County Oks Coronavirus Relief for B&G Clubs

TThhuurssddaayy December 31, 2020 Volume 7, Issue 5 Bay City Sentinel baycitysentinel.com Innddeeppeennddeenntt coommmmuunity nneews tthhaatt matttteerrss!! 75 cents County OKs Coronavirus relief for B&G clubs court approved for all five of our school ties involved that requested funds,” she in case we needed to process more post- By Jessica Shepard districts for $10,000. It covers anything explained. mortem exams and we heard that UTMB [email protected] from personal protection to cleaning “These are the last requests we’ll be is losing one of their forensic patholo- supplies and other similar costs.” able to process since the due date for gists.” Commissioners’ court unanimously “I think it’s a great thing to approve filing is Dec. 30.” Fortenberry added that the new contract approved $10,000 Coronavirus relief and do for our youth,” said County Commissioners also approved an prices was $2,600 for a full standard au- memorandums for the Boys and Girls Judge Nate McDonald. agreement between the county and Fort topsy. Clubs of Palacios and Bay City during “They do so much for our children by Bend County for postmortem exams. “That price would go up $100 per au- its meeting, Monday, Dec. 28. providing them recreation, snacks, tu- Currently, the county has a contract topsy with UTMB per year until 2023,” “These funds will provide relief due Contributed photo toring and more.” with UTMB for autopsies until 2023. she said. The first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in to COVID to both Boys and Girls Clubs Kubecka added that the clubs did ac- “I worked on this with Steven Reis,” “We plan on starting any autopsies with in our county,” said County Auditor Matagorda County was administered commodate essential workers since the said County Attorney Denise Forten- Fort Bend then using UTMB as needed.” last week to Kimberly Lopez, RN, one Kristen Kubecka. beginning of the pandemic. berry. “Saving a little of our taxpayers’ “This is the same amount that the of Matagorda Regional Medical Cen- “We tried to keep this fair for all enti- “We wanted to have another contract See County, Page 2 ter’s front-line healthcare workers. Businesses Sentinel’s Christmas contest winners Front-line closed for workers get New Year’s 1st vaccines

By Jessica Shepard at MRMC [email protected] By Mike Reddell As 2020 draws to a close this New [email protected] Year’s Eve, many local businesses will be closed Thursday Dec. 31 and Friday, Jan. 1. Front-line health care workers at County offices will be closed Friday Matagorda Regional Medical Center and return to regular business hours on (MRMC) received the first COVID-19 Monday, Jan. 4. vaccines last week. The United States Post Office and Public vaccines are not expected to banks will be closed on New Year’s arrive in Matagorda County until Feb- Day. ruary, at the earlier, and may not arrive The City of Bay City will be closed until April, advises MRMC. for New Year’s Eve and Day then re- The hospital doesn’t receive advance turn to remote work on Jan. 4. notice on vaccine availability. WCA trash will not have garbage New confirmed COVID-19 cases in See Closing, Page 2 Matagorda County are trending at the levels reported in August, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). WCJC offers DSHS reports that Matagorda County had 223 confirmed cases in 14 days new plan for In the Bay City Sentinel’s first ending Tuesday, Dec. 28, for an aver- Christmas coloring contest, the win- age of 6.07 cases per 1,000. ners (above) were, from left: Braden Matagorda County had a spike in college costs Meadows (9-12 age group; Evelyn new confirmed cases on Christmas LaViola (2-4 age group) represented Eve, Dec. 24, when 51 new confirmed From Staff Reports by her father, John LaViola; Emmy cases were reported. Vacek (5-8 age group) represented In recent new confirmed cases in the WCJC offers variety of funding av- by her mother, Brittany Vacek. Each county: Dec. 28, 16; Dec. 27, 14; Dec. enues for students to attend college winner received a bicycle and stock- 26, 3; Dec. 25, 7; Dec. 24, 51; Dec. 23, Wharton County Junior College has ing filled with Christmas goodies. 8; and Dec. 22, 13. created the WCJC – Fund Your Future At right, Raul Garcia Raul Garcia is Through Dec. 28, the Sentinel’s press initiative to help students cope with the the $250 winner of the Bay City Sen- deadline, Matagorda County numbers costs of education. tinel’s Christmas Cash Giveaway include: 1,728 confirmed; 138 probable Anyone needing financial resources Shop Local. Raul placed his winning cases; 64 fatalities (the last reported to attend WCJC should visit the col- entry at The Fruteria with a Twist. death was Nov. 29); 259 active cases; lege’s website and access the WCJC – Raul shows off his cash prize with and 1,543 recovered (estimated). Fund Your Future link. Fruteria with a Twist owner Martha In a COVID-19 development, com- A page has been created to help stu- Montes and Scoop, Sentinel Elf. missioners court this week approved dents find more information on schol Sentinel photos/Mike Reddell $10,000 Coronavirus relief memoran- See WCJC, Page 2 See COVID-19, Page 2 5-day forecast New Business Spotlight: Body Work Massage Thursday Hi 67 December 31 Low 38 time to be here for my family and worked with my hus- By Jessica Shepard band’s job easier,” she added. Friday Hi 59 [email protected] “I was lucky to have some relatives in the area who let January 1 Low 38 Do you have an old or new sports injury causing painful me stay the weekend there. So, I drove early every Friday, went to class then came home on Sundays.” problems? The COVID-19 pandemic hit just before Cannon could Saturday Hi 60 What about needing some deep tissue massage or hot January 2 Low 36 finish her certification exams, though she didn’t let that stone treatments? discourage her. Check out Bay City’s new massage therapist at “Body Sunday Hi 64 “I was working in Lake Jackson for a little bit at that Work Massage.” time and my teacher was very supportive and encourag- January 3 Low 42 th Located at 1715 8 St. in Bay City, the office books ap- ing,” said Cannon. pointments via phone at 979-574-9873 with business Monday Hi 72 “I finally finished in July and immediately started look- hours Mondays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday-Friday ing around for a place to open my own business and pro- January 4 Low 54 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. vide massage therapy. I wanted someplace comfortable Owner Marian Cannon says that being a massage thera- and relaxing for my clients.” Index pist has always been her dream. Cannon provides deep tissue massage, reflexology, “I always wanted to do this ever since I was in high Swedish, sport, ice, prenatal massage, and hot stone treat- school,” said Cannon. “He was the one who encouraged me to go to school to ments. Calendar...... 2 News...... 5 “I just didn’t think it would happen. After getting mar- be a massage therapist. He said that he enjoyed the mas- “I also have a variety of CBD oils for my clients, if that History...... 4 Sports...... 6 ried and having kids, I found myself wanting to do some- is something they are interested in,” added Cannon. thing more that made me happy, too.” sages I gave him and that I was good at it.” “I tell my clients that I’m not a doctor, but I am trying Cannon and her family moved from College Station to After that, Cannon researched for the best school pro- to help them feel relaxed and better and I don’t treat them Bay City seven years ago. grams that were close to home – ending up at one campus all the same way.” “My husband got a job at one of the plants here,” she in the Woodlands. Cannon said that she values communication with her said. “Classes were weekend only, which gave me plenty of See New Business, Page 2 Page 2 News December 31, 2020

