Columbus
Marlin Democrat
Commissioners prohibit TikTok on county devices
The Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse on Monday, Aug. 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). The Commissioners approved the transferring of jail payroll funds to cover jail repair expenses. In addition, Falls County is eligible for funding through the Texas Department of Agriculture Texans Feeding Texans: Home Delivered Meal Grant Program to provide home delivered meals in Falls County to seniors or disabled individuals through the Waco Meals on Wheels program. The resolution authorizing such was...
A joyful day for three MISD students
, , Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, was another especially joyful day for three Marlin students! Why? On this day, Roselin Vaccecillos (Middle School), Sierra Walker (Middle School), and Jeremiah Shelley (High School) were presented each with a stunningly well-built and attractive bicycle. Making the presentations was Letitia Estep, President DKG Society International Beta Nu Chapter and Treasurer/2nd Vice President of the Marlin Community Garden Club. Also present were Mayor Susan Byrd as President of the Marlin Community Garden Club (at 100-years-young is the oldest, registered and continuous garden club in the State of Texas), and Shirley Wilson as Vice President of...
Decide which trees, plants to prioritize when water is limited
Most Texans are more than ready for an end to what seems like a never-ending heat wave. Your garden plants, trees and lawn most likely would echo that same sentiment if they could. “Many of us are on water restrictions, meaning we can only water limited amounts,” said Larry Stein, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticultural specialist, Uvalde, and professor in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Horticultural Sciences. “If you don’t have enough water for your entire yard or garden, it’s best to concentrate on the most valuable plants in your landscape, which is...
Texas rice crop conditions mixed amid volatile global market
Weather conditions delivered a mixed bag of yield and quality results for Texas rice producers, but volatility in the global rice market could help growers, according to Texas A&M AgriLife experts. Texas rice acres were down compared to last year, and yield numbers and quality have not lived up to the spring-time potential, said Lee Tarpley, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Research plant physiologist, Beaumont. Drought did impact rice production for farmers west of Houston as water supplies were cut off due to low surface water supplies in the Upper Gulf Coast region, he said. Those fields represented more than a quarter of...
Commissioners discuss budget planning for 2023-24
The Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse in Marlin on Monday, Aug. 7, 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). As an elected official report, it was noted that Commissioner Wuebker had honeybees captured at the Falls on the Brazos and honey was donated. Commissioner Green moved to approve the $7,646.10 payment to the Comprehensive Hospital Increase Reimbursement Program (CHIRP) Indigent Health Care. Seconded by Commissioner Wuebker, motion carried. The special agenda meeting primarily generated discussion regarding the 2023-2024 budget....
Commissioners adopt burn ban for county for 90 days
The Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse in Marlin on Monday, June 24, with County Judge Jay Elliott presiding. Commissioners present were F.A. Green (Pct. 2), Jason Willberg (Pct. 3) and Nita Wuebker (Pct. 4). Milton Albright (Pct. 1) was not in attendance. An elected official report concerned the condition of the chairs located at the County Jail. It was noted. Commissioner Green moved to approve Falls County burn ban order that all outdoor burning is prohibited in the unincorporated area of the county for 90 days from the date of adoption (July 24, 2023) and allowing for exemption...
Commissioners approve extension to area solar project
The Falls County Commissioners Court met Monday, July 10, at the County Courthouse 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). The elected officials report consisted of the county cremation process and available funds to assist with burial for Rosebud family. Under the American Rescue Plan, it was announced the Reagan Volunteer Fire Department will hold a groundbreaking for its new facility in Reagan. In other matters that were approved: Commissioner Albright move to grant Copperhead Solar, LLC a one time, one-year...
Rotary: Bicycles for Summer Fun
The joy in giving, especially to children, is incalculable and once done, there is no turning back. The joy of giving accords a sense of purpose while evoking a feeling of gratitude toward others. On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, the Rotary Club of Marlin was grateful to participate in the giving of two shiny bicycles to a rising eighth-grader and a rising seventh-grader. Marlin Middle School students Caymen Smith Chase and Justice Nikol Childers were the recipients of new bicycles, plus helmets, chains, and locks for their bicycles. Rotarian Mark Petersen gave instructions on preparing the bicycle to ride: Is the seat...
Rotary hosts luncheon for three graduates
, Congratulations to Portia Jones, Jaasiah Roddy-Robinson, and Praiyer Jones, recipients of Rotary Academic Scholarships in 2023. They were guests at the June 21 and 28, 2023, meetings of the Rotary Club of Marlin. There they expounded on their plans during and after their undergraduate studies. They received counsel on how to study and prepare for tests, understanding their professors, and how to enjoy their experience.
Reagan Volunteer Fire Department holds groundbreaking
The Reagan VFD was originally formed as Southeastern Falls County Rural VFD in 1977 operating for many years. The department was re-organized in 2019 and renamed Reagan Volunteer Fire Department and was organized as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Awarded with an American Rescue Plan Act Grant through Falls County, funds were provided to complete 80% of the anticipated construction. Highway frontage land was donated to the VFD by Texas Pneumatic Tools. Past fundraisers have included Reagan Market Days, BBQ dinners, raffles, and silent auctions. Residents have been encouraged to donate or volunteer. The organization most recent fundraiser was July 15 serving Ronnie Brown BBQ. The raffle included a gun, TV, projector and Visa Gift card. Picture includes current VFD members, first responders, County Judge and Commissioners and Marlin Chamber of Commerce President.
