Polk County News - Breakout

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The Rotary Club of Livingston recently presented a check to Amy Borel, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Polk County, to assist the organization that provides affordable housing for low-income families. (l-r) Rotary President Andrew Boyce, Borel, Rotary Treasurer Joe Roth. Photo by Emily Banks Wooten

By Emily Banks Wooten

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Amy Borel, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Polk County, spoke to the Rotary Club of Livingston recently, sharing updates on the local affiliate of Habitat International.

The nonprofit, Christian based housing ministry began in Atlanta, Ga. in the 1970s and now operates affiliates throughout the world, with the goal being to eliminate substandard housing by providing adequate, affordable housing which is available to all who can afford and qualify for a reasonable no interest mortgage.

“We build homes for low-income families and think of it as giving a hand up, not a handout,” Borel said, commenting that Habitat for Humanity of Polk County has been in existence since 2003.

“Habitat affiliates are grown and created locally, with affiliates throughout the United States and in 70 countries nationally. When we fundraise here, a portion goes back to Habitat for Humanity International, so when you give locally, you’re also giving globally,” Borel said.

The homes are built by volunteers with help from the homeowners themselves who provide sweat equity. Depending on where the group builds and the expertise of the volunteers, they do have to subcontract work from time to time. The homes are funded by contributions and donations from individuals, Polk County churches and businesses, as well as the proceeds from ReStore, Habitat’s local resale shop, located at 1402 N. Washington Ave. in Livingston.

Borel said that the ReStore resale shop accepts construction pieces, housewares, used appliances and will even provide pickup for large loads. She added that the ReStore has also recently begun selling good quality, eco-friendly paint and paint supplies.

“We’ve built 18 homes right here in Polk County since 2003. We have a new partner family and we’re raising funds to start that build. We’re always looking for volunteers,” Borel said.

Members of the public can help by volunteering their time, money and slightly used household items and building materials. Without the public’s help, Habitat for Humanity cannot continue to build low-cost homes or operate its store enough hours to fund their projects. For additional information call 936-328-8529 or follow on Facebook.

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Pct. 1 Deputy Constable Marcelo Rosario is welcomed by some students at Goodrich Elementary School. In the wake of the May 24 Uvalde school shooting tragedy, the office of Pct. 1 Constable Scott Hughes maintained a steady presence at Goodrich schools throughout the end of the school year. Hughes and his deputy constables provided additional patrols and walk-throughs of the school buildings. “The safety of our children, teachers and staff are a priority. My deputies have been well-received. The Goodrich ISD teachers and staff are doing an amazing job educating and protecting our children,” Hughes said. Courtesy photo

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Workers are shown Wednesday razing the abandoned building located at 522 W. Church St. in Livingston, site of the former Jarrell’s Filling Station. The station was closed several years ago when Owner Fred Jarrell became ill and moved out of town. Following Jarrell’s death, his surviving family proceeded with plans to remove the underground tanks and demolish the building. In recent years, work has been ongoing to clean up the city through the removal of dilapidated, unsafe buildings as well as the cleanup and removal of weeds, brush and rubbish from various abandoned properties throughout the city. City officials have remarked how diligently the Jarrells have been trying to clean up the place and resolve the situation. Photo by Emily Banks Wooten

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The deadline to drop off promotional products and materials at the Livingston-Polk County Chamber of Commerce office for the new teacher goodie bags is July 14. Courtesy photo

From Enterprise Staff

The deadline to drop off promotional products and materials at the Livingston-Polk County Chamber of Commerce office for the new teacher goodie bags is July 14. This is an annual project of the chamber and it’s also an opportunity for local businesses and service providers to promote themselves. A variety of promotional products are placed in the bags, including pens, pencils, rulers, nail files, notepads, coupons, flyers and other items and information.

“You are welcome to start bringing any goodies you may have for the new teacher bags. We will need 175 of each of the items for the bags no later than July 14. Schools are starting earlier this year,” Chamber President/CEO Yvonne L. King said.

The next “Power Hour” with the chamber is slated for 8-9 a.m. Tuesday at The Bull Shack. Enjoy a cup of coffee, bring your business cards, mix and mingle and make new friends and contacts.

There are two upcoming ribbon cutting ceremonies that will be held at the chamber office. One for Sheri Clamon Allstate Insurance is slated for 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday and one for Worthy Soft Wash is slated for 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

The next quarterly membership meeting is scheduled for June 28 at Cho-Yeh Camp & Conference Center. Polk County Emergency Management Coordinator Courtney Comstock will be the guest speaker. Reserve a seat by contacting the chamber at 936-327-4929 or by making a reservation on the chamber’s website at polkchamber.com. Door prizes will be available.

The chamber is also gearing up for the 3rd annual Smoke in the Pines Barbecue Cookoff June 24-25 at Pedigo Park. In addition to the barbecue cookoff, there will also be an auto and bike show, a kids cookoff, a cornhole tournament and vendors.

“Please check out the chamber’s calendar on our website for upcoming events and activities. It is free to add all your events to the calendar,” King said, adding, “I ask you, ‘What can the chamber do for you today?’”

The chamber’s website may be found at polkchamber.com. The chamber office is located at 1001 U.S. 59 Loop North in Livingston. The phone number is 396-327-4929. For additional information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..