Tidehaven trustees OK COVID-19 leave extension ...COVID-19 same criteria to qualify for the have recovered and most of the The majority $248,784 bid “He had a true heart for Tide- From Page 1 10 days of paid leave,” said staff sent home for close contact went to Lynn Construction for a haven, for the staff, and the stu- dums for the Boys and Girls By Jessica Shepard TISD Superintendent Dr. An- have finished their TEA-re- bus barn apron. dents alike,” said Seigrist. Clubs of Palacios and Bay City [email protected] drew Seigrist. quired quarantine periods and The rest of the money went to “His positive leadership on the – the same amount the court “They also included a local have returned to work,” he “A Team Landscaping and Con- board of trustees will be greatly gave the county’s five school Tidehaven ISD trustees ap- designation for those who are added. crete” for a parking lot extension missed. Lee Edward Pierce will districts. proved extending federal sent home to quarantine under “We have very few COVID-19 at the administration building be sorely missed and was a truly The relief memorandums, said COVID-19 leave through the the rules of the Texas Education positive cases in the district at and a Markham Elementary great trustee for the Board of County Auditor Kristen end of June 2021 during their Agency for close contact.” this time, whether those are staff sidewalk. Trustees at Tidehaven ISD.” Kubecka, covers personal pro- regular meeting, Dec.15. Seigrist added that the paid or students.” Trustees also recognized the Seigrist explained that Pierce’s tections to cleaning supplies and “Even though the federal leave leave is for 10 days only. Board members also approved late Lee Edward Pierce for his position on the board is set to be other similar costs. is expiring at the end of this “Most all of the COVID-posi- two concrete construction bids 13-plus years of service to the filled sometime in January next month the board approved the tive cases in the district staff totaling nearly $275,000. district. year. ...Closing help in their positions with their I’ve enjoyed working with every- In other court news, commission- From Page 1 dedication to service to this county.” one,” said Graham. ers approved: pickup Friday, Jan. 1. ...County “These two commissioners have “I wish you all the luck in the n Extending the Matagorda Residents with once a week From Page 1 “I want to first say thanks to years of experience under their world in the future.” County Declaration of Disaster for money is a good thing,” said Mc- Commissioner Graham for being a service will be running a day belts,” added McDonald. “I’ll simply say goodbye,” said COVID-19 beginning Dec. 28 and behind; all accounts will be Donald. good neighbor,” said Precinct 4 “I want to thank you for all that Gibson. ending Jan. 25 next year. Precinct 1 Commissioner Gary Commissioner Bubba Frick. caught up by Saturday. you’ve done for this county and Graham and Gibson are both out- n Adopting an updated flood “Service times will likely be Graham and Precinct 3 Commis- “And thanks to Commissioner I’m wishing you both the best going commissioners to be re- damage prevention ordinance after later than usual with the addi- sioner James Gibson received Gibson for being a neighbor on the form here on out.” placed by recently elected Edward a brief public hearing. tional holiday volume and wait well-wishes and thanks for their other end of the county. Both of “As you know this is my last “Bubba” Cook and Troy Shimek, n Adopting updated the county times at our landfills,” said the service during public comments. these gentlemen have been a great meeting and I just want to say that respectively. rules for private sewage facilities. WCA Waste website. “If we are not able to complete our make-up service due WCJC in Fall 2020. hour courses at WCJC, beyond in-district student taking 19 credit submit supporting documentation to these factors, service will M.G. and Lillie A. Johnson dual credit. The scholarship hours will pay roughly $1,214 – to the WCJC Financial Aid Office continue the next day.” ...WCJC Foundation Scholarships. Students amount is $1,000. the same amount paid by a student for eligibility consideration. Bay City ISD students are From Page 1 enrolled in Allied Health majors, 2021 Spring Endowment Schol- taking only 13 hours. WCJC’s Fund Your Future rescheduled to return to regular arships, financial aid, tuition in- Pre-Allied Health majors or in arships. More than 70 endowment Federal Direct Student Loans. sources are limited in availability hours Wednesday, Jan. 6. stallments and much more. Emergency Medical Services scholarships are available, each in Students who have a complete fi- for qualified students enrolling Van Vleck students will re- “Our highest goal here at the col- courses may qualify for a $1,000 varying amounts and each nancial aid file at WCJC and are with WCJC for the Spring 2021 sume classes on Monday, Jan. lege is to provide our students with scholarship. Students must reside awarded based on donor specifica- achieving Satisfactory Academic semester. Visit wcjc.edu for de- 11. all of the resources they need to be in one of 15 specific counties – tions. Visit the Financial Aid page Progress may qualify for subsi- tails. successful,” said WCJC President Aransas, Bee, Calhoun, Colorado, on the WCJC website for more in- dized and/or unsubsidized student Registration is already under Tidehaven ISD students will Betty McCrohan. “WCJC offers a Dewitt, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, formation. loans. The fixed interest rate on way for the Spring 2021 semester, return to school on Tuesday, wide array of assistance that Karnes, Lavaca, Matagorda, Refu- Tuition & Fee Installment Plan. 2020-2021 direct student loans is a with classes beginning on Jan. 19, Jan. 5. makes college more affordable for gio, Victoria, Waller or Wharton – WCJC’s Tuition & Fee Installment low 2.75 percent. 2021. WCJC is offering more in- The Bay City Sentinel office all of our students. Don’t let fi- or within the Needville Independ- Plan enables students to pay 20 Financial Aid Special Condition person classes in the Spring to ac- will be closed for New Year’s nances hold you back from attend- ent School District. Deadline for percent of their tuition and fees up Request. This request enables commodate various learning Eve and Day but resume regular ing. We want to help you in any the Johnson Foundation scholar- front, plus a $35 non-refundable qualified students to receive an in- styles. hours Monday, Jan.4. way possible.” ship is Jan. 15, 2021. enrollment fee, and then spread out creased Pell Grant award and pos- WCJC’s Fund Your Future re- Pioneer Restart Debt Forgive- the remainder of their tuition in sibly additional subsidized loan Lawnmower Paint Automotive sources include the following: ness Program. This program offers equal monthly installments. All funds. It’s aimed at WCJC stu- Parts Parts CARES Welcome Back to a waiver of up to $500 for former registered WCJC students can dents who have faced a reduction WCJC Scholarship. Funds from WCJC students who left school apply for an installment plan. in household income due to the the CARES Hispanic-Serving In- with an outstanding balance but Discounted Tuition and Fees COVID-19 pandemic. stitutions Grant will be used to plan to return to the college for the Program. Additional assistance is Pell Grants. Students who dis- fund Spring 2021 scholarships in Spring 2021 semester. being provided for WCJC students play exceptional financial need the amount of $1,000 for WCJC Spring 2021 First-Time-at- who take more than 13 hours of may be awarded a Federal Pell students who attended in Spring WCJC Scholarship. This scholar- academic transfer courses. Under Grant. A Pell Grant is a form of 2020, when the COVID-19 na- ship is available for incoming this policy, tuition and fees will be “gift aid” that does not have to be tional emergency was declared, Spring 2021 WCJC students who waived for any courses above the paid back. Students must com- but did not enroll at have no prior enrollment in credit- 13 credit hours. For example, an plete a 2020 – 2021 FAFSA and

types of massages available to Tractor Hydraulic Truck learn and I’m trying to learn Parts Hoses Parts ...New Business these different techniques to From Page 1 said. Cannon added that she is help my clients,” she said. clients and has regulars already “I love what I do and getting working on continuing her edu- “It’s been wonderful since scheduled. texts from clients telling me cation and looking at lym- the first week I opened! “It makes me happy to help that they’re feeling better is phatic massage next. “I’m just excited to provide my clients feel better,” she wonderful.” “There so many different help to my clients.”

