Stephens County

Often times law enforcement and first responders run into situations they may not be wholly trained for. Many times calls come in about an individual acting odd, or just walking about with no real direction. When these calls come in, departments must respond to find out if the individual is alright.

Chief Deputy Kevin Roach has run into this issue before; so through some checking and informational classes in Young County, he along with the sheriff's department and the blessing of Sheriff Holt, they have decided to start the “The Take Me Home” program.

Burn Ban and fireworks

A Breckenridge man was convicted for repeat offenses regarding burglary over the last several months. He will serve 30 years in prison at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Prison, according to officials.

Adam Reeve, 39, confessed to the burglary of a home within the city of Breckenridge that occurred back in August of this year, according to a press release from the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office. On Aug. 13, the office responded to a burglary. One of the officers found shoe prints.

Gas

Texas has voted to remain red in the 2018 midterms, sending Sen. Ted Cruz back to Washington for another term, while keeping the GOP stronghold in place in the state legislature with Greg Abbott, Dan Patrick and Ken Paxton.

In terms of Breckenridge and Stephens County, Rep. Jodey Arrington bested Miguel Levario, bolstering 75 percent of the vote to win District 19. Rep Mike Conway in District 11 received 80 percent. In Stephens County, not one Democrat won an election. The only proposition on the board, the “legal sale of beer and wine,” passed with 982 votes to 266 against.

UPDATE at 10:30 p.m.

Texas looks to remain red as Sen. Ted Cruz bests Rep. Beto O'Rourke for the Junior Senate seat. Gov. Greg Abbott has also won his re-election bid as governor. In District 19, Rep. Jodey Arrington is showing a victory with over 75 percent of the vote, while Mike Conaway in District 11 has over 80 percent. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has not been declared the winner yet, but currently leads by almost 7 percent with 41.5 percent of precincts reporting, according to the Texas Tribune.

The Stephens County Tax Office reported record-breaking turnout for the first two days of early voting yesterday, with 300 votes. The previous record was 269. This is also a trend in other parts of Texas and the country, as early voting across the state and U.S. are seeing increases from years prior.

It is that time of year once again when the United Fund Board of Directors swings into action and begin their annual fund-raising campaign in support of a variety of local organizations in Stephens County, which focuses on the young people, seniors, the animal shelter and many other service type organizations in the community.

Gas

Gas prices in Texas rose 2.7 cents per gallon during the week of Oct. 1-8, bringing the average gallon to $2.66, according to a weekly GasBuddy survey. Nationally, the price rose 2.2 cents, bringing the national average to $2.91 per gallon. This time last year in Texas, gas prices were 31.4 cents lower than now, and this time last month they were 5.3 cents lower. Nationally, prices now are 43.7 cents higher than this time last year, according to GasBuddy.

County Commissioners

Here is what is happening this week:

City commissioners to meet

The Breckenridge City Commissioners will meet for their normal meeting at 5:30 p.m. The agenda looks to be short, with four items on the consent agenda and a couple resolutions up for individual consideration. One item of note is a resolution that will allow for the city manager to apply for a Criminal Justice Division Grant.

Block clean-up