Know when and how to water lawn, garden to beat the summer heat
After a brief rainy season, the state has been baking in a heat dome for much of the past month. The temperatures have been brutal for many Texas lawns and gardens, which are showing the stress of the summer heat and looking less-than-lovely in many parts of the state. “The rain we did have helped vegetation and trees prosper, but they are now getting into a world of hurt,” said Larry Stein, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulture specialist, Uvalde, and professor within the Department of Horticultural Sciences in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Stein said Texans...
Mosquito populations boom after rains
A rain event will often soon be followed by an explosion in the mosquito population. A Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert has information on the types of mosquitoes that may appear and tips on how to control or repel them. Sonja Swiger, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension entomologist and professor in the Department of Entomology in Texas A&M’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, said biting mosquitoes are a seasons-long problem that can change with the environment. Swiger, who is based in Stephenville, said the type of mosquito present and whether it represents just an annoyance or a possible disease vector...
Texas forage producers bouncing back after drought
Growing conditions greatly improved for many Texas forage producers following deep drought, but it takes more than just rain and sun to grow Bermuda grass, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts. Moisture over the last few months has reversed hay production and grazing outlooks for Texas producers. But management of hay meadows and pastures over previous seasons and going forward will factor heavily in yields, said Vanessa Corriher-Olson, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension forage specialist, Overton, and Larry Redmon, Ph.D., professor and associate head for AgriLife Extension in the Texas A&M Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Bryan-College Station. So far, despite...
Paxton impeachment trial set for Sept. 5
The Senate on Wednesday gave unanimous approval to a resolution requiring impeached Attorney General Ken Paxon to appear in person before the body on Sept. 5 to answer charges laid out by the House. The Senate also adopted rules and procedures for the trial, setting forth protocols for witnesses, subpoenas, evidence, and other critical matters. “The citizens of Texas can count on the Senate of Texas to have a fair and just trial,” said Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, who will act as presiding officer for the proceedings. The rules include a broad-reaching gag order preventing any of the members or...
Booker T. Washington Alumni School Reunion events planned for June 30 and July 1
It’s that time of the year when a tidal wave of deep purple and old gold will journey through the city of Marlin as the Booker T. Washington Alumni & Ex-Students Educational Association (BTW) will again come together for its 31st School Reunion, June 30 and July 1. The reunion theme is “Back 2gether Again 2023” and will recognize the Class of 1973 as they celebrate their 50th Class Anniversary. Over 154 are pre-registered for the social event. Carolyn Soders Matthews is the Reunion Chair. A school where the principals and teachers instilled self-respect and joy in the accomplishments that were...
Rotary scholarships awarded to Marlin High School seniors
, Congratulations to Portia Jones, Jaasiah Roddy-Robinson, and Praiyer Jones! As 2023 Rotary Scholarship awardees, they join 350,000 recipients of the Rotary Scholastic Award. Each year, $7.5 million in scholarships, on average, are given out by Rotary. This year’s presentations were made by Rotarian Jimi Lynn on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at the Marlin High School Auditorium. As part of Rotary International’s mission and vision, the Rotary Club of Marlin offers academic scholarships to graduating high school seniors seeking a four-year degree, two-year degree or certification. In awarding scholarships, Rotary Club of Marlin does not seek students with perfect credentials, but rather...
Henson, Gardere to head Marlin Middle, High next year
The Marlin ISD School Board of Managers met June 5 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. There was one public comment after returning from closed session in deliberation of personnel matters. Superintendent Reports followed. Jesse Bustamante, Director of Human Resources/Special Projects gave Bond 2022 updates. The track surface has been successfully removed and sub-grade work continues, and demolition vendors were selected. It was announced the turf at Legion Field will be dark green with purple end zones and gray track. The Bond...
Marlin Chamber of Commerce plans for awards banquet
The Marlin Chamber of Commerce met June 12 at the Marlin Housing Board Room, President Jennifer Woycheshin presiding. Members in attendance were Candace Grams, Dr. Darryl Henson, Lori Jackson, Michael Magouirk, Elizabeth Richardson, Pastor Kurt Rutz, and Byrleen Terry. Minutes from the previous meeting were approved. The treasurer report was presented by Byrleen Terry. Michael Magouirk shared the State Water Development Board inspected and tested the Hot Mineral Water at the Pavilion. There was a drop in temperature. Feedback will follow. Elizabeth Richardson announced Tim Garden as the June Business of the Month and requested a replacement sign for Yard of the...
Rotary gets update on Legion Field and graduation
“Committed to Service” In a Rotary Presentation on the Future of Marlin, Jesse Bustamante, Director of Human Resources & Special Projects at MISD, was first guest speaker of Rockney Terry’s Rotary Program on Wednesday, June 7, at noon, at The Chicken Place, “pleased to update on the progress of construction at Legion Field.” Voters had approved both $32 million propositions of the November 2022 Bond Election, allowing the district to provide a new Marlin High School and Legion Field plus safety and security upgrades at Marlin Elementary and Middle Schools. The Bond Advisory Committee was formed with 25 community members, including the...
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