In spite of COVID, as Christmas and New Year Community Calendar approach, we reflect on the past year and give thanks for the many blessings. We would like January 8 or guardian signature. blankets to help participants to thank our customers & friends for their The Bay City Knights of All plungers receive a long- warm up after taking the plunge. continued patronage. As is our custom, Columbus is hosting a chili sup- sleeve or short-sleeve T-shirt and For more information on the per and coat collection drive bragging rights. Fees for the event contact the Parks and we will be closing our store during from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan event are $10 for plungers ages Recreation Department at 979- the holidays so our staff may spend this 8, at the Bay City KC Hall. 13 – 17, $15 for plungers 18 and 323-1660 or parks-rec@cityof- Bowls of chili are $10 per per- older. Additional T-shirts will be baycity.org. special time with family & friends. son. sold for $15 each. January 20 January 9 Pre-registration is available on- The 6th Annual Wild Game We appreciate your business and friendship! Registration for Bay City line at https://cityofbaycity.org on and Wine Camofest will be from We will be closed on Parks and Recreation Depart- the Parks and Recreation Depart- noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, ment’s annual “Polar Plunge” ment page or from 8 a.m. to 5 in downtown Bay City on Av- December 23rd thru January 4th. begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. p.m. Monday-Friday at the Parks enue G. There will be a beast 9, at Hilliard Pool, 3020 Le Tulle. Administration Building, 1209 feast, kid’s games and live music. All plungers must sign a waiver 10th St. in Bay City. This is a rain or shine event! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year of release and plungers 13-17 Donuts and hot cocoa will be For more information head Frank & Pat Drenner and Staff years of age must have a parent served along with heaters and to baycitycamofest.com. Drenner’s Design Gallery 5615 7th Street Bay City, Texas 979-245-9103 Why Advertise Frequently? ily, NOT every now and then Call today! .Businesses Open Da 979-323-9613 .Get Better Results .Spread Your Sales Evenly Bay City Sentinel .Cut Through the Clutter 3769 FM 2668, Bay City, Texas 77414 MaLinda Reddell .People Forget Publisher/Advertising Manager [email protected] Mike Reddell Advertise with the Bay City Sentinel Editor [email protected] We have frequency discounts on Jessica Shepard News Editor advertising to fit any budget! [email protected] The Bay City Sentinel is published on Thursdays Call MaLinda Today! 979-323-9613 979-323-9613 baycitysentinel.com December 31, 2020 Opinion & News Page 3 Avoid tapping into 401(k) early If you are facing a financial need, you may think about tapping into your 401(k). After all, it’s your money – why not use it? For one thing, you’d be reduc- ing the amount you have available when you retire. Also, withdrawals taken before you’re 59½ may be taxable and are generally subject to a 10% penalty. Therefore, you may first want to explore some other options. For starters, you could look Contributed photo for ways to reduce spending. Bay City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture held a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for Fit for Life at its 2200 Ave. F location, Wednesday, Dec. 23. The And if you’ve built an emer- new owner is Dustin Clements. gency fund containing a few months’ worth of living ex- penses, now might be the time to use it. I’m finding myself enjoying silence once siblings are gone again But if you encounter a financial crunch and you don’t have As much as I love having my ing on each other, giving compli- few times and I just dealt with it, own. an emergency fund, you could siblings holed up at home with me ment sandwiches and generally an- while trying to find a creative way David is still saying he might look to your taxable investment for the holidays, I can safely noying mom – I’m appreciating Jes s ica to make him suffer. come back to ring in the new breathe a sigh of relief now that the silence more often now that After all, I’ve never been a year with some fireworks, but, accounts or a 401(k) loan. they’re gone. they’ve gone home. Shepard morning person and am barely recent weather models are defi- You might also consider other Don’t get me wrong, I love my Especially when I’m trying to Life’s functioning before 10 a.m. nitely giving us some pause. types of loans before withdraw- siblings very much and know that sleep and don’t want wake to the Lemonade So, that makes 6 a.m. a version Living in Dallas has made him ing from your 401(k) or using that was the best present to give sound of my brother David snor- of torture for me and I don’t used to driving in icy conditions, credit cards extensively. my mom – having all of us home ing loud enough to scare me out of think that’s ever going to change. but I just don’t think mom’s However, each of these op- for Christmas. a good dream. Despite these pet peeves, we nerves can handle it. tions will have trade-offs, so For the most part, I think we be- If he ever gets married, I’m get- had a successful Christmas holi- So, I guess I’ll help discourage discuss them with a financial haved rather well and had a good ting his spouse some noise-cancel- day together and still have plenty him from making a return trek professional before making any since he’s always been my little time between the presents and ing headphones or earbuds. of leftovers to gnaw on until the home and we can just make the decisions. brother and the noises are reminis- th catching “Wonder Woman 1984” Maybe just some soft silicone week ends. July 4 celebration a bigger deal In any case, do what you can on Christmas Day. earplugs? cent of recorded bear snarls. Usually, my siblings would just next year. And my sister was fortunate to explore all your options be- Still, three days is just enough Either way, it was definitely a stay a bit longer so we can cele- We’ll have to wait and see fore making a quick decision time to make me miss being the struggle to sleep through the whole enough to be down the hall and far brate my sister Ashlee’s birthday what 2021 brings, but, I’m al- about your 401(k). only one on my side of the house night since there’s only a pocket enough from the sounds. on New Year’s Eve. ways grateful to have my family and not having to take dinner plans door between our rooms and that Not to mention that he has loud But, she has to be on-call for and friends by my side. This article was written by into consideration with other picky does nothing to keep the sound and obnoxious ringtones for his work this week and our slowly Even if some of them are an- Edward Jones for use by your eaters. out. alarm clock and he sleeps through creeping internet service can’t noying. local Edward Jones Financial And even though we kept up It’s still surreal to think about all of them. handle the load between our Have a safe a joyful New Advisor John Dickerson. Mem- with the usual sibling fare – pick- such a sound coming out of him Sadly, they woke me at 6 a.m. a