Tyler County News - Breakout

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By Chris Edwards
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PANHANDLE PLAINS – Last week saw the largest wildfire in Texas history ravage the Panhandle region. According to authorities, the fire, named the Smokehouse Creek fire, which broke out in Hutchinson County, has burned through almost 1.3 million acres.

In its path, it has killed thousands of head of livestock; incinerated crops and destroyed hundreds of structures. At press time, firefighters were still extinguishing the blaze, and only 37% had been contained. The fire was initially reported last Monday, Feb. 26.

The amount contained only reduced the amount of total acreage still on fire by about 10,000 acres, to just under 1.06 million acres, according to Texas Forest Service officials.

One report noted that the amount of land burned over the course of one week in these fires is nearly equivalent to the amount of land burned through several years in the entire state. Other blazes, including the Grapevine Creek Fire in Gray County;the Windy Deuce Fire in Moore County were also reported as wildfires that began in the Panhandle and spread over into Oklahoma.

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, from 2017 to 2021, the agency responded to 3,682 wildfires, which were responsible for burning nearly 1.4 million acres.

Officials have cited ideal conditions for fire weather, including high temperatures, dry air and strong winds, as being contributors to the spread of the fires.  Dry grass was also a big contributor, according to officials, that fueled the spread of the fires.

A statement from Texas A&M Forest Service said that “cooler temperatures and less wind will aid in the ongoing suppression efforts for active wildfires,” and added that an underlying risk for new wildfires will continue until the spring green-up occurs within the regions of the panhandle and in South Texas.

According to the Tyler County AgriLife Extension Office, there are opportunities available to assist victims of the wildfires.

Hay, feed, fencing supplies, cow feed and milk replacers are needed, and can be delivered to the address of 301 Bull Barn Road, Pampa, TX 79065. Anyone interested in donating and getting more information about immediate needs can call 806-669-8033 or 325-728-0477.

Monetary donations can also be made. According to Pampa Emergency Services Coordinator Troy Schwiegerath, payments can be made directly to the City of Pampa, Attn: Finance, PO Box 2499, Pampa, TX 79066-2499, or over the phone to FirstBank Southwest of Pampa, by calling 806-669-8007, by referencing “City of Pampa donation for Smokehouse Creek Fire.”

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Special to the Booster

Woodville native Zack Rigby, son of Suzanne Rigby, was recently advanced to the rank of Chief Petty Officer in the United States Coast Guard.

Rigby celebrated this milestone in a ceremony at the historic Asan Bay Overlook on Feb. 15, a site that echoes the valor and commitment of the Coast Guard since 1944.

Along with Rigby’s advancement, Michigan native Emily Ford was advanced to SK1. According to a news release from the Coast Guard, both Rigby and Ford exemplify the qualities of leadership and service while serving in Guam.

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Darleen Modisette (third from left) was welcomed into the Tyler County Chamber of Commerce last Thursday with a ribbon cutting. Modisette’s Beauty Box specializes in Mary Kay cosmetics, and she said she is confident in providing her clients with the very best in make-up and skin care products. “I am creating real value for my clients,” she said. “My business helps clients lead a better life.” Pictured with Modisette are, left-to-right: Chamber president Cathy Bennett; Chamber director Holly Wells; Tom Modisette and Chamber board members Shannon Benton and Sabrina Mayer. CHRIS EDWARDS | TCB

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By Chuck Davidson

CHESTER – Board president Bryan Martin called the regular monthly meeting of the Chester ISD Board of Trustees to order at 6 p.m. on Monday evening with four board members, three staff members, two adults and one student present.

After the prayer and pledges, district superintendent Dr. Paul Drake gave a detailed report on the district’s 2022-23 annual report, covering test scores, graduation and attendance rates, financials, meeting objectives etc. The district was and is in compliance with all state and federal guidelines.

Next business manager Austin Odom gave an update on revenues and expenditures, highlighting the insurance claim from water damage resulting in new library shelves and some tile flooring.  The district has made its first payment on the bond and current work is focused on utilities, finding, fixing, and in some cases moving lines.  Anyone interested in the details can go to the TEA’s website looing for Chester’s bond disclosure report.

Principal Amy Dinger then reported that enrollment stands at 196, with attendance currently at 94.66 percent.  Goal is to get that up to 96 %. She reported that coaches like the new UIL alignment and that a recent community blood drive exceeded its goal recently.

The consent agenda was approved without comment and several action items all resulted in approval:  Wage payments for the Jan. 16 closure, agreement with the Polk County Special Services Cooperative, updating some signers for a bank account, sale of a one-acre (former church) property, and one amendment to the current campus improvement plan. The board also adopted the 2024-25 district calendar with the first day of school being August 7 and their last day May 22 with graduation on the 23.

The board went into executive session at 6:55 and returned at 7:15 moving to adjourn at that time.  The next regular board meeting is set for March 18.