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Marlin Democrat
Commissioners discuss ARPA payments, museum
The Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse on June 12, 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 elected official report concerned the old Post Office availability for the Falls County Historical Museum. No action was taken. Commissioner Green moved that the 16 nonprofit organizations, who were recipients of the American Rescue Plan Grant, will receive 25 percent upfront of their scheduled allotments with proper paperwork. Seconded by Commissioner Albright, the motion carried. In other matters, the Commissioners accepted the...
Retired Teachers attend Spring Conference
“The Magic of Membership” was the theme for the District 12 Spring Leadership Workshop at the Region 12 Education Service Center in Waco. Falls County Retired Teachers Chapter attended the May 16 event. The State Association advocates for improved benefits for all education retirees and promotes the well-being of all its members. Chapters were reminded to emphasize in their local areas that TRTA membership is not limited to retired teachers, but to all who receive TRS monthly annuities. To alleviate the misperception, some chapters have changed their names such as Killeen School Retirees Association. For more information about the local Falls County Chapter, call Elizabeth at (979) 7390219.- The 2022-2023 District 12 goals were to increase District membership by 5 percent, increase volunteer hours, donate at least 8,000 books to local classrooms and increase Scholarship programs from local chapters. All goals were achieved highlighting 277,163 hours volunteer work and 9,727 donated to District 12 classrooms. Elizabeth Richardson will represent the local chapter serving on the District 12 2024-2026 Officer Nominating Committee. TRTA will celebrate its 70th Birthday April 2024.
Rotary welcomes John “Brad” Tarver
The Rotary Club of Marlin is pleased to announce that John “Brad” Tarver has been inducted as the newest member of the service club. Tarver is Public Relations Chair. A native of Houston, he resides in Marlin with his mother, Betty Tarver. “I want to help this community through Rotary by establishing a 10G network for cybersecurity in Central Texas. I want to work with Rotary in its service projects,” states Tarver. Rotary Club President Letitia Estep added, “Brad Tarver’s contribution to Rotary is immense. He is a cybersecurity expert and shares his proficiency and enthusiasm with his new Rotary family in and...
Memorial Day Program held by Falls County Colored Cemetery Association
“Showing Love and Appreciation to Our Deceased Loved Ones” was the theme for the Falls County Colored Cemetery Association Memorial Day Program, May 29, at the Zion Hill Baptist Church. Rosevelt Shelley served as the Master of Ceremony. Shirley Piper presented a Memorial Tribute in memory of those who passed 2022-2023 including Billie Angle, Gertrude Douglas, Marilyn Poole Grant, Sennetta Appleton Jones, Curtis “Jake” Modkins, Homer Solomon, Bobbie Spikes, Carolyn Weatherspoon Smith, and Georgia Mae Williams. The Memorial Day Message was brought by Rev. Norris Jackson, Pastor of the South Union Baptist Church in Marlin. He encouraged the audience to not allow...
Marlin High School graduation delayed but not denied
Fox News Channel recently invited Dr. Darryl Henson, Marlin ISD Superintendent of Schools, for an interview on its Cross Country with Lawrence Jones Show in New York City, which was aired Prime Time Broadcast. Jones launched the show with graduation statistics in Baltimore describing the below 50 percent graduation rate as bleak. He added that 10 city high school graduation rates were below 50 percent and 58 percent of the graduation rates were due to chronic absenteeism questioning “Who is helping America’s Struggling Students?” Dr. Henson noted that according to the Texas Education Agency graduation criteria, five of 33 Marlin ISD seniors...
Rotary: Rockney Terry is new Paul Harris Fellow
Rockney Terry became a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary, continuing the legacy of Rotary International Founder Paul Harris. This Paul Harris Fellow recognition ceremony on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, expressed Rotary’s gratitude for Rockney Terry’s commitment of an initial $1,000 gift made to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. Shown are Roger Nutt, Rotary Club of Marlin’s Foundation Chair presenting the Certificate of Appreciation and the gold Fellow pin worn by Rockney Terry, Rotary Club member. The honor was established in 1957 to show appreciation for contributions that support Rotary’s Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant. The Rotary Foundation transforms Fellow...
Marlin community celebrates graduates
The rescheduling of the Class of 2023 graduation ceremony was quite a shock for the students, their families, and the community last week. After an audit revealed 21 of 38 seniors were not eligible to walk the stage to receive a diploma, Marlin ISD Superintendent Dr. Darryl Henson held a mandatory open meeting for the seniors and their parents to explain factors influencing the decision. A group of concerned community members hurriedly met to organize a 2023 graduation celebration at the Marlin Missionary First Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Vincent Hartsfield. The sanctuary was at full capacity with parents,...
Commissioners discuss disaster funds, various topics
The Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse in Marlin on Monday, May 22, 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). Regarding declared disaster areas from the February storm, Sue Tacker, Mayor of Lott, expressed concerns of the whereabout of American Rescue Plan funds totaling $183,857.17 allocated for the city that were not received. Because funds were used on the water tower, Judge Elliott recommended she speak with Jerri Gauntt, ARPA Project Manager to retrieve the balance. In addition, when...
Memorial Day event set for Monday
The Falls County Historical Commission invites you to join them for the annual Memorial Day event honoring the men and women who have given their lives in the service of our military forces. The event will be held on Monday, May 29, at the Falls County Courthouse third floor District Court Room at 11 a.m. Elevator service is available. The keynote speaker will be American Legion Commander Fred Ormsby. Memorial Day in American is observed on the last Monday of May of each year. It was originally known as Decoration Day which originated in the years following the Civil War, but became...