newspaper demands and her Year’s celebration, everyone! ber SIPC. Should New Year’s Day be celebrated with cheers or fears? It looks like I will survive 2021 nesses that older people are sus- line is Bitcoin, which concerns me, matter what people purport that to see how our relations with don’t believe in isolationism, but and I hope you readers are doing ceptible. as it is a direct re- Modern Monetary Theory sug- China evolve. holding the line on fair is necessary as well as you can in this environ- No matter, I am flection on the gests about printing money and The Chinese government has and will need to become a long- ment. glad to see 2020 John dollar’s loss in taking on debt. clamped down on Alibaba after its term goal given our adversary. We are watching new vaccines in the rear view Sample value. It could become an even greater founder Jack Ma made less than I do see 2021 as a positive year being approved and vaccinations mirror much like We Americans burden should one party have con- complimentary remarks about the for investing. The vaccines will taking place. when I graduated The Other have quite an ad- trol of both the legislature and ex- Chinese government. allow the economy to thrive. I have a son in the medical pro- from Tech and Side of vantage with the ecutive. Contrary to popular belief, the I’m sincerely troubled at the loss fession who has had his first shot was thinking of Investing dollar being the Checks and balances are a good tariffs imposed didn’t hurt the U.S. many of our friends and neighbors and will shortly receive the sec- Mac Davis’s currency of thing. I would suggest that grid- economy and we have to come to have suffered in both health and fi- ond. He has no adverse reactions. song. choice for com- lock is even better. grips with the fact that we are in an nancially due to the pandemic. Given my vintage, I assume that Looking into merce worldwide. I don’t believe that government economic war with China. I hope we learn with open minds I will be eligible this spring. I find next year, you might be surprised This loss in value is due to the has my best interest and that does- I unfortunately see no end in and find a way to move forward. this situation interesting as I have that the pick for best performer is extremely large amount of debt n’t change with either party. sight and see little way to negotiate I’m not sure however whether I never taken a flu shot. I have been not one of the FANG stocks. It is a taken on in the last nine months. With a new administration taking with China. In business, you have will celebrate or just sleep and be vaccinated against various ill- value play in Exxon. The next in That bill needs to be reduced no office shortly, I will be interested to understand your adversary. I thankful 2020 is over. Happy New Year!

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Headed to Matagorda? Come See Us at Buddy’s Seafood and Butcher Shop 1400 Fisher St. We have the Freshest Seafood 979-863-7500 & Hand Cut Meat in Town! 979-245-9860 979-245-2565 2115 Ave. K, Bay City, Tx in Matagorda 979-863-7500 1400 Fisher St, Matagorda, Tx Page 4 baycitysentinel.com December 31, 2020 History Hawkinsville headquarters for J.B. Hawkins Handbook of Texas Online Hawkins, family moved Hawkinsville was a plantation community seventeen miles from what is now Van Vleck in to Lower Caney in 1840s southeastern Matagorda County. Handbook of Texas Online It was at a site on Caney Creek, where the rich bottom- James Boyd Hawkins, early lands supported a thriving plan- Texas planter, was born in Franklin County, North Carolina, on De- tation economy before theCivil cember 27, 1813, the son of John War. The Hawkinsville Tap of D. Hawkins. the New York, Texas and Mexi- He married Ariella Alston in can Railway, which ran parallel 1834, and they had eight children. to what is now Farm road 457, Hawkins was educated in had reached Hawkinsville by schools in Raleigh, North Car- 1903. olina, studied at West Point for two The community was named for Matagorda County TXGenWeb years, and served as a colonel in plantation owner James Boyd The Hawkinsville sugar mill was built of brick that was handmade on the plantation. the militia in Warren County, Hawkins, who in 1840 or 1845 North Carolina. brought his wife and a number foot-high smokestack. John B. Magruder quartered a post office, and by the early He took slaves from Mecklen- of slaves to lower Caney Creek. Many of its bricks were later troops and supplies at Hawkins’ 1880s the community reported a burg County, North Carolina, to They lived in a two-story colo- removed and used to build Post (Hawkinsville) from De- population of 20. Lower Caney Creek, in Matagorda nial-style plantation house, the homes in Bay City. cember 1863 to January 1864 Its post office closed in 1888. County, about 1845 or 1846 and James Boyd Hawkins remains of which stood as late as Hawkinsville also served as during the Civil War. A second post office called raised cotton and sugar cane. He built an oven brick kiln and He also raised cattle and had the 2011. the headquarters for the large After the war, Hawkins main- Hawkinsville operated intermit- one of the largest sugar mills in J.B. Hawkins brand registered in Hawkins was among the first J.B. Hawkins ranch, until tained his sugar plantation with tently from 1898 to 1907 but Texas. In the mid-1850s he built Matagorda County. Hawkins shifted his seat of oper- convict labor instead of slaves. may not have been located at the in the county to grow sugarcane the Hawkins Lake House. The plantation community of on a large scale. ations to his second plantation By the mid-1890s, however, he townsite. The house received a historic Hawkinsville was named for him, Around 1852, with slave labor, home a few miles to the west on reportedly had stopped raising Sometime after the railroad ar- medallion from the Texas State and Maj. Gen. John B. Magruder he built a large sugar mill of the shores of Lake Austin; this sugarcane and instead focused rived in 1903, Hawkinsville re- Historic Survey in 1962. made Hawkinsville his headquar- kiln-dried brick; the mill was run structure was granted a state his- on corn, cotton, and cattle. portedly had as many as 100 The United States Census of ters from December 1863 to Janu- by steam engine and had a forty- toric marker in the 1960s. In 1874 Hawkinsville received residents, along with the sugar 1860 shows Hawkins with 101 ary 1864. mill and a general store, cotton slaves and property valued at more After the Civil War, he owned gin, cotton press, and brickyard. than $161,000. 40,000 to 50,000 acres of land and Prior to 1937 the Sun Oil He reported having 800 im- was raising sugar cane, corn, cot- Company operated at or near proved acres, 8,000 bushels of ton, and cattle with convict labor. Hawkinsville. corn, 225 bales of cotton, and 175 He died in Matagorda County on Though the rail line to hogsheads of sugar. May 11, 1896. Hawkinsville was closed in 1932, highway maps dating from the late 1930s showed a factory still operating at the site. By 1952 all remaining struc- tures had been abandoned, though in 1972 two new resi- dences had been built there. An archeological survey con- ducted in the mid-1970s noted fairly extensive ruins remaining at the site. