Polk County News - Breakout

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The Rotary Club of Livingston welcomed two new members – Mindy Ellis and Heidi Barnes – who were recently inducted into the local service club. (l-r) Rotarian Ray Gearing, Ellis, Rotarian Blair McDonald and Barnes. Photo by Emily Banks Wooten

By Emily Banks Wooten
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Dan and Bea Ellis and Suanne Wilson, representatives of F.A.I.T.H. Military Support Group (Families And Individuals Thanking Heroes), presented a program to the Rotary Club of Livingston Thursday, updating them on the progress the organization has made over the years.

“Suanne and Bill kind of got this started. Without Suanne and the rest of our gang, we couldn’t be here today,” Bea said.

“Back in 2006, our oldest son, who probably could have gone to school anywhere in the country on a football scholarship, joined the Marine Corps,” Dan said. “We were proud and sad at the same time. He applied to be a machine gunner in the infantry.

“We felt like we needed a group for parents and grandparents to show support for each other and then it morphed into something else. We began sending care packages and we have sent a little over 24,000 since the beginning,” Dan said. “F.A.I.T.H. has been good for us and I think it’s also been good for everyone else. I know LISD’s NNDDC sends 30-35 kids every month to help pack boxes.”

“F.A.I.T.H. is very privileged. We have a core group on our board of directors,” Bea said. “We buy in bulk. In the beginning, the end game was to get through a couple months. But we’re still going and haven’t stopped. We’ve never been short. We’ve never run out. It was close a few times in the early years but after a few years, we became a 501(c)3 and got a lot more organized. We have stock in a storage building and the trailer the Rotary Club helped us to get. God has provided every month.

“The names on our list come and go. We have new kids added. We have kids get out and go into the civilian world. I call them kids because they are. Most are under the age of 25. They go all over the world. We have kids giving up college scholarships to go serve their country,” Bea said. “We average 125-130 care packages a month, but many months, we send more than that. We spend 90-100 hours monthly shopping, sorting, putting stuff together.

“When COVID came, we had to go outside. We’ve only missed two months – one was when Hurricane Ike blew through (2008) and the other was the first month of COVID (2020). Of 206 months, there have been 204 months of packages going out,” Bea said.

“Every package that goes out is shared with six to eight people and every package that is sent has some kind of tie to Polk County,” Bea said. “Budget wise – the first we sent overseas in 2006 for about $7 (per care package), today it costs $18.45 (per care package) for up to 70 pounds. We stuff them to the brim. Initially, we sent candy, magazines, just junk. Now, we send several forms of protein, oatmeal, liquid drink mixes, chocolate milk, Yoo-hoo in there. The more stuff we get in there, the more stuff they get.

“Since January (of this year), we have sent 785 overseas and 200 in the states and have spent $40,000. The price of everything has gone up,” Bea said. “At Christmas, you get your regular food box, but you also get at least one Christmas box. At Christmas, everybody gets at least three to four extra boxes to share.

“How do we make our money? Our biggest fundraiser is done annually in conjunction with Scott and Toni Hughes and Polk County Cares and that money is divided three ways among three different groups. That’s our biggest fundraiser. Our other big fundraiser is sponsoring care packages at Christmas time. Rotary Club has been outstanding through the years. We could not make it without y’all,” Bea said, adding, “F.A.I.T.H. really hasn’t changed in our mission or how we do things. We’ve gotten smarter, more efficient.”

Dan agreed. “There is zero administrative cost. Everything is donated. There are absolutely no funds that go into the administration of this organization.”

F.A.I.T.H. Military Support Group and its volunteers meet the second Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Livingston Physical Therapy located at 305 W. Mill St. in Livingston. Everyone is welcome as they are always looking for more volunteers.

 

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By Emily Banks Wooten
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The Livingston City Council reviewed the preliminary budget for the upcoming fiscal year that begins Oct. 1 during its Aug. 15 meeting and called a public hearing on the budget which is slated for 5 p.m. Sept. 12.

A public hearing regarding the city’s Texas Municipal Retirement System retirement eligibility and vesting was held because one of the agenda items was to discuss and consider possible action on a proposed ordinance regarding these items.

