US Rep. Ron Wright Dies Following COVID-19 Diagnosis

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FEBRUARY 11, 2021 I VOL. 29 NO. 46 I DEFENDING TRUTH AND FREEDOM I WWW.ELLISCOUNTYPRESS.COM I $1.00

U.S. Rep. Ron Wright dies following COVID-19 diagnosis

WASHINGTON – Tex- “He was a statesman, not man stating at the time, as Republican Rep. Ron an ideologue. Wright and “I am experiencing minor Wright has died, his con- his wife Susan dedicated symptoms, but overall, I gressional office announced their lives to fighting for feel okay and will continue Italy schools in a statement Monday, stat- individual freedom, Texas working for the people of lockdown could ing he had been admitted to values, and above all, the the 6th District from home the hospital after contract- lives of the unborn. t h is week.” be the face ing COVID-19. “As friends, family, and The statement on Monday of larger threats Wright passed away many of his constituents noted that Wright has also peacefully at the age of 67 will know, Ron maintained battled cancer. on Feb. 7, 2021. his quick wit and optimism The Texas Republican For the previous two until the very end. was 67. Wright, who first weeks, Ron and his wife “Despite years of pain- took office in 2019, under- Susan had been admitted to ful, sometimes debilitating went treatment in recent Baylor Hospital in Dallas af- treatment for cancer, he years for lung cancer diag- ter contracting COVID-19. never lacked the desire to nosed in 2018. “She was by his side, and get up and go to work, to Wright is the first sit- he is ‘now in the presence of motivate those around him, ting member of Congress BY RITA COOK their Lord and Savior.’” or to offer fatherly advice.” to die after contracting News Editor According to the state- Wright is survived by his COVID-19. Luke Letlow, a ment, “Over the past few wife, Susan; his son Der- Louisiana Republican elect- ITALY – According to years, Wright had kept a ek; his son Justin and wife ed to the House last year, Italy Police Chief Greg- rigorous work schedule on Susan; his daughter Rachel died in late December from ory McAuley, the Italy the floor of the U.S. House and husband Jeff; his broth- COVID-19 complications Police Department was of Representatives and at er Gary and wife Janis; nine before he took office. only taking precaution- home in Texas’ Congressio- grandchildren; cousins and Wright was born April ary measures when they nal District 6 while being extended family. 8, 1953, in Cherokee Coun- locked the ISD down this treated for cancer. His congressional office ty, Texas and died Feb. 7, past Friday morning. “He will be remembered announced he had tested 2021. A special election Photo courtesy 116th U.S. Congress The Italy Police De- as a constitutional conserva- positive for COVID-19 on will be announced for his Texas Republican Rep. Ron Wright was born April 8, 1953,erokee in Ch County, partment was made tive. Jan. 21 with the congress- replacement. Texas, and died Feb. 7, 2021. He represented the 6th Congressionalct. Distri aware of a possible threat toward an individual who had a child in the Wilmer helps residents Elementary School. Eastridge ES named A Facebook post by the Italy Police De - register for vaccines partment indicated the threat was investigated BY RITA COOK Registration assistance to ERP Honor Roll and determined to be a News Editor is available in English or hoax. Spanish for those who pre- BY BETH TRIMBLE to identify successful schools and dis- McAuley said the hoax WILMER – The City fer to call in for registration Executive Director of Communications tricts. These schools stand above others was related to the inter- of Wilmer began helping assistance. in the state because of our demonstrat- net and could be a pos - residents register for the There is also registration RED OAK – Eastridge Elementary ed ability to get students to grade-level sible hoax that is more COVID-19 vaccination this through UT Southwestern was recently recognized as a 2019-2020 achievement and beyond. widespread than just the week. for patients who meet the Educational Results Partnership (ERP) Schools that receive the ERP Honor Italy resident. Between Feb. 8 to 26, necessary eligibility crite- Honor Roll School for high achievement Roll distinction have demonstrated con- The department was Wilmer residents can re- ria. in student success. The sistent high levels of student unable to locate the ori - ceive help in person or by Visit https://utswmed.org/ ERP Honor Roll pro- academic achievement, im- gin of the threat. phone to register for the covid-19/covid-19-vaccina- gram, sponsored by the provement in achievement “In our best effort COVID-19 vaccine. tion/ for more information. Campaign for Business levels over time, and a re- to protect the children For those wanting to re- Eligible patients can sign and Education Excellence duction in achievement gaps and staff of the school ceive assistance in person, up and use the vaccination (CBEE), is part of a national among student populations. district, we locked both the Wilmer Fire Sta- hub at Southwest Center effort to identify higher-per- Here a few important facts the schools down and tion No. 1 at 1420 N. Goode (formally Red Bird) Mall forming schools and districts about the ERP Honor Roll: It placed extra officers at Road or Wilmer City Hall at 3550 W. Camp Wisdom that are improving student is the only award given in col- all schools until it was have available persons to Road in Dallas. outcomes. Eastridge Elemen- laboration with business lead- determined that the help. As a state-designated tary is one of 3,490 public ers. It includes graduation threat was not viable,” Vaccination assistance is vaccination hub, UT South- schools in the nation to be and dropout rate data. It Chief McAuley said. Monday, Wednesday and western and Southwest Cen- recognized. establishes a higher bar He also thanked Ellis Friday from 8 a.m. to noon, ter Mall are currently vac- “We are thankful for the of performance than any County Sheriff Brad Nor- and Tuesday and Thursday cinating Texans who meet hard work of our students and teachers at other award. And, it is conducted by Ed- man and his staff for the from 1 to 5 p.m. in person the Texas Phase 1B crite- Eastridge Elementary,” said Superinten- ucational Results Partnership, a nonprofit fast response assisting at these locations. ria including a number of dent Brenda Sanford. organization that maintains the nation’s in the investigation, and The Dallas County chronic medical conditions “This recognition is a testament to largest database on student achievement. the Texas Department Health and Human Services and individuals with other the sustained focus on academic results This is not an application award, but of Public Safety who registration hotline is 1-855- conditions identified by the and commitment to student success that one awarded based on the data. rushed manpower to the 466.8639. Centers for Disease Control our school and parent community have schools to make sure the Hotline hours are seven and Prevention as potential- shown over the years.” All selected campuses are featured on schools were secure. days a week, from 7 a.m. to ly high risk for severe ill- The 2019-2020 ERP Honor Roll utiliz- the ERP Honor Roll website at www. 7 p.m. ness from COVID-19. es public school student achievement data edresults.org.

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