MISD discusses transition plan
The Marlin ISD School Board of Managers met May 15 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 Da’Las-Don Lang; Teacher of the Month – first grade teacher LaTonya Johnson; and Safe Employee Honor Roll Award - Angie Mason. After returning from closed session in deliberation of personnel matters to include the recommendations to hire and/or the reassignment of Chief Academic Officer, Executive Director of Technology, Executive Director of Human Resources,...
Soil moisture conditions improve as drought weakens
Soil moisture conditions around much of the state improved slightly over recent weeks, and there is hope that drought conditions might break in time to plant row crops and enough to sustain them to harvest, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts. Emi Kimura, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension agronomist and state peanut specialist in the Texas A&M Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Vernon, said farmers who caught rain are thankful for the moisture. Some surviving wheat fields looked better over recent weeks and may benefit from the timely rainfall during grain fill and see improved yields. The fresh topsoil moisture...
A roundtable discussion with Rotary Club members
Rotarian Susan Byrd’s program on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at The Chicken Place in Marlin, was a roundtable Rotary Club meeting. It was an effective and productive format to discuss the importance, source, condition, and future water supply in the City of Marlin. As several speakers discussed various parts of the subject from different perspectives, the roundtable scenario enabled each Rotarian to ask questions and contribute their perspectives and ideas freely and fully to the conversation. Additionally, it provided a meaningful way to capture multiple perspectives on supporting women in business, road repairs and building business/commerce, and, of course, the urgent need to secure water and better water in Marlin. At Rotary, “we are committed to supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability, and foster harmony between communities and the environment.” (Rotary.org)
Commissioners discuss ARPA funds
The Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse in Marlin on Monday, May 8, 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). Kaycee Nehring , Tax Assessor-Collector, announced due to training in Bryan, the tax office will be closed Thursday, May 18. Business will resume Friday, May 19. Dr. Donald Kelm, District Extension Director Central District 8, presented the annual Texas A&M AgriLife Extension interpretation. Highlighting Agriculture Literacy, Dr. Kelm thanked the Falls County Extension office for the programs made...
Legion Field to close to the public
The Marlin ISD School Board of Managers met May 1 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. As a public comment, on behalf of the Marlin ISD family, Dr. Henson acknowledged condolences to the family of Donte Seattle “Tae Tae” Trotter. After returning from closed session in deliberation of personnel matters, Superintendent’s Reports followed. Jesse Bustamante, Director of Human Resources and Special Projects, provided Bond 2022 updates. As part of the scope of work for Legion Field, Bustamante announced as of May 2, 2023,...
Rotary Club visits with Falls County Sheriff Joe Lopez
Hear the word Sheriff and thoughts go to Sheriff Andy Taylor of Mayberry; he was a model of community policing (on television) before the term was invented. Where did the title come from, what makes the Office of Sheriff unique in law enforcement, why should it be called the Sheriff’s Office not a Sheriff’s Department, and why is it important to preserve its direct accountability to the citizens via the election process? The first characteristic that distinguishes the Office of Sheriff from other law enforcement units is its historical roots. In England, the sheriff came into existence around the 9th century. This...
Commissioners discuss several topics
The Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse in Marlin on Monday, April 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. Discussion and approval of agenda items included the County Officials’ bonds, authorization to execute the Bank Depository Contract with Cadence Bank and a two-year service contract with Guardian Security Service. Commissioner Wuebker moved to accept the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) Falls County Election Equipment Security Expenditures report. Seconded by Commissioner Green, the motion was...
Emergency Services District 1 holds meeting
Emergency Service District 1 (ESD) met Tuesday, April 18, at the Falls County Hospital and Clinic Conference Room, President Wayne Young presiding. Debbie Nowaski read the minutes from the previous meeting. Sandra Weathers presented the Treasurer report. Falls County has three ESD’s whose leadership previously met to discuss American Medical Response (AMR) Ambulatory Services and how the expenses would be allocated by each district. The $400,008 AMR service contract runs from Jan. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2023. After much discussion, it was settled ESD #1 will pay $240,008 (60 percent) with the 40 percent balance distributed between ESD 2 (Chilton) and...
Marlin ISD accreditation status updated to Accredited-Probation
The Marlin ISD School Board of Managers met April 17 at the Marlin Middle School Library with President Billy Johnson presiding. Board Managers present were Misty Ehlers, Byrleen Terry, Superintendent Dr. Darryl Henson, Superintendent of Schools, and Dr. Cynthia Wilson, Conservator. As a public comment, Dr. Henson announced that the Texas Education Association (TEA) has updated the Accreditation Status as “Accredited Probation” for Marlin ISD. Accredited-Probation means that the district exhibits deficiencies in performance that, if not addressed, will lead to revocation of the district’s accreditation status. Students who graduated 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, and 2019-2020 diplomas are now fully accredited....
A day at the capitol
Local Falls County Retired Teachers participated in the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) Day at the Capitol event April 12. Wearing red, more than 1,000 retired teachers were in attendance as they attended sessions at the Senate and the House Galleries to hear the resolution honoring TRS retirees and advocating for a much-needed cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The last COLA awarded to retirees in 2013 benefitted only those who retired prior to September 2004. TRTA is the voice for Texas public educators’ retirees and works closely with the Texas Legislature and U.S. Congress to preserve and maintain the Teacher Retirement System pension fund and the TRS-Care insurance plan for all educators. Most TRS retirees do not receive Social Security and depend solely on their TRS retirement. The retired Texas public educators enjoyed fellowship during an old-fashioned ice cream social on the East Lawn with legislators onsite.
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