently held a voter registration drive at the Lucille Williams Pavilion. Pictured Esther Johnson, Bobbie Clariett, Jimi Lynn and Elizabeth Richardson, Chapter President. Marye Jackson and Mary Gibson participated but not pictured. Voter registration drive continued at Marlin High School.
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