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Gayle Jeannine Fritz, Matagorda Bay Area, Texas (Re- search Report 45 [Texas Archeo- logical Survey of the University of Texas at Austin, 1975]). Matagorda County Historical Commission, Historic Matagorda County TXGenWeb Matagorda County (3 vols., Matagorda County TXGenWeb The original Hawkinsville plantation house built by J.B. Hawkins in the 1840s, stood until 2011. Houston: Armstrong, 1986). Hawkinsville was on 1895 map of Matagorda County. Religion Learn to put the power of prayer for someone in need This is an oldie, but goodie. uum cleaner, and used it like a me to have NOT used my cause there are so many people have, put our prayers to use, with you.” My floors are still unkept and mad man until it wore out. Rumba when I could. right now I know who are re- activate our faith and lift up Get to work today while you I am trying my best to keep up Useful gift I would say! It saved me ally hurting and we must get those in need. work at the bank, the school, in after the Christmas rush. Bosque boy picked himself out so much time involved by We have to use the gifts the your home, in the field, or I’ve reminisced the last few a new pair of Nikes a few and made my Betsy giving them a Lord has given us. while you are sitting in the days about what has gone right, weeks ago that killed his feet life easier. useful gift: the Talking about what has hap- classroom and pray for some- wrong, and even how I got the first day he wore them by Likewise, it Monico gift of prayer. pened may make us feel better, one in need. kicked out of Brownies, Girl the end of school. would have They might but prayer will change things Search your Bible for a verse Scouts, at one point. I surprised him with a little been crazy if not be at a and bring real comfort. that applies to their particular Our 5th Rumba is still hold- gift my friend suggested: gel Bosque had Trials & point where The verse that comes to mind need and pray that verse out ing strong. inserts for his shoes. taken the in- Blessings they can pray is Philippians 4:9: “whatever loud. It’s been a struggle-I’m going He was “balling” again the serts out of his and call on the you have learned or received or That will put the gift of back to 2012. next day with comfortable feet. shoes and just continued to Lord for help, so we as a com- heard from me, or seen in me, prayer to use! A few years ago I bought my- A useful gift I might say! walk in pain. munity of believers will need put it into practice. You will have peace too. self a Rumba, the robot vac- It would have been insane for I need to make a point here be- to USE the knowledge we And the God of peace will be Prayer does that! When you pray, worship in your house, you encourage yourself in God To understand who we are, we us another path. are not sinners because we sin. encouragement from a friend, that all of humanity is in need must understand what we have While we are in need of God’s Caleb We sin because we are sinners.” get in a good church. Having a of God. been saved from. restoration, we all still have the There is a lot of truth from community is vital. We need to submit to His will Total Depravity is a teaching ability to follow God. Gibson this. We need God to not only And when you have time re- for our life. When a woman gets in Calvinism which tells us that While Total Depravity is not God’s change our actions, we need member to encourage yourself married, she takes on the name because humanity is in a fallen Biblical, this topic does bring Great God to change our heart. in the Lord. of her husband. state, we have no desires for up some solid truths such as the We do not have to identify as 1 Samuel 30:6 tells us, “And Grace In a similar way we are the God. need to be set free from sin. a sinner any longer. Yet we sin, David was greatly distressed; bride of Christ and we take on They would say that man We were all born into sin. but that is not who we are for the people spake of stoning the names that He has. needs to be regenerated by God David wrote, “Oh, God, I was called to be. him, because the soul of all the We are not wicked, we are before they can have faith in born in sin, and in sin did my Maybe there were habits you people was grieved, every man cross cannot submit to God. righteous. We are not lost, we are God for Salvation. mother conceive me” (Psalm had in this past year; this is the for his sons and for his daugh- This is why we need God’s found. So, in Calvinism, the cart 51:5). time to break them. ters: but David encouraged him- work in our lives. goes before the horse. They be- Also, Romans 8:7 tells us, Perhaps you were not able to self in the Lord his God.” We are no longer a sinner; we I get a lot of enjoyment listen- lieve they’re regeneration - God “For the mind that is set on the work out as much as you When you pray and worship are a saint. ing to R.C. Sproul, a well- changing our attitudes and ac- flesh is hostile to God, for it wanted to. at your house, you are doing Start the New Year off right. known Calvinist. tions - takes place before they does not submit to God’s law; Make a commitment to do what David did, you are encour- Be conscious that God has re- He has been a blessing to me believe in God as their Savior. indeed, it cannot.” that. Get a friend to help moti- aging yourself in the Lord. deemed us and made us saints in in my life. I love his quote, “We I believe the Scriptures show Human nature outside of the vate you. If you don’t have the One thing we can remember is the Kingdom of God. December 31, 2020 baycitysentinel.com July 2, 2020 Classifieds Page 5 Reel Reviews ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ doesn’t live up to the initial hype/wait films it’s been pushed back and has a total runtime of 151 minutes. It was theatrically released in the In 1984, 66 years after the first lover Steve Trevor (Pine) was By Jessica Shepard met a split audience – some saw it I’d also suggest staying for a United States by Warner Bros. Pic- film, Diana (Gadot) works as a alive. [email protected] in theaters and others at home via mid-credits extra snippet after the tures on Christmas Day and also senior anthropologist at the Smith- Later, after Diana saves her from streaming through HBO Max. main movie ends. made available to be streamed dig- sonian Institution in Washington, an assault, Barbara wishes upon The COVID-19 pandemic has We chose to stream this time and It is the sequel to 2017’s Wonder itally on HBO Max for a month D.C., specializing in ancient the stone to become like Diana. fundamentally altered the way we were relatively surprised at the Woman and the ninth installment before it will go to premium video Mediterranean civilizations. Businessman Maxwell “Max receive, view and pay for enter- quality, especially since our inter- in the DC Extended Universe on demand. At work, she meets new, yet in- Lord” Lorenzano (Pascal) visits tainment. net service provider is less than (DCEU). In her youth, Diana Prince par- secure employee Barbara Ann the Smithsonian