January thru June Year in Review

Jan. 2020

The Clear Fork of the Brazos Pumping Station at Crystal Falls marked their 100th anniversary. The current resident, Monty Cleveland, said, “I know it was built in 1920 by the Corps of Engineers. Then, they finished the 16-inch pipeline into Breckenridge by 1921 to provide water to the town, which was laid for 10 miles to another pump station within the city limits of Breckenridge.” That system operated for 30 years until Lake Daniel took over-furnishing water to Breckenridge. Cleveland’s father purchased the Pump Station in 1974 and converted it into his residence.

Police Chief Larry Mahan retired after 21 years of service. Prior to that, Mahan served as a Deputy in the Stephens County Sheriff Dept. under Jim Reeves for several years. Mahan will be an investigator of chiropractic practices in the state of Texas.

Ron White retired after 35 years as a carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and was recognized for his years of service to the community of Breckenridge.

A few inches of snow fell in Young and Stephens Counties over the weekend, which produced many snowmen in the back and front yards of residents of Breckenridge.

Anfernee D. Chachere was welcomed by the staff of the Breckenridge American, who came straight from the University of North Texas with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Political Science. He has aspirations to go to Law School at some point.

Breckenridge ISD continued the search for a new superintendent of Breckenridge ISD. Meanwhile, BISD makes plans to reconfigure campuses and close North Elementary. East Elem. will house the Pre-K thru 2nd grade. South Elem. will take in the 3rd grade and send sixth-graders to the new Breckenridge Middle School for 6-thru 8 grades.

February 2020

Bacel Cantrell became Chief of Police in Breckenridge. He replaced the retiring Larry Mahan. Cantrell worked his way up the ladder as a patrolman, investigator and Lieutenant for the Breckenridge Police Dept.

Breckenridge High School presented the 95th Coronation at Bailey Auditorium. The Buckaroo Queen was Angelina Ruiz and the Great Lord Chamberlain was Axel Puebla.

City Manager for Breckenridge, Andy McCuistion, resigned to retire to Canton.

Stephens Memorial Hospital was listed among the top 100 Rural Hospitals in the United States by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. The hospital had to meet specifically designated markers to qualify.

The Chamber of Commerce named the 2019 Citizen of the Year as Mike and Cassie Griffith. The 2019 Business of the Year was Copperleaf Properties and the 2019 Ag Citizen of the Year was Jackie Grissom. The 2019 Educator of the year was Robert Burchett and the Civic Organization of the Year as Meals-on-Wheels.

March 2020

BISD Board narrows search for Superintendent. The Interim Superintendent is Earl Jarrett.

COVID-19 fears were calmed by City officials. No cases in Stephens County noted at that time. Health officials stressed the use of masks, hand washing and social distancing. Their plan can be put in place if an outbreak appears. The meeting was to reassure the public of the Plan of Action.

By March 18, BISD had closed school for staff and students and to enforce 14-day quarantine due to any exposures. Spring Break extended to March 20 and then further extended to April 6.

By March 25, the “Stay at Home’ order had gone out in an abundance of caution. All schools in Texas closed through April 13. No known cases in Stephens County, but neighboring counties to the north, south and east were experiencing outbreaks.

BISD Board recommends closing North Elementary. East Elementary will absorb second-grade and South Elementary would take in third-grade and send sixth-graders to Breckenridge Junior High as a Middle School configuration.

April 2020

As of April 1, 2020, residents of Stephens County to “shelter in place” for COVID-19 from March 24 order. No cases in Stephens County but other counties in close proximity are experiencing outbreaks.

Woodson ISD closed doors for Online school.

BISD teachers stage a Car Parade through neighborhoods where their students live. The Breckenridge Fire Dept. escorted the vehicle parade.

First COVID-19 case confirmed in Stephens County. He was at home and did not require hospitalization. He is doing the 14-day quarantine required.

BISD schools closed indefinitely for online classes. BISD will continue the school lunch program at the back of BHS for drive-by pickup from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Bryan Allen named as BISD Superintendent. His wife, Katie (Armstrong) was a 1994 graduate of BHS. They have a son, Jacob Toliver and a daughter, Aimee Toliver.

Governor Greg Abbott attempts to re-open the state. The city of Breckenridge will re-open the City Park for the walking path, skateboard park and the disc golf area. The stipulation is that persons continue to wear masks and practice social distancing. However, the playground equipment is still closed and the basketball court. Additionally, retail places will provide curbside delivery services.

May 3 is designated when churches may reopen for in-church services.

Texas National Guard tested 100 residents for the COVID-19 virus in a Mobile drive-through testing site at Apostolic Lighthouse parking area.

May 2020

City Manager Andy McCuistion was honored at his retirement farewell at City Offices. Community leaders, government officials, family and friends celebrated his tenure from May 2012to the present as the City Manager for Breckenridge.

Stephens County officials celebrated as the only county in Texas with a 1005 negative rate for COVID-19 testing. Citizens volunteered to be tested by National Guard and 100 took part in the testing.

Stephens County to show 50% occupancy for businesses in an attempt to re-open.

BHS graduation was slated for Saturday, June 6 at Buckaroo Stadium to comply with State TEA COVID-19 requirements for social distancing. Each student will get 10 tickets and strict adherence to no groups of more than five. Chairs for the graduates will be spaced six feet apart on the football field to comply with TEA requirements for social distancing.

Breckenridge Aquatic Park was given grant money of $10,000 to renovate swimming pool infrastructure. This past summer the pool was closed which caused undue hardship for children in Breckenridge.

The second COVID-19 case was confirmed for Stephens County. It was one of the City employees which caused the City Offices to close after re-opening recently. The first COVID case was back in April 3. Businesses had re-opened recently for 50% capacity.

Woodson ISD will hold their graduation on the football field on May 22. Kindergarten at 6:30 p.m, 8th grade at 7 p.m. and seniors at 8 p.m.

A third and fourth case of COVID has been confirmed in Stephens County. They are linked by being from the same household and are travel related. Quarantine protocols are being followed and are under the care of a local physician.

June 2020

The BISD Board announced that the Spring of 2020 grades will not be used in calculating the Grade-point averages for 2020, 2021 and 2022 due to inconsistencies and inequity for some of our kids.

City Commissioners explain budget cuts in all departments due to being behind three years running on a $250,000 line of a credit note. Borrowing beyond our means has caused tightening in all departments. The Commissioners shut down the Animal Shelter and threatened to end the Meals-on-Wheels program until citizens stepped in to deliver meals through Rotary and other service organizations.

The city of Breckenridge entered into an interlocal agreement with Stephens Memorial Hospital District to provide meals for the Meals-on-Wheels program for senior citizens three days a week.

On June 17, the Stephens County Commissioners passed a resolution reopening business to 100% occupancy and making all businesses essential. The effort was led by Stephens County Judge Michael Roach.

Stephens County had five active COVID-19 cases at this time with four recovering. One of the staff members at the Breckenridge Medical Clinic was diagnosed as the fifth case in Stephens County as of June 17.

Stephens County purchases Breck Airways fuel farm.