The area this week

Gas

Gas this week fell 2.3 cents in the past week, bringing the average gallon of gas to $1.95 in Texas, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey. This compares with the national average, which has fallen 6.6 cents per gallon, bringing the national average to $2.25 per gallon. Gas prices in Texas are 29 cents lower than they were a year ago, and nationally they are 23.8 cents lower than a year ago. This time last month, gas prices were 20.6 higher than they are right now in Texas. Nationally, prices have dropped 21.3 cents in the last month. These lower prices may not last forever. GasBuddy predicts the 2019 national average to be $2.70 per gallon, which is a 3 cent drop from 2018. They predict the national average may go over $3 by May.

Weather

Weather for the most part this week was cold and rainy, with temperatures dropping below freezing for most of Wednesday. Rain was part of the story on both Monday and Thursday, which caused road conditions all across Texas to be questionable due to freezing water. The cold weather should be behind us, though, as we can expect things to begin warming up as we get into the weekend, with a high of 60 on Friday, and the weather eventually projected to get into the 70s by Saturday and Sunday. Next week should have temperatures mostly in the 60s, with weather dropping into the 50s after Thursday. We can also expect some showers Thursday.

New county officials sworn in

With the new year starting, officials from all over the country are being sworn in to begin their new terms. This is no different for Stephens County, which swore in several officials on Wednesday morning, Jan. 2. Each member was sworn in by incoming County Judge Michael Roach, formerly the Justice of the Peace. Below is a complete list of those sworn in on Wednesday:

• Mark McCullough - County Commissioner Precinct 2
• Eric O’Dell - County Commissioner Precinct 4
• Steve Spoon - Justice of the Peace
• Adam Babilon - Stephens County Constable
• Sharon Trigg - County Treasurer
• Mary O’Dell - Assistant Deputy County Treasurer
• Jackie Ensey - County Clerk
• Kristi Strawbridge - Deputy County Clerk
• Christie Coapland - District Clerk
• Brenda Mahan and Rhonda Peacock - Deputy District Clerks
• Misty Griffin - Justice Court Clerk

School to start back

Breckenridge ISD schools will be returning from winter break on Monday, Jan. 7. The district offices will also be returning at that date. The return will mark the beginning of the fourth six weeks of the school year, which also marks the beginning of the second semester.