under the guise of Concert venues, entertainment ideal. The film is directed by Patty ticipated in a multi-stage athletic Minerva (Wiig), who comes to a wealthy donor who plans to use centers and theaters have been Overall, I enjoyed the movie for Jenkins from a script she wrote competition on Themyscira against idolize and envy Diana. the Dreamstone to save his failing struggling to make ends meet since its over-indulgence of 1980s with Geoff Johns and Dave Calla- older Amazons overseen by Queen After Wonder Woman foils an at- oil company. March and it doesn’t seem to be American life, but the storyline ham, based on a story by Johns Hippolyta (Nielsen). tempted robbery, the FBI asks Bar- But, like with all magic – using getting any easier. was subpar and villain CGI left a and Jenkins. After falling from her horse, bara to identify the stolen the stone comes with a price as the I’ve been eagerly awaiting the lot to be desired. It features actors Gal Gadot, Diana takes a shortcut to catch up antiquities from the robbery. audience will soon learn – as well release of “Wonder Woman 1984” Wonder Woman 1984 (stylized Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, Pedro to it and resumes the competition. Both Barbara and Diana notice as Diana, Barbara and Max will since they mentioned the film as WW84) is a superhero film Pascal, Robin Wright, and Connie Just before she wins, her aunt that one object - later revealed to find out the hard way. going into production and then based on the DC Comics character Nielsen. Antiope (Wright) removes her be the “Dreamstone” - has a Latin If anything, the film serves to when it was promised to hit the- Wonder Woman. Wonder Woman 1984 premiered from the competition, lecturing inscription. help flesh out Diana as a character aters earlier this year. The movie is rated PG-13 for se- on Dec. 15, via the DC FanDome that “no true hero is born from Diana unknowingly uses the more for the layman and to that Like other projected blockbuster quences of action and violence and virtual platform. lies.” stone by wishing that her deceased end, it achieves that justice. LCRA gives $26K to local food banks Statewide crowns go to 2 from Palacios days, and food banks across our American who graduated with From Staff Reports region are working hard to pro- From Staff Reports her bachelor’s degree at the age The Lower Colorado River Au- vide for people and families of 19 from the University of thority has donated $26,000 to through these difficult times. We Ansley Kubecka of Palacios, Houston – Victoria after gradu- more than two dozen local food are pleased to be able to help was recently crowned 2021 support their important work.” ating a year early from the Pala- banks in 22 counties throughout Texas Teen Miss United States The recipient food banks are cios High School. its service territory. Agriculture. LCRA contributed $1,000 each to in Bastrop, Burleson, Burnet, She has been a practicing Ansley, 13, is the daughter of 26 food banks to help provide Caldwell, Colorado, DeWitt, Texas attorney for over 10 years Mark and Amy Kubecka, and is food for people in need. Fayette, Gonzales, Hays, Kim- and has been elected as the first 7th grader at Palacios Jr. High “This year has been one of ex- ble, Lampasas, Lee, Llano, Vietnamese-American County Mason, Matagorda, McCul- School. traordinary challenges,” said Phil Attorney in the State of Texas. loch, Mills, San Saba, Tom She is an honor student and a Wilson, LCRA general manager. She will serve her first term as Green, Waller, Washington and member of the Gifted & Tal- “The need for help continues to Matagorda County Attorney be- rise, especially during the holi- Wharton counties. ented program. ginning Jan. 1. Ansley plays basketball, vol- Chau is the founder and presi- leyball, and is a cheerleader for dent of Lucky Strykes Rescue, a the Palacios Sandsharkettes. She no – kill dog shelter. serves as Student Council Secre- She also is a licensed Texas tary. Realtor and an ordained minis- She is a member of several ter. She is also the first inde- UIL Academic teams and the pendently owned and operated Palacios Jr. FFA. Vietnamese-American female As an active 4-H member, cattle producer of the county. Ansley is the Matagorda County She plans to continue educat- 4-H Council Secretary and the ing others about her platform, 2nd Vice-President of the Diversity in Agriculture, and Round-Up 4-H Club. starting conversations about why She raises market steers, and diversity in all spaces is vital. both commercial steers and She is available for all speak- heifers. Her high level of partici- ing engagements and appear- pation and volunteerism for the ances. Contestants will travel Matagorda County Fair and from all over the nation to com- Livestock Association earned pete for the honor to be crowned her the title of 2020 Fair the national title in June of 2021. Princess. Contributed photo Both Ansley and Chau are Ansley volunteers for local Ashley Kubecka, left, was recently crowned 2021 Texas Teen looking for sponsors for their bid charities, including Palacios Miss, while incoming Matagorda County Attorney Jennifer for the national title. Area Fund’s Operation Santa Chau was crowned as 2021 Texas Elite Ms. United States They are also looking for other Claus, the Pat Allen Memorial Agriculture. girls and women to join the Miss Christmas Meal, and the Texas United States Agriculture Pro- Adopt-A-Beach. ing others about agriculture, es- Texas is Jennifer Chau also of gram. During her reign, her mission pecially on the importance of Palacios, who was awarded the They can be reached as fol- is to make a difference in the choosing Texas farm-raised beef title of 2021 Texas Elite Ms. lows: Amy (Ansley) Kubecka: community by bringing cheer over meat alternatives. United States Agriculture. 361.649.0080 Jennifer Chau: during the holidays and educat- Joining Ansley in representing Chau is a second-generation 361.271.3959

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3769 FM 2668 ~ Bay City 979-323-9613 Page 6 baycitysentinel.com December 31, 2020 Sports Bay City Sentinel football picks panel

Football picks for Dec. 29 - Jan. 3

North Shore vs. Ridge Point Duncanville vs. DeSoto Simon DeSoto Amy Ging John Hoffman Nate McDonald John O’Brien Mike Reddell Dane Simons Andrew Seigrist A&M vs. North Carolina Last week Last week Last week Last week Last week Last week Last week Last week 6-4 6-4 6-4 5-5 6-4 6-4 5-5 Texas vs. Colorado 6-4 Overall Overall Overall Overall Overall Overall Overall Overall Arkansas vs. TCU 113-50 69.3% 114-49 69.9% 107-56 65% 106-57 66% 99-64 57% 103-60 63% 120-43 73% 102-61 62% Florida vs. Oklahoma North Shore North Shore North Shore North Shore North Shore North Shore North Shore North Shore Georgia vs Cincinnati Duncanville Duncanville DeSoto DeSoto Duncanville DeSoto Duncanville Duncanville A&M A&M A&M A&M Texas A&M Texas A&M North Carolina A&M Alabama vs. Notre Dame Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Ohio State vs. Clemson TCU TCU TCU TCU TCU TCU TCU Arkansas Florida Florida Florida Oklahoma Oklahoma Florida Florida Oklahoma Cowboys at Giants Georgia Georgia Georgia Cincinnati Cincinnati Georgia Georgia Georgia Alabama Alabama Alabama Alabama Alabama Alabama Alabama Alabama Clemson Clemson Clemson Clemson Clemson Clemson Clemson Clemson Cowboys Giants Cowboys Cowboys Cowboys Cowboys Cowboys Giants

