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Marlin Democrat
Rotary: Emotional Health and GriefShare Program “Your Journey from Mourning to Joy”
It hurts to lose someone. It helps that one does not have to go through the grieving process alone. The substance of the GriefShare program defined by Janet Evans and Ramona Watson on Jan. 3 at the weekly Rotary Club meeting was that there are no neat, orderly stages of grief. However, one can learn helpful ways of coping with grief, in all its unpredictability, and gain solid support each step of the way. Rotary’s culture of Service Above Self builds community and promotes acts of kindness, two proven methods to build and maintain emotional and mental wellness. The efforts by Janet...
Bulldogs remain undefeated in district with win over Bremond
The Marlin Bulldogs handily defeated the Bremond Tigers on Friday night, winning 51-26 in a game where they never trailed. Marlin got out of the gate strong, surging to an 11-0 start. Their defense had such a great start that they didn’t allow a point until a layup at the 4-minute mark to make the score 11-2. Marlin answered with a fastbreak layup by Jerry Willis (10) to take a 13-2 lead. The Bulldogs stayed aggressive with a three pointer by Jaidan Womack (11) for an impressive 18-4 lead. The first quarter ended with Marlin enjoying a huge lead 20-4. The first...
Lady Bulldogs fall to Bremond in battle for first place in district
The Marlin Lady Bulldogs basketball team hosted the Bremond Lady Tigers on Friday, Jan. 5, in a battle for first place in the district standings. Marlin was defeated 59-45. The entire first quarter was basically even, as no team managed to get any separation. The first quarter ended with Marlin leading 13-12. Marlin started the second quarter slowly, as Bremond pulled away to lead 23-13. The Lady Bulldogs broke the drought with a free throw by Aaryha Johnson (3) to make the score 23-14. Marlin tried to stay alive with a layup by Taylor Wright (5) to make it a 25-16 deficit....
Commissioners tackle several topics at meeting
The Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse in Marlin on Monday, Jan. 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). Numerous agenda items were approved by the Commissioners. Concerning the Hrabal Addition outside of Golinda on FM 423, Commissioners approved the splitting of designated area into three plats. Also approved was the bonding of Deisi Espinoza and Jason Campbell, employees at the Sheriff Department. Commissioner Willberg moved to accept the county’s quarterly investment report submitted by the County Treasurer. Seconded by...
St. Nicholas: A Presentation at Christmas
On Dec. 13, 2023, Kurt Rutz explained Saint Nicholas to Marlin Rotarians. All tuned in for a fascinating lecture. According to the best estimates, Nicholas was born around 280 AD in Patara, in Asia Minor. He later became bishop of Myra in modern-day Turkey. Nicholas, it seems, died about 343 AD on or near December 6. Why was Nicholas famous? It’s difficult to know the truth and nothing but the truth, but this is some of the legend of St. Nicholas: He was reputed to be a wonder-worker who brought children back to life. He is reputed to have destroyed pagan temples and...
Jay Elliott receives Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellows Blue Sapphire Gem Pin
With great acclaim, Jay Elliott was presented the second in a series of Rotary International’s Paul Harris Fellow pins: the Blue Sapphire Gem Pin. He was presented it by Marlin’s Rotary Foundation Chair Roger Nutt on December 20, 2023, during the weekly Rotary Club of Marlin meeting at the Chicken Place. Continuing the legacy of our founder, the Paul Harris Fellow program recognizes individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International for Annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus, or the Humanitarian Grants Program. For Jay Elliott, the Blue Sapphire gem pin...
Rotary gifts books to children
On Thursday, December 14, 2023, 571 books were delivered to Marlin Elementary School for children in Daycare, Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, First, and Second grades. There were titles such as “Marvel Superhero Adventures”, “Raya the Last Dinosaur”, and Disney Mickey Mouse Dairy Farm Doozie”. There were books that doubled as coloring books and others that highlighted shapes, numbers, and letters. Rotarian Jay Elliott, having spearheaded the acquisition of 571 books from H.E.B. - made possible by all Rotary Club of Marlin members, delivered and began their preparation for distribution. Firstly, 571 labels bearing the Rotary brand were affixed on each book by MISD School Nurse...
