Investigation continues
Wednesday, 01 September 2010 09:15 | 
Student struck by car at Atlanta High School
By CHRISTY GREEN
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A concerned crowd gathered on the grounds of Atlanta High School on Monday afternoon after a student was struck by a vehicle.
Chief Mike Dupree said that student, Archie Thompson Booth IV, 16, was walking across the campus’ Rabbit Boulevard when he was hit by a 2003 Nissan driven by a fellow student Keandrea Elija, also 16.
Atlanta Fire Department was quick to arrive on the scene and transported Booth to Atlanta Memorial Hospital.
Dupree said it is unknown the extent of Booth’s injuries and that the case is still under investigation to determine if any charges will be filed.
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 01 September 2010 09:17 )
Rate is down, valuations are up Wednesday, 01 September 2010 09:13 |
Commissioners approve tax rate, set hearings By ANGELA GUILLORY This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it County commissioners approved a proposed rollback tax rate of 44 cents per $100 valuation and set dates for public hearings on the proposed tax rate and proposed budget during their Aug. 23 regular scheduled meeting. A proposed rollback tax rate of .447976 for fiscal year 2011 was set. The proposed rollback tax rate is a decrease from the total current rate for FY 2010, which is .476926. County Judge Charles McMichael explained since property evaluations are up, the rate is down so the county is raising the rate. That means the tax rate is less than last year even through the county raised the rate – a 6.07 percent decrease in the current adopted rate. A public hearing regarding the budget is set for 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13, and the tax rate hearing is set for 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16. A special session for the adoption of the budget and the tax rate is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 23. In other matters, L.M. Jester, chairman of the Child Protective Services Board, presented financial reports and gave a funding update to commissioners. He explained that in July, when the report was compiled, there were 43 children in state conservatorship in Cass County. The board spends about $34,000 to $35,000 a year for the children’s basic needs that are not covered by the Texas Medicaid system, state or foster parents. These needs include such things as monthly allowances, clothing, a birthday gift, school supplies, graduation expenses, Christmas presents and numerous other everyday wants and needs. "We want to express our appreciation to you for the support you have given us," Jester said. "We are trying to manage the money we raise wisely and we want to thank the citizens of Cass County for the support they have given us through our two major fundraisers."
CPSB raised almost $20,000 through its two fundraisers last year – a radio auction in April held by KPYN and the Santa’s Stocking sponsored by The Citizens Journal and The Cass County Sun. Last year the county contributed $8,954 to assist the CPSB. Its total expenses for FY 2010 were $34,835.17. Its revenue was $34,018.44. The board was short $816.73 to cover all the expenses. Its budget for FY 2011 is $41,800, the same as last year. During the recent budget workshops commissioners cut donations by 5 percent. Commissioners agreed to leave the Texas County and District Retirement System retirement rate at 9.15 percent for fiscal year 2011. TCDRS requested for the county to reduce the employee contribution rate to 9.05 percent for fiscal year 2011 effective Jan. 1, 2011, from the current rate of 9.15 percent. At a previous meeting held on Aug. 9, Assistant Treasurer Donna Early explained 9.05 percent is the required rate but employers may choose to pay greater than the required rate. Commissioners had tabled the matter during the Aug. 9 meeting until they could receive more information on the cost difference for the county. County Treasurer Martha Sheridan said it would add approximately $5,700 to the budget. Sheriff and constable fees for FY 2011 were approved and are effective Jan. 1, 2011. The rates are the same as in the past with no changes. Jail administrator Sterling Corbett and a committee reviewed one bid for food supplies for fiscal year 2011 and five bids for inmate prescriptions, effective Sept. 1. A bid from Ben E. Keith Co., a food service distribution based in Fort Worth, was accepted for $1,453.03 a year. B2TF LTC Pharmacy’s bid for inmate prescriptions was accepted by commissioners. The bid proposal was for brand-name prescriptions for individual prescriptions based on the "red book average wholesale price" less 13 percent; generic prescriptions less 70 percent; over-the-counter products at cost; and no delivery charges. The pharmacy will deliver Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and if needed on Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and on Sundays in emergency situations. Other bids were received from The Med-Shop Pharmacy, Linden Drug Company, Powers Pharmacy and Adcock’s Medicine Chest. Oreta Wright recently resigned from her position as alternate election judge at polling place 2. Commissioners agreed to replace Wright with Elaine James. McMichael read a list of dates commissioners’ court will convene in regular session for FY 2011. Regular meetings will be held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month