Area this week includes burn ban, hospital district

Burn ban put back on
The Stephens County Commissioners Court met in an emergency meeting Friday morning, Jan. 18, and decided to put back on the burn ban due to increased risk for fire in Stephens County. Fire Chief Calvin Chaney was on-hand to explain to the commissioners what the risks were. This included a forecast of a rising temperature, low humidity levels, high wind and fuel for fire, which includes dead grass. Chaney recommended putting the ban back on until the next commissioners meeting on Jan. 28, where they will reevaluate it. On a map Chaney shared with the commissioners, it showed most of Stephens County is at a moderate risk for fire, with the eastern part of the county being seen as a high risk area at the moment. For more questions or to find out how to set up a burn plan, contact the fire department at 254-559-6242.

SMH District meets
The Stephens County Hospital District board met for the first time in two months on Thursday, Jan. 17 and received their yearly audit report, which was done by BKD. The Breckenridge American will have a more explanatory piece on this at a later date. They also briefly discussed adding another nursing home, issued an order for an election regarding three board members who are up for reelection. CEO Matthew Kempton also gave administrative reports on the labs within the district. The hospital district meets on the third Thursdays of each month.

Gas
Gas prices in Texas have risen 1.1 cents this week, bringing gas prices to $1.92 per gallon across the state, according to GasBuddy. This rise marks the first time since October that gas prices have risen in the state on average. Nationally, gas increased by half a cent, bringing the average gallon of gas to $2.24 per gallon. In Texas, gas prices are 34.8 cents lower than they were this time last year and 13.7 cents lower than this time last month. Nationally, gas prices are 28.4 cents lower than this time last year and 14.1 cents lower than last month.

Weather
Weather this week remained dry as Stephens County had no rain recorded. Temperatures started in the 40s and ended in the 60s and 70s, signifying it heating up as the week went on. This weekend we can expect a drop in temperature, as Saturday is supposed to be in the 40s. But It will begin to heat up again, but is expected to plateau in the 50s as next week progresses. We can expect sunny weather with some clouds and wind next week.

Hubbard Creek weekly fishing report
Hubbard Creek’s water is stained and has sat between 43 to 48 degrees, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife’s weekly fishing report. Black bass are fare in Texas rigs and jigs. Crappie are fair on live minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair to good on live and cut bait. For more information, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website at tpwd.texas.gov.

Dan Patrick sworn in
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick was sworn in Tuesday, Jan. 15 as the 42nd lieutenant governor of Texas, according to a press release from his office. The ceremony took place on the steps of the Texas Capitol. During the ceremony, Patrick stressed the need for reform on property taxes, school finance and teacher pay, according to the release. Patrick has been the lieutenant governor of Texas since 2015. This will mark his second term.