How to sustainably dispose of a real Christmas tree
For many people, nothing can compare to the smell, look and ambience of a real Christmas tree. And when the holidays are over, there are several eco-friendly ways to dispose of or recycle that ornamental piece of holiday tradition. Alison Baylis, Texas A&M Forest Service regional urban ecologist, said utilizing real Christmas trees is something people do out of tradition, but each tree also represents an environmentally and economically friendly choice. Tree farms provide the same benefits as urban and natural forests. They clean air, provide soil stabilization and sequester carbon. Buying real trees also supports local economies. According to the Texas...
Christmas Cards Make the holiday a bit more special
, Writing and sending Christmas greeting cards is a heartfelt tradition all over the world. In Marlin, the Rotary Club takes this tradition seriously and, on December 13th, composed personal messages in Christmas cards and enclosed an ornament from local shop Dragonfly in each card for residents of Golden Years Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The Christmas cards were written to share good wishes: “This little greeting is being sent your way with warmest wishes on Christmas.” “…hope the holidays are extra gentle and sweet to you.” “Thank you for being a part of our community family. Merry Christmas to you and yours!” And to all, “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!”
Improvements made to Falls County EMS Coverage
The Commissioners of Falls County Rural Emergency Services District #1 met Dec. 13 at the Marlin Volunteer Fire Department with Bill Range presiding. Board members present were Jace Albright, Sandra Weathers, and new Commissioners Wesley Rolan and Tracy Dimerson. Election of vacant board positions resulted in Wesley Rolan as Vice President and Tracy Dimerson, Secretary. Rolan will assist the current Treasurer, Sandra Weathers, with the ESD-1 financial management. Working for better response time and a second ambulance, the board voted to accept the 911 agreement between Falls County Emergency Services Districts 1, 2, and 3 and the City Ambulance Service for Emergency...
MISD moving along with high school construction
The Marlin ISD School Board of Managers met Monday, Dec. 11, 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. Conservator Dr. Cynthia Wilson was on site. Special recognitions awarded were: Lone Star Governance Student of the Month - 8th grader Tyson Watkins; Teacher of the Month - Leila Jones, 7th and 8th grade Math teacher; and Employees of the Month - Lesley Sanders, MMS Dean of Students and Ortega McDavid, Dean of 9-12 Students and Asst. Athletic Director. The Board of Managers went into...
Mart ends Chilton’s spectacular 2023 season
The Chilton Pirates fell to the Mart Panthers in the Semifinal round of the playoffs on Friday night. The Pirates traveled to Crusader Stadium at Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton on Dec. 8 for the Semifinals. They took on the Mart Panthers and were defeated, falling 38-24 to bring their amazing season to an end. Chilton received the ball to start the game. The Pirates struck first with an explosive 68-yard touchdown run by Dha’Corian Evans (15) to take an early 7-0 lead. The Chilton defense played strong on their first possesion by forcing a three and out. The Pirates got great field...
Christmas Parade rings in the holidays
, , , The 2023 Christmas Winter Wonderland & Parade on the Square, sponsored by the Marlin Chamber of Commerce, was held Dec. 7. There were estimated 28 entries including businesses who participated by decorating display windows and offices. The community came out in numbers to show support. Marlin’s own Odell “Cuddie” Newton served as Parade Marshal and was welcomed by well-wishers. Entries were rated on originality and creativity by an out-of-town group. Resulting in First Place - Marlin Community Garden Club, Second Place - Gospel Lighthouse Church, and Third Place - Dairy Queen. Business Decorations were awarded to Molly Downes and Sheryl Pringle, Office of the Falls County Treasurer - First Place, Dragon Fly - Second Place and Samaritan House - Third Place. Accolades to Santa Claus. Marlin Sounds of Thunder Band and Hearne Human Boombox highlighted the end of the parade with the Battle of the Bands. The Marlin Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all participants and noted plans for 2024 are in the making. A citizen shared “Having spectators along the entire route and number of people in the parade was encouraging and showed as a city, we can be as one!”