except on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011, and Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011. Commissioners approved the schedule as presented. They also adopted the FY 2011 holiday schedule as follows: Friday, Dec.31, 2010; Monday, Jan. 17, 2011; Monday, Feb. 21, 2011; Friday, April 22, 2011; Monday, May 30, 2011; Monday, July 4, 2011; Monday, Sept. 5 2011; Monday, Oct. 10, 2011; Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2011; Friday, Nov. 25, 2011; Friday, Dec. 23; Monday, Dec. 26; and Tuesday, Dec. 27. Wildwood Drive roadway was adopted into the county maintenance system as County Road 3655 by commissioners. Precinct 3 Commissioner Paul Cothren said a plat was submitted on March 25, 2008. The road is 2,055 feet long and at the end of the roadway is a 75-foot cul-de-sac. The right-of-way is 50 feet wide. The next commissioners’ court meeting is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13, in the Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace courtroom on the second floor of the Cass County Law Enforcement and Justice Center building located at 604 N. Highway 8. Last Updated ( Wednesday, 01 September 2010 09:15 ) Burglars on the loose Monday, 30 August 2010 17:28 |
QC residents warned to keep doors locked Queen City Police Chief Robert McGee urges residents in the city to use caution when leaving vehicles parked outside their homes. With a recent outbreak of burglaries, he said it is also important that citizens watch out for their neighbors when they are away from home. Most importantly, however, he said people need to lock their cars. "About 80 percent of the burglaries reported have been from residents who left their vehicles unlocked outside their home," McGee said. Anyone who notices any thing "out of the ordinary" or suspicious in their neighborhood are encouraged to contact the police department at 903-796-7986, ext. 2., or dispatch at 903-799-4057 or 903-796-7973. Also anyone with information about any type crime please call the same numbers. Last Updated ( Monday, 30 August 2010 17:30 ) |
Support you local cheerleaders Monday, 30 August 2010 17:30 |
Moonlight Madness and Cheer-Off set Sunday Moonlight Madness and Cheer-Off will give area residents and guests an opportunity to take advantage of late-night deals at area merchants on Sunday, Sept. 5, while supporting their local cheerleading squad. The event will be held from 8 p.m. until midnight in downtown Atlanta. All area high school cheer squads are welcome to participate. The cheer squads will gather in downtown for the cheer-off with the $300 prize going to the school that shows the most spirit. Cheer squads who haven’t contacted the Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce yet to let them know you will be participating are encouraged do so as soon as possible. The check and certificate will be presented during a pep rally of their choosing. According to Chamber Manager Beverly Johnson, this will prove to be a fun-filled event. "We will have street vendors and fun activities for the kids including a bounce house," she said. "This year we will have our first ‘Cass County Has Talent Show’ with a $100 cash prize," Johnson added. Residents who have a talent for dancing, singing, magic, playing an instrument or anytime of talent can call Randy Smith at KAQC TV at 903-796-8820 or call the chamber at 903-796-3296 to register for the talent show. Merchants will open their doors with lots of bargains. Sponsors for the Moonlight Madness include Atlanta Memorial Hospital Gift Shop, Benita’s Atlanta Floral, JoJo’s Cakes & Confections, Laura’s Used Book Store, Merle Norman and Terrell Brothers Furniture and Appliances. Last Updated ( Monday, 30 August 2010 17:32 ) Area needs rain! Monday, 30 August 2010 17:24 |
County, cities under burn ban Due to drought conditions and adverse weather conditions in all or part of Cass County, public officials have declared a burn ban in effect for Atlanta, Queen City, Linden and in the "unincorporated" areas of the county. County Judge Charles McMichael ordered a burn ban for the "unincorporated" areas of Cass County and Mayor Harold Martin signed an order for Queen City, both effective as of Wednesday, Aug. 25. According to Atlanta Fire Chief Robin Betts, the City of Atlanta follows suit with the county’s ban. The proclamations declare a state of disaster resulting from the potential threat of wildfires due to drought and adverse weather conditions. This state of disaster requires that certain emergency measures be taken pursuant to the Texas Disaster Act of 1975 relating to Emergency Management, specifically 418.108(a) of the government code. Therefore, the Cass County Sheriff is authorized to utilize any additional employees as may be required to comply with the Disaster Declaration issued Dec. 30, 2005. Said employees will be eligible for overtime compensation for work specifically and directly related to the emergency declaration. The purpose of these orders is the mitigation of the public safety hazard posed by wildfires during the current drought and severe weather conditions by curtailing the use of all combustible materials, which includes the use of all fireworks. In accordance with the local government code, a person who knowingly or intentionally violates the orders commits a class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. Last Updated ( Monday, 30 August 2010 17:28 ) |
Cloudy 79 oF
