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Polk County News - Breakout

Over 55,000 pounds of recycling collected

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071422 no more paperEffective immediately, the recycling center is no longer accepting paper because it is having a negative impact on the operation.

But can no longer accept paper

By Emily Banks Wooten
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The Polk County Recycling Center has collected over 55,000 pounds of recyclable materials since opening in November and volunteers have contributed over 800 hours so far this year.

The recycling center—which is run by the community, for the community—is located at 10311 State Hwy. 146 in Livingston (nine miles south of Hwy. 190), across from FM 2665. Google Maps tends to steer people wrong (telling them to turn off on Old

Hwy 146), so people should be aware of that if they rely on Google Maps for directions.

Polk County Recycling & Beautification (PCRB) is the nonprofit organization that relies on grants, donations and volunteers to run, staff and maintain the recycling center and they’re always looking for volunteers. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. One may follow PCRB on Facebook or visit its website at www.pcrbtexas.org for the latest updates and to find information regarding volunteer opportunities.

Unfortunately, effective immediately, the recycling center is no longer accepting paper because it is having a negative impact on the operation.

“Too much trash has been mixed in with the paper we’ve received, making it very time consuming to sort and our equipment is not ideal for handling paper. Paper consumes more storage space than we originally anticipated, and it decomposes in weeks or months in the landfill, unlike metal cans which take decades and plastic which takes centuries,” Operations Manager Brian McNinch said.

“We believe we can provide a more efficient and beneficial service to the community, and provide a more enjoyable experience for our volunteers, by eliminating paper from our accepted materials,” McNinch said.

“However, we will continue to accept paperboard boxes. Paperboard boxes are non-corrugated, like cereal and soda boxes. We will also continue to accept corrugated cardboard,” McNinch said.

Accepted materials include #1 and #2 plastics, cardboard, and aluminum and steel “tin” cans. Only clean materials can be recycled so all plastic containers and steel cans should be rinsed prior to dropping off.

#1 plastics are clear plastic containers that have a triangle stamped in the plastic with a “1” inside, such as​ water bottles, beverage bottles, produce containers and pantry aisle plastic containers such as spices and condiments. Remove all caps and rinse well to remove any residual food or drink waste. Labels do not need to be removed.

#2 plastics are stiff colored or milky plastic containers that have a triangle stamped in the plastic with a “2” inside, such as milk jugs, detergent bottles and shampoo and conditioner bottles. Remove all caps and rinse well. Labels do not need to be removed.

Corrugated cardboard, such as delivery boxes, will be accepted. However, greasy boxes or boxes that have gotten wet cannot be recycled at this facility.

Aluminum cans will be accepted but aluminum foil and other metals cannot be recycled at this facility. Aluminum cans should be drained completely and rinsed. Steel, or “tin,” can used to package pet food, fruits, vegetables and soups will be accepted. Rinse well to remove food waste and put the lid in the can. It’s recyclable too. ​Labels do not need to be removed.

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Blood drives scheduled

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071022 blood drive

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will soon be in town with its donor coach for several upcoming local blood drives.

Livingston-Polk County Chamber of Commerce will host a blood drive from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday in the boardroom of the chamber office located at 1001 U.S. 59 Loop North in Livingston. To sign up, contact Yvonne King at 936-327-4929. A free lightweight, long sleeve pullover and a $25 E-gift card will be given to donors. Donors will also be

entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $500 gas card.
Pedigo Furniture Inc. will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at its location at 3785 U.S. Hwy. 190 West in Livingston. All donors will receive a free quarter-zip pullover jacket. Schedule your appointment today at giveblood.org.

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City to consider adding officer

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071022 oisd security

For Onalaska Independent School District

The creation of an additional police officer position to be assigned to the Onalaska Independent School District through the school resource officer program will be considered for approval by the Onalaska City Council during its regular meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday. In related activity, Council is expected to review and approve a memorandum of understanding between the city and the school district providing guidelines for school resource officers.

Police Department Policy No. 4.5 regarding uniforms, appearance and equipment will be reviewed and considered for approval.

Council is expected to consider action declaring a building located at 180 Live Oak in Canyon Park Subdivision to be dangerous or unsafe and to order that the building be vacated, removed or demolished. In related activity, Jerry and/or Janet Morris, owners of said property, are slated to make a presentation to Council to show cause why the building should not be declared unsafe or dangerous.

Council is expected to review and consider approval of an interlocal agreement with the Polk County tax assessor-collector for services provided.

In personnel matters, Council is expected to accept the resignations of Court Clerk Mandi Hodge and fulltime telecommunications operator Stephen Cook and approve the appointment of Tammy Seader as fulltime court clerk and Stephen Cook as parttime telecommunications operator, both with the standard 90-day probationary period.

A presentation on behalf of the Polk County Long Term Recovery Board will be presented.

Reports will be presented on behalf of the police department, fire department, fire marshal/building inspector, library representative and city administrator.

Other items on the agenda include approval of the minutes, payment of vouchers and financial reports.

The meeting will be held in the Onalaska City Hall located at 372 S. FM 356 in Onalaska.

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City eyeing COLA for employees

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071022 coloa for employess

A proposed cost of living adjustment for the employee salary schedule to be effective Oct. 1 will be considered for approval by the Livingston City Council during its regular meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday. Council will also consider action on granting one personal leave day for fulltime regular employees to be effective Jan. 1, 2023.

Council will consider authorization to execute an engagement letter for the employment of an auditor for the fiscal year Oct. 1, 2021 through Sept. 30, 2022.

A proposed ordinance granting a franchise agreement to Centerpoint Energy Resources Corp. doing business as Centerpoint Energy Texas Gas Operations will be considered for action.

Also to be considered for action is a proposed resolution for the sale of a 1987 Ranger Femfab walk-in heavy rescue fire truck.

A training presentation on cyber security awareness, as required by Texas Government Code Section 2054.5191, is on the agenda.

An executive session is also on the agenda at which time Council is expected to consult with the city attorney; enter into deliberation regarding competitive matters related to the operation of the city’s electric system, a public power utility; and conduct the performance evaluation of the city manager. However, any action will be taken upon return to open session.

An informational item regarding the Livingston-Polk County Chamber of Commerce’s Smoke in the Pines Barbecue Cookoff event recently held at Pedigo Park is on the agenda.

Other items on the agenda include the city manager’s monthly report, accounts over $500 and minutes of the June 14 meeting.

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GOOD GROCERIES

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070722 polk county caresPolk County Cares (PCC) served over 300 plates of hot, cooked-to-order, homemade catfish during its fundraiser Saturday at the end of “Old 190.” Served by Scott and Todd Hughes of the original Hughes Catfish Inn restaurant, the fundraiser is expected to become an annual event in conjunction with Independence Day weekend. In addition to the fresh-caught, American catfish, the plates also included homemade French fries, coleslaw, a drink and Mrs. Hughes’ famous hushpuppies. PCC’s Board of Directors are shown serving customers and preparing to-go boxes. Polk County Cares is a 501(c)3 organization that puts community donations to work in the community. Its purpose is to raise funds to be distributed to qualifying non-profit organizations within Polk County. Courtesy photo

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