“Any time you do anything regarding the retirement of municipal employees, you have to have a public hearing,” City Manager Bill S. Wiggins said. “We’ve been actively trying to recruit seasoned employees, specifically in the police department, and we’ve lost several applicants because of retirement. Out of 909 municipalities in the Texas Municipal Retirement System, there are only 43 with a 25-year any age retirement with 10-year vesting and we are one of those. The remaining are participating in a 20-year any age retirement with five-year vesting.

“I’m proposing we consider moving away from the 25 and 10 and go with the 20 and five. We’re one in 43 who haven’t, and I think it would be a good opportunity for us. We want good, seasoned employees and we don’t want to hamper the ability to attract them,” Wiggins said. Retirement for City of Livingston employees is a 7% deposit rate with a two-to-one matching rate by the city and the proposed change would be in plan only. Council approved the proposed ordinance reflecting the change.

In other ordinance-related activity, Council approved a proposed ordinance amending Article II of Chapter 34 of the Code of Ordinances which deals with solid waste.

Following a 20-year relationship with Santek and then Republic, the city changed solid waste providers to Piney Woods Sanitation effective Aug. 1, going from twice-weekly garbage pickup to once-a-week pickup. The previous ordinance called for twice so the proposed ordinance on the agenda – which Council approved – was amended to read weekly.

This provided an opportunity for Wiggins to update Council on solid waste operations since the change. “We knew going in there’d be some problems. People don’t like change. We sent a request for proposals. We received three. All three were going to once a week. Of the three, Piney Woods Sanitation was the only one who would have someone other the driver to pick up the trash,” Wiggins said.

“Some of the confusion has been about the routes and the pickup days. You can go to the city’s website (www.cityoflivingston-tx.com) and click on a map to see where you live and what your pickup day is. We are having daily meetings with Piney Woods Sanitation and we will continue to. Things are getting better. It’s a work in progress. If you have any complaints, please call us. We can’t fix it if we don’t know about it. Let us know. I apologize sincerely and we will continue to work on it,” Wiggins said.

A proposed resolution supporting the adoption and approval of the Texas Opioid Abatement Fund Council and Settlement Allocation Term Sheet and designation of the city manager as the authorized signatory was on the agenda.

“The city’s eligible to participate in the attorney general’s opioid settlement. By approving the proposed resolution, we’re agreeing that we will not litigate against any of these companies, and therefore, we’re eligible for participation in the settlement. We’ve already received about $22,000,” Wiggins said. Council approved the proposed resolution and designated Wiggins as the authorized signatory.

While presenting his monthly report regarding projects and events, Wiggins apprised Council that the annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony is slated for 9 a.m. Sept. 11 at Livingston City Hall. He also reported that the Friends of the Library will host a book sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 15 at the Livingston Municipal Library.

Reviewing some of the current development projects, Wiggins said he had the opportunity to visit with Jimmy Banks recently who was in town for a friend’s funeral. Banks is the developer of The Retreat Living LLC where six new residences are in progress. Wiggins said that Banks asked if the city staff was pleased with the work so far and Wiggins said that Banks was very complimentary of the city staff.

Wiggins also apprised Council that the $3.5 million major remodel of Walmart is underway and that Jonathan, the manager, has already invited the city to the store’s grand re-opening on Nov 3.

Wiggins reported that he sat in on the Sam Rayburn Municipal Power Agency board meeting that morning and that the board made the recommendation to lower rates for its three member cities – Livingston, Jasper and Liberty. As a result, Wiggins said the city will be looking into the possibility of lowering rates for its citizens.

In other activity, Wiggins reported that he has been in contact with Bill Holder with the Trinity River Authority of Texas. He said the city currently has sufficient water storage and water supply and that at present, there is no need to implement the city’s drought contingency plan. However, he said he will continue to monitor it closely.

Other business included approval of the accounts over $500 and minutes of the July 11 regular meeting.

 

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By Brian Besch
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The City of Goodrich proposed a new tax rate and set plans for holiday celebrations at their regular meeting for August Tuesday in Goodrich City Hall.

A new tax rate was proposed for 2023. The new rate will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations by 27.17% over last year’s tax rate. That means a home valued at $100,000 can expect to pay about an additional $14.90.

Richard Booth and Mary Orozco were removed as check signers, with both unable to make meetings on a regular basis due to health concerns. Karen Harrell and Debra Rademacher were designated as new check signees. Goodrich Mayor Kelly Nelson will remain as a signee in case of emergency.

