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News

Stephens County cousins make PPE to aid community

With the shortage of masks around the country, Jane and Marlena Lenior, first cousins, have risen to the challenge to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for first responders and citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marlena’s mother and Jane’s father were siblings and the cousins have had Stephens County in their blood for over a century. Their grandfather left Mississippi and traveled to the county to start a ranch between Breckenridge and Woodson. The family has made the county home ever since.

First COVID-19 case in Stephens County

Updated:

Stephens County health officials have confirmed the county's first case of COVID-19. In a morning press conference on Friday, April 3, Stephens Memorial Hospital District confirmed that a male individual tested positive for the virus.

“...we have had our first positive COVID-19 test this morning,” Christy Begeman, Chief Nursing Officer of SMH said. “It is an elderly gentleman that has been home, has not required hospitalization... He is fairly active in the community, but he has been home since the test was taken and has isolated for the last 14 days...”

Bryan Allen announced as BISD Superintendent

Breckenridge Independent School District announced Bryan Allen as the lone finalist for the vacant superintendent position on Wednesday, April 1. The BISD board of trustees gathered via video/teleconference to announce the new superintendent.

Allen has served as the superintendent of Merkel for the past five years and will begin the 2020-2021 school year as the superintendent of Breckenridge ISD.

Community leaders offer assistance to small-business owners

The Breckenridge Economic Development Corporation and Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce will host a Facebook live event to provide insight on the SBA loan and grant programs.

The event will take place Wednesday, April 1 at 3 p.m. and will feature Virgil Moore, the CEO and Executive Director of the Breckenridge Economic Development, Carrie Holson, the Executive Director of the Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce and Stephens County Judge Michael Roach.

Superintendent to be chosen April 1

Breckenridge Independent School District will announce the lone finalist for the vacant superintendent position Wednesday, April 1. The BISD board of trustees will gather via video/teleconference to announce the their chosen candidate.

While the superintendent will be announced on April 1, the contract will not be issued until Thursday, April 23. There is a 21-day waiting period from the date that the board names lone finalist.

CARES Act will assist small business owners during COVID-19

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress and signed into law Friday, March 27 by President Donald J. Trump.

According to the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the new bill offers relief to the small businesses and restaurants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will include a Paycheck Protection Program, which includes $349 billion for Small Business Administration and guarantees of forgivable loans for small and medium-sized businesses.

Woodson ISD: Doors closed, online open

Woodson ISD will not have class on campus until Monday, April 20, but even that date may be subject to postponement.

Classes began online Monday, March 23, with emphasis on the core classes. Teachers spent the week after spring break preparing to offer their subject areas online. After a staff meeting, via teleconference, on that Monday, teachers began the process of planning remote learning for their students.

Texas Governor pushes runoff elections to July 14

Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an announcement postponing the Texas primary election runoffs until Tuesday, July 14, 2020.

The proclamation comes with his previous statewide disaster declaration and confirms early voting will begin Monday, July 6. The runoff elections were originally scheduled for Tuesday, May 26.

Stephens County was set to feature a battle for the Precinct 1 County Commissioner seat, between David Fambro and Chad Ezell.

SMH board receives financial audit

Baird, Kurtz, and Dobson (BKD), a CPA and advisor firm confirmed Stephens Memorial Hospital lost about $900,000 in revenue, after a visit from a representative on Thursday, March 19.

Deborah Whitley, a partner within BKD CPA and advisors firm, with an emphasis on consulting and healthcare, provided board members with the excess and deficiencies of the SMH budget.

For the full story, click here to subscribe or log in to read the Wednesday, April 1 edition of the Breckenridge American.