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Forest Service urges caution during holiday weekend

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As Texans make plans to celebrate the Fourth of July with picnics, grilling, camping and fireworks, Texas A&M Forest Service asks everyone to be careful with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark.

Wishing you a safe and Happy 4th of July text over flag background with Texas A&M Forest Service logo

Independence Day is one of the top days for reported wildfires. (Texas A&M Forest Service photo)

Approximately 90% of wildfires are caused by humans and their activities, and Independence Day is one of the top days for reported wildfires. With current drought conditions across most of the state, the public is encouraged to help protect Texans by preventing wildfires. 

“Even though we will see temporary relief from the high temperatures, Texas is still in a drought and may have conditions that support wildfires as we head into the July 4th holiday,” said Bruce Woods, mitigation and prevention department head. “We encourage everyone to be cautious with fireworks and any outdoor activity that may cause a spark this weekend.”

Gulf moisture and a reprieve from triple digit temperatures will reduce the potential for significant wildfires that may impact communities. However, there is still a chance that wildfire ignitions may occur, and state and local fire officials advise everyone to be careful with activities outdoors.

“Take caution with your celebrations while you grill and enjoy fireworks with your family and friends,” said Karen Stafford, prevention program coordinator. “Remember to do your part, and don’t let a wildfire start.”

Safely enjoy fireworks

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public firework show conducted by professionals. If you are going to set off your own fireworks, follow these safety tips:

  • Before you celebrate, always check with local government officials for any burn bans or other restrictions. Be sure to comply with all restrictions.
  • Read and follow all warnings and instruction labels on fireworks. 
  • Use fireworks only under close adult supervision and in safe areas away from structures, dry grass and brush. 
  • Keep a hose, bucket of water and wet towels nearby in case of a malfunction or fire. 
  • Dispose of used fireworks in a bucket of water. 
  • Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.

Wildfire Prevention

To help prevent wildfires, follow these additional tips:

  • Avoid parking and idling in tall, dry grass. Catalytic converters can get hot enough to ignite the grass under a vehicle.
  • Ensure chains and other metal parts aren’t dragging from your vehicle—they throw sparks.
  • Avoid placing your grill near flammable vegetation or materials, never leave your grill unattended, and ensure coals are completely extinguished when you are done.

Burn bans and fireworks restrictions are determined by county government. Texas A&M Forest Service does not take a position on the use of fireworks, nor does the agency determine, set or lift restrictions.

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Amon Carter Lake Board to meet

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Members of the Amon Carter Lake Water Supply Corporation will meet at 6 p.m. on May 26 in the office at 607A Lindsey for a monthly meeting.
Items on the agenda include a consent agenda and minutes and financials. Possible discussion/action may be considered on the following topics: Treasurer’s report, review of finance and current loans; president’s report as to the written agreements with contractual employees; consider current water rates and a possible increase; and review of expenses and areas that need amendment.
An executive session may be entered to discuss personnel issues.

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Saint Jo City Council hires fire marshal

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The City of Saint Jo has a new fire marshal as the city council made the appointment during its May 13 meeting.
Gary Hines, a retired professional firefighter and certified fire investigator, will take the position. City Secretary Debbie Dennis said the post is required by ordinance but has not been filled for a long period.
The council set dates for a budget workshop for 2 p.m. on June 14 and 2 p.m. on June 28 for the ordinance workshop, as the council works to update its rules.

Aldermen gave their support to a proposition by Councilman Jack Dunn who is asking the Legislature to allow Texas’ smallest cities, those with 2,500 or few in population, to receive an additional share of sales and use tax. He would like to see the funds used in these communities to repair and replace aging infrastructure without new taxes or reliance on state grants.
In letter to State Rep. David Spiller, whom Dunn will meet with on June 1, the alderman explains much of the state’s 6.25% share generated locally flows into general funds and is spent on other priorities. He would like Spiller to author this legislation. Dunn gave the letter to the council along with a powerpoint on the plan.
“A single water treatment plant upgrade or sewer rehab carries massive, fixed costs that do not shrink with population size. These communities, often with only a few hundred or a couple thousands residents, simply cannot spread those costs across enough ratepayers or a broad tax based,” the letter states.
Dunn suggests a “graduated sales tax retention policy:” 1% additional share for cities with 2,500 or fewer residents; .75% for those 2,500 and 5,000; and .50% for cities between 5,001 and 10,000. It would be dedicated to infrastructure. Dunn says the overall statewide fiscal impact would be negligible, but could help sustain small, rural cities.

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City of Nocona buys water storage tank, review dam repair

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The Nocona City Council approved a bid for a new 203,000 gallon capacity tank for potable water at the water plant and learned a slide repair to the lake dam is going to be pretty costly.
At its May 12 session the council received three bids on the tank and went with one from Tank Depot of Cleburne for $193,923. It is for a a 217,600 gallon tank usable for 203,000 gallons. The price could change slightly since it was based on estimate freight costs.

Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.

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