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DATE OPPONENT S I TE VARǡ JV Ǥ r 7embevoN PaL etro PaL etro 00:11 ³ 7r 1embevoN 7s7r ioclaaP sioclaaP 0:37 5:16 November 20 Wallis-Brazos HOME 6:15 5:00 '$7( '$< 23321(17 6,7( -9 9$56,7< November 23 Rice Consolidated HOME 12:15 11:00 1RY )UL 'DQEXU\ +RPH November 24 Fort Bend Willowridge HOME 12:15 11:00 1RY 6DW /RXLVH $ZD\ r 1embecDe kcochcHit kcochcHit 0:37 5:16 1RY 0RQ %ROLQJ +RPH 1$ December 4 Edna HOME 6:15 5:00 December 5 Fort Bend Marshall HOME 1:00 11:30 1RY 7KDQNVJLYLQJ%UHDN 2r 1embecDe 2r 2 enCaeornCo y Creke CreCan keey 0:02 03:21 'HF 7XHV *DQDGR $ZD\ December 15 East Bernard HOME 6:15 5:00 'HF )UL /RXLVH +RPH 8r 1embecDe 8r 8s zoaBr JzoaBr Hs /HSHS is)llaW(/ :37 0 0:06 December 19 Van Vleck HOME 6:15 5:00 'HF 7XHV *DQDGR +RPH December 21 El Campo HOME 12:15 11:00 'HF )UL %ROLQJ $ZD\ 1$ 9r 2embecDe 9r 9a CoramaL dliosn tnde LCISD seRo( n5)greb 1:21 00:11 J 'HF 6DW %UD]RV +RPH 3embecDe 0r lleaW rlleaW 0:02 03:21 5ry aunaJ 5ry atS* ffff dro atS ffff dro 5:16 0:05 'HF 7XHV 3DODFLRV $ZD\ January 8 *Columbia HOME 7:00 5:45 'HF )UL (GQD $ZD\ 21ry aunaJ 21ry tropszoaBr* F(trospzoaBr r0)tropee :37 5:16 &KULVWPDV%UHDN January 15 *Needville HOME 7:00 5:45 *\P&ORVHG'HF January 19 *La Marque HOME 7:00 5:45 22ry aunaJ 22ry yneweS* yneweS 0:37 5:16 'HF 7XHV %ORRPLQJWRQ $ZD\ January 29 *Stafffford HOME 7:00 5:45 -DQ 7XHV ,QGXVWULDO +RPH 03ry aunaJ 03ry aibmluCo* (aibmulCo eW e0 Cts )iabmluo :32 00:21 -DQ )UL 5LFH $ZD\ February 2 *Brazosporrtt HOME 7:00 5:45 -DQ 7XHV +DOOHWWVYLOOH +RPH 5ry arubeF ry 5ry llevideNe* illevdeNe 0:07 5:45 6ry arubeF 6ry euqraMaL* euqraMaL 0:32 00:21 -DQ )UL &ROXPEXV +RPH February 9 *Sweeny HOME 7:00 5:45 -DQ 7XHV ͕^D͕ƚůŽŚŬĐƵĞůůĞŝŶ d )HE )UL ĂĚŶŝ> ϬϮϬϮƌĞďŵĞĐĞϰϭ +HDG&RDFK-RVK)DJOLH $WKOHWLF'LUHFWRU'DYLG/XFLR $VVLVWDQW&RDFK(ULF/XFLR 3ULQFLSDO-RH\5RVDOH] December 31, 2020 Newsmakers baycitysentinel.com Page 7

Now that virtual a household word, everyone can attend events throughout Texas Aaron Sumrall, PhD the same as in the recent past in leaving your home. annually by attaining 5 CEUs. Forages – 5 CEUs – Contact that – 5 CEUs – flyer attached Matagorda County that programming will be in a This newsletter will draw your Previously license holders could office for registration details 22…Regional Cattleman’s Work- Extension Agent – hybrid format when possible attention to several events. not attain those 5 CEUs online 7…Nueces/San Pat County Crop shop – 3 CEUs – flyer attached with others being completely Please take the time to review in concurrent years. Symposium – 361-767-5223 – 5 26…Feed Grain and Cotton Con- Agriculture/Natural Resources virtual. the included informational flyers That ruling has been lifted for CEUs - ference – 3 CEUs and CCA cred- Texas A&M AgriLife Day to day business is in a dy- and RSVP accordingly. 2021 allowing license holders to https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/20 its Matagorda County Agriculture namic mode in that as county Also included is new informa- attain all five hours online even 20/12/15/nueces-san-patricio- 28…Virtual Ag Seminar – 5 News and Happenings precautionary status levels fluc- tion pertaining to applicator li- if they did so in 2020. county-field-crop-symposium-to- CEUs – flyer attached January/February 2021 tuate, services follow the line. censes that you will need to Private applicator license hold- be-virtual/?utm_source=feedburn 29…Matagorda Beef and Forage Howdy All! To get the oppor- This office will continue to know. ers are required to renew by ob- er&utm_medium=email&utm_ca Seminar – 5 CEUs- flyer at- tunity to put 2021 is refreshing serve in any and all capacities Texas Department of Agriculture taining 15 CEUs in a 5-year mpaign=Feed%3A+AgrilifeTo- tached to be able to put 2020 in the within capabilities outlined in Ruling on Applicator License period with a maximum of 10 day+%28AgriLife+Today%29 February 2021 rearview mirror is a blessing for safety protocols. The Texas Department of Agri- CEUs being obtained online. 15…Madison County Livestock 11…Wharton County CEU event most of us. All is not for naught. culture (TDA) has released in- TDA has relaxed that ruling for and Wildlife – 5 CEUs – Flyer – 5 CEUs – flyer to come Moving forward with 2021, This last year we have become formation pertaining to all 2021 to allow private applicator attached Auxin training calendar for 2021 many things will look similar to much more tech savvy, or at commercial, non-commercial, license holders to obtain all 15 19…Septic/Wastewater Mainte- will be dispersed when com- the previous nine months with least I have, even if it has been and private applicator licenses CEUs online. nance and Water Quality – 1 pleted. regard to public safety and pre- kicking and screaming. pertaining to required CEUs for Upcoming Events – Informa- CEU – RSVP to 245-4100 I hope all of you have a safe cautionary accommodations to With virtual being a household license renewal. tional Flyers Attached if avail- 20…Western Rice Conference – and Merry Christmas and a great events and activities. term now, everyone has the op- Commercial and Non-Com- able 2 CEUs and CCA credits – flyer start to your New Year! Eat your Much of what Texas A&M portunity to “attend” events mercial license holders are re- January 2021 attached Black-eyed Peas this year, AgriLife Extension will remain throughout the state without quired to renew their license 7…Grimes County Cattle and 21…Grain Handlers Conference please. City Council agreement will allow private, commercial rental of USO Building groups. business groups and non-resi- From City of Bay City The city recognized that allow- dent groups requiring public fa- ing private or commercial use cilities. City Council has approved a will help sustain and preserve A new fee schedule for all new agreement to allow private this landmark and community groups was also approved based and commercial rentals of the asset and is making it available upon the group category that is historic 1942 USO Building, be- for gatherings up to 400 people using the building. ginning Jan. 1. under normal situations. Visit the city’s web site The building is at 2105 Avenue There is a large auditorium, https://www.cityofbaycity.org/21 M and has been updated within recent years with a new roof, three meeting rooms, kitchen 7/Facilities for the new fees ef- paint, air conditioning, flooring and foyer which accommodate fective Jan. 4. and other amenities creating an several types of activities. How To Make a Reservation: attractive venue that lends itself Facility scheduling will be prior- Parks Administration Building, to more upscale events. itized under the following order 1209 10th Street, Monday – Fri- Built in 1942, the USO Build- of priority based on three classi- day from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. ing was to serve men stationed fications: On-Line reservations https://seat Camp Hulen near Palacios, Group 