City Secretary Felicia Garrett plans to speak with Pro Star Waste manager Casey Valderez about the difference in the trash payment amount and should have a report in September’s meeting.

The date for the city’s annual Halloween Trunk-or-Treat drive-thru has been set for Saturday, Oct. 28, at Goodrich City Hall. The time that afternoon will be 5-7 p.m.

Goodrich’s annual Christmas Market Day and Lighted Parade will again be scheduled for the first weekend in December. This year’s festivities are to be Saturday, Dec. 2. The age limit for the bike giveaway will be 10 years of age and under. City council members agreed to send letters to sponsors for the bike/toy giveaway starting Sept. 1. Council members agreed on the purchase of additional flags to be put out for the holiday season, in addition to the purchase of a banner for the Christmas Market Day and Lighted Parade festivities.

The date for the city’s Christmas party was set for Friday, Dec. 15, however, the time and menu is yet to be determined.

Mayor Kelly Nelson informed the council that the Goodrich Volunteer Fire Department will hold their fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Goodrich City Hall. Council members agreed to give a monetary donation from the City of Goodrich to the Goodrich VFD.

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The Rotary Club of Livingston recently heard about several different programs, including Faith in Practice Medical Mission, CASA of the Pines and Texas Family Care Network. (l-r) Rocky Hensarling, vice president of community-based care with Texas Family Care Network; Mindi Ellis, with Faith in Practice Medical Mission; Kecia Davis, director of intake and placement with Texas Family Care Network; Natalie Thornton, executive director of CASA of the Pines; and Rotary President Brandon Wigent. Photo by Emily Banks Wooten

By Emily Banks Wooten
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The Rotary Club of Livingston had a full meeting Thursday, with programs provided by Mindi Ellis, with Faith in Practice Village Medical Mission; Natalie Thornton, executive director of CASA of the Pines; Rocky Hensarling, vice president of community-based care with Texas Family Care Network; and Kecia Davis, director of intake and placement with Texas Family Care Network.

Faith in Practice Village Medical Mission is an organization through which more than 2,500 volunteers provide healthcare to more than 17,000 people in Guatemala each year through an integrated and coordinated network of care. The organization was introduced to the club years ago by the late Rotarian Reed Brooks. The organization became the club’s international service project for many years, with several Rotarians making trips to Guatemala over the years. Mindi Ellis has been involved with Faith in Practice Village Medial Mission since 2015 and said that after Reed Brooks’ passing, she wanted to continue in his honor and legacy.

Ellis spoke of the Guatemalan people lined up and waiting for medical attention when she first arrived. Now, however, she said that volunteers in the village give out vouchers with staggered times so the people don’t have to wait all day. She said they try to prioritize patients according to need. She said she works in the pharmacy, passing out medication and explaining how it is to be administered. They also give out several modes of transportation, specifically wheelchairs with bicycle tires.

Natalie Thornton, executive director of Casa of the Pines, said her favorite part of the job is getting to know the wonderful advocates. The purpose of CASA of the Pines is all about making the lives of children who have been impacted by the child welfare system better and safer. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are trained volunteers appointed by a judge to advocate for the needs of children whose families are in crisis and who have entered the child welfare system. She said that volunteers are vital to the mission and that they wouldn’t be able to transform lives without the volunteers.

She spoke of something that she said is very important and very new and that is legislation that will privatize Children’s Protective Services (CPS). Although CASA is not in transition, she said this transition to privatization is going to be tough. She emphasized that if anyone has ever been interested in becoming a CASA, now is a good time to do it.

Rocky Hensarling, vice president of community-based care with Texas Family Care Network, said he has worked all stages of service and has worked in every region in the State of Texas. He said that community-based care – the new Texas foster care model that allows local communities to meet children’s and their families’ unique and individual needs by tapping into the strengths and resources of each community – is “relatively newish” to Texas but is gaining a lot of traction.

“When kids in network are served by people in their communities, they tend to receive better care,” Hensarling said.

He said the parent organization of Texas Family Care Network is Presley Ridge which has been in operation for nearly 200 years. It started as two orphanages that eventually merged and now operates 70 programs in seven different states. He said their policies and practices are peer-reviewed and that their mission is whatever it takes to create success for children and families. He said their vision is that all kids thrive and that when they thrive, they turn into successful adults. He said they have implemented the neurosequential model of therapeutics which is why we do what we do.