Kicking off family Christmas with the perfect tree
Texas Christmas tree production continues to hold strong despite impacts from extreme drought, according to a Texas A&M Forest Service expert. Fred Raley, Ph.D., Texas A&M Forest Service tree improvement coordinator, said he is expecting another year of high demand for Christmas trees. Texas Christmas tree production and prices “Christmas trees are usually planted through November and March, the trees being sold for this year’s holiday season were actually planted four years ago to reach the mature height of 6 to 8 feet,” said Stan Reed, executive secretary for the Texas Christmas Trees Growers Association. Like many other crops this year, producers who were...
AgriLife Extension to host District 8 Farm and Ranch Seminar on Dec. 14
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host the District 8 Farm and Ranch Seminar both in person and virtually on Dec. 14 in Waco and at different locations districtwide. The event will be held from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., with registration beginning at 7 a.m. Registration is $60, and an RSVP is required by calling the local AgriLife Extension offices for the numbers listed below. The location of the meeting is also listed: McLennan County: McLennan Community College, Emergency Services Education Center, 7061 Steinbeck Bend Drive, Waco, 254-757-5180. Bell County: Summers Mill Retreat and Conference Center, 7441 Farm-to-Market Road 1123, Belton, 254-933-5305. Bosque County:...
Superintendent’s evaluation and contract approved
The Marlin ISD School Board of Managers met Monday, Nov. 13, 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. Conservator Dr. Cynthia Wilson was on site. A public hearing on the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) was presented by Dr. Stacy Parker Knight. The state’s school financial accountability rating system ensures that Texas public schools are held accountable for the quality of their financial management practices and that the practices are improved. Indicator descriptions denoted MISD Superior Achievement, 90 of...
Chilton keeps season alive with win over Falls City
The Chilton Pirates football team traveled to Bob Shelton Stadium in Buda on Friday, Dec. 1, for the Quarterfinals. They took on the Falls City Beavers and were victorious, obliterating them 53-7 to advance and keep their season alive. The Pirates started the game red hot and never looked back, shutting out Falls City 46-0 in the first half. The second half was more even with both teams scoring just seven points in the second half. That was all Chilton needed to get the win over the Beavers 53-7. Isaiah Redd was simply unstoppable, throwing for 456 yards and four touchdowns along with...
Bulldogs fall to Tolar in Quarterfinals
The Marlin Bulldogs season came to an end at the hands of the Tolar Rattlers on Thursday night in Midlothian in the Quarterfinals. The Bulldogs took on the Rattlers and were defeated, losing 42-19 to bring their fantastic season to a close. The first quarter was a defensive quarter as the teams went into the second quarter tied at 0. Tolar scored first in the second quarter with a 2-yard touchdown run to take a 7-0 lead. The Bulldog defense had to return to the field shortly after a fumble that was recovered by Tolar. Marlin held strong and forced the Rattlers into...
Holiday costs expected to be lower this year
Traditional holiday meals should be less expensive than last year’s record-high prices, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. AgriLife Extension livestock marketing economist, Bryan-College Station, expects consumers to find lower prices on turkeys and other holiday baking items this season. After the poultry industry lost almost 60 million birds last year to avian influenza, producers have bred more birds to have larger supplies of poultry at lower prices for the holiday season. “Last week, prices were 50% lower than they were the same week at wholesale market prices a year ago,” Anderson said. “This allowed chances for specials and features...
Falls County Commissioners discuss several topics
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). Regarding the American Rescue Plan grant funds, Falls County Judge Elliott again noted several recipients of the grant funds have not submitted required documents, such as receipts of purchases. Accelerated procedures will begin in January 2024. Commissioner Green moved to accept the resignation of Debbie Nowaskia and Jim Woliver from ESD #1 and the appointment of Wesley Roland and Tracy...
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