News

Fill-the-Bus event slated for Saturday, Aug. 11

Once again Breckenridge will host “Fill-The-Bus,” a special event asking the public to supply a wide variety of needed school supplies for children who may not have access to the required supplies. 

The event is slated for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at the Walmart Supercenter.

School counselors are aware of most of the students who may need help. For questions about the event or to learn how to get your child on the list at their respective school, call Molly Johnson, director of curriculum and instruction for Breckenridge ISD, at 254-559-2278.

City favors BEDC aid to BISD program

City Commissioners approved a resolution to allow the Breckenridge Economic Development Corporation to spend money on a program to help make Breckenridge ISD students more successful.

A commissioners Tuesday, July 3, BEDC Director Virgil Moore asked for approval of an expenditure of $27,500 for “Communities in Schools of the Big Country Project.” The City Commission must approve BEDC spending of more than $10,000.

‘Feed the Lambs’ program in its eighth year

The First United Methodist Church has embarked on its annual “Feed the Lambs” program, now in its the eighth year. The program was started to help feed hungry children in the community during July and August. 

As in years past, several churches are helping prepare and distribute sack lunches.

“We will be serving between 70 and 170 lunches each day, throughout the summer,” said April Lechner, program director. “We are trying to pick up where the schools leave off.” 

Seymore nominated for state-wide honor

Regional winners of the annual Superintendent of the Year (SOTY) award have been announced and Breckenridge ISD Superintendent Tim Seymore is on the list.

Sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards, the SOTY program has recognized exemplary superintendents for excellence and achievement in educational leadership since 1984.

Regional superintendents of the year nominated by regional selection committees. This year, they are:

Daniel Treviño Jr., Mercedes ISD, Region 1

Max Thompson, Banquete ISD, Region 2

Jeanette Winn, Karnes City ISD, Region 3

Fireworks ban issued for Stephens County

All fireworks stands in Stephens County had to be closed by 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, by order of the Stephens County County Judge Gary Fuller. 

Fuller issued a disaster declaration earlier that day banning use or sale of fireworks with almost no exceptions, after wildfires and drought conditions wreaked havoc during the last two weeks. Palo Pinto and Parker counties also canceled all fireworks displays and closed all fireworks stands.

Correction!

Texas Department of Transportation wants the public to know that on Monday and Tuesday, July 9-10, the eastbound lanes of U.S. 180 at Graham Street, on the east side of Breckenridge, will be closed.

This is part of TxDOT’s continuing construction on U.S. Hwy. 180 in Breckenridge.

During those two days, an asphalt overlay will be placed on those lanes. Westbound lanes will remain open for traffic.

The Breckenridge American previously stated the work would extend to the Graham Y. That was an error, for which we apologize. 

City Commissioners OK increased trash rates

City Commissioners met briefly in a special called session for the second reading of a proposed 3.2 percent increase for trash pickup. The motion passed unanimously with commissioners Rob Durham, David Wimberley and the mayor, Bob Sims present. Missing were Russell Blue and Tom Cyprian. 

The bill for a residential 95-gallon poly cart emptied once a week will increase by 42 cents, to $13.55, with another 21 cents added for those who have an extra cart, making that additional cost $6.77. 

BISD board about to call for tax rollback election

The Breckenridge ISD board is working on its 2018-19 tax rate and budget, and next month is set to adopt a rate that will garner greater state funding while having little effect on residents’ tax bills.

The current, 2017-18 tax rate is $1.04 (Maintenance & Operations) plus 12.85 cents (Interest & Sinking) for a total of $1.1685 per $100 in valuation. 

The board holds the first public meeting to discuss its proposed 2018-19 tax rate at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 9, during the BISD regular monthly board meeting at 6 p.m. 

Water Customers in the Lakeview Hills Subdivision

Due to conditions in the water system which have occurred, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the system to notify all customers to boil their water prior to consumption.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source.

Stephens County March 2018 primary election results

Following are the results from the Stephens County March 6 primary election. The totals include early voting totals and election day totals. These totals do not include ballots by mail, with there being five ballots by mail, all from Precinct No. 4, still to be received by the county. Four of those ballots, if received, will be accounted for by 5 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, March 7, and the other ballot could take up five business days to be accounted for as it is being mailed from overseas, according to the Stephens County Elections Office.

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