Fire department crews from Stephens County and Young County were dispatched to multiple grass fires at approximately 3:40 p.m. Friday, July 22. The fires were located on Hwy. 67 South, approximately two miles from the county line. Photos/ Thomas Wallner
Stephens County will soon be partially home to a new state park, the first in Texas in 20 years.
As we cross the halfway point of July, wildfire danger continues to increase across the state. On Friday, Texas A&M Forest Service firefighters responded to 15 new wildfires that burned 651 acres. As of Sunday, there were eight active wildfires; the largest was the Nethery Road Fire in Kimble County, involving an estimated 3,500 acres. It has been 70% contained.
Average gasoline prices in Texas have fallen 19.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.00/g today, according to Gas- Buddy’s survey of 13,114 stations in Texas. Prices in Texas are 64.7 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand $1.16/g higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has declined 10.8 cents in the last week and stands at $5.54 per gallon.
Area firefighters and the Texas A&M Forest Service responded to multiple fires last week, with the South Bend Fire on the Young and Stephens County line reaching approximately 752 acres before complete containment was reported Sunday.
A new, easier-to-remember phone number to help those suffering a mental health crisis went live Saturday, July 16. Following the passing of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, 9-8-8 is the nationwide telephone number for the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. The previous number 1-800-273-8255 will remain active.
Stephens County Commissioners extended a disaster declaration and total burn ban during an emergency meeting Monday morning. The order, signed by Stephens County Judge Michael Roach July 18, will be in effect until Wednesday, Aug. 17.
Steven Byerly was in a dark place when he made a life-changing decision.
The Texas Education Agency has released the 2022 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness
Average gasoline prices in Texas have fallen 17.7 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.20/g today, according to Gas- Buddy’s survey of 13,114 stations in Texas. Prices in Texas are 45 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand $1.36/g higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has declined 8.5 cents in the last week and stands at $5.65 per gallon.