1 is municipal and cure.rec1.com/TX/city-of-bay- and at Foster Field towards Vic- county government within city-tx/catalog toria, but it also served the entire Matagorda County. Group 2 is For more information on fees, community through many social events. civic and social organizations, facility rules and group classifi- charitable non-profits and other cations, contact the Parks and The Bay City USO was one of Contributed photo government units. Recreation department at 979- 273 new construction projects or The lobby of the Bay City USO Building. renovations undertaken under Group 3 is private resident 323-1660 or parks-rec@cityof- the Community Facilities Act. only remaining building of that Recorded Texas Historic Land- ter of Historic Places in 2006. groups requiring a large facility baycity.org. Of the 15 built on the Gulf group. mark designation in 1999 and The USO has been used for for special events not open to the Bay City USO Service Center Coast, the Bay City USO is the The building was awarded a was listed on the National Regis- city, county, ISD and non-profit general public; commercial or auditorium Sen. Kolkhorst, Rep. Frank file essential caregiver legislation Consequently, many families family or friends,” she added. From Staff Reports have been denied any personal “I look forward to working with visits with parents, children, everyone touched by this issue, so AUSTIN - With the COVID-19 spouses, and others residing in we can ensure the rights of long- pandemic forcing Texans to care- long-term facilities during the term residents and make clear in fully navigate family events, those pandemic. the law that those lifelines to their living in isolation are facing a hol- This type of severe and pro- family and friends will never be iday season unlike any other. longed isolation has become a broken again.” In response to emergency rules growing concern. In September 2020, the Health that have limited family access to Visiting family members or and Human Services Commission long-term care facilities, State friends so often play an important updated the emergency rules to Representative James B. Frank (R role in providing emotional sup- allow residents to designate up to port to residents, as well as pro- - Wichita Falls) and State Senator two essential caregivers. Lois W. Kolkhorst (R - Brenham) tecting them from unseen abuse and neglect, and advocating for “These caregivers are provided today filed HB 892, HJR 46, SB with training to allow them to 267 and SJR 19 in an effort to their needs. “I have listened to emotional safely go inside a facility for strengthen the rights of facility scheduled visits to help ensure residents to maintain contact and stories from constituents and personal visits with their loved heard from desperate families their loved one’s physical, social, ones during state emergencies. across Texas who were not al- and emotional needs are being During the response to COVID- lowed to see a loved one for met,” Kolkhorst said. 19, earlier this year Texas issued months,” Kolkhorst said. “These vulnerable Texans need emergency rules that restricted ac- “While there is a public health the care, communication, and cess to long-term care facilities, mission to protect our vulnerable physical touch of loved ones and such as nursing homes and state populations from COVID-19, that the experience of human interac- supported living centers, even if pursuit should not send residents tion that is crucial to quality of life there were no cases of the illness into a state of solitary confinement and to both physical and mental present. with no personal contact from health,” Frank said.

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Fair group announces it made ‘hard decisions’ on 2021 events Matagorda County Fair & Citizens Craft Show and Senior number one priority when making Citizens Day, Team Penning and this decision. Livestock Association Ranch Rodeo, along with the We would like to thank the lead- 2020 has been an epic year, one Home Economics Craft Show ers and citizens of our county as we are ready to put behind us. until May. well as our sponsors for their un- There have been many discus- Our concert featuring Mattie and wavering support and understand- sions and hard decisions have been Tae has been rescheduled for Oc- ing as we move forward. made. tober 2021. We will be releasing a revised At this point the Matagorda We will be moving forward with schedule after the first of the year. County Fair Board of Directors all our Junior Livestock Market The County of Matagorda and its have elected to postpone our Shows and the Commercial Heifer officials as well as our many vol- March PRCA Rodeo Event along Show, the Agriculture Mechanics unteers and supporters have been with our other pre rodeo events Show, and the Bucket Calf Show very understanding and encourag- which include Royalty Pageants, in March as planned. We have ing during these wearisome times Talent Show and Public Speaking, voted to cancel our “new” Junior and we would like to thank them Academic Rodeo, Halter Heifer Livestock Breeding Show and for their continued support as we Show and Texas Longhorn Show, Livestock Judging Contest for the move forward. Bar-B-Que Cook-Off, Local Team 2020 Fair year. The safety of our Thank you, Matagorda County Roping, Local Barrel Race, Senior community and guests was our Fair Board of Directors Palacios City Council OKs Pelican Place subdivision 1,218 sq. ft. to 1,505 sq. ft.–with and USDA to bring a wide range four elevations of each floor plan of financing opportunities. Our From Lynn Development available, for a total of 20 possible goal is to make homeownership combinations for the one-level, an attainable and enjoyable PALACIOS – A 19-acre devel- 3BR/2BA, two-car garage homes. process in the Palacios commu- opment on the north side of Pala- These various footprints will nity.” cios will soon be home to 70 new maximize function and use of Matagorda County, and Palacios single-family homes. space, as well as energy efficiency. specifically, is known for its bird- Palacios City Council unani- The prospective homeowners ing superiority. Many hundreds of mously approved Pelican Place need only to make a few preferen- bird species frequent the locale on following a workshop Monday tial choices in the beginning of the migration paths, and people travel evening, Dec. 14. process, and the Lynn team will the world over to visit Palacios At the workshop, Stuart A. Lynn. deliver a brand-new home that during peak migration times to P.E., Founder of Lynn Develop- meets the needs and desires of the watch and photograph rare birds. ment, presented information about new resident. The development name, as well the new subdivision for the body’s The first homesites will be lo- as the floor plan names and street consideration and approval in a cated along Seventh Street on the names inside the development, special-called meeting that fol- north side of Palacios, behind the pay homage to Palacios’ claim to lowed. Lowe’s Market grocery. fame. “We are excited about partnering The homes are ideal for first- Pelican Place is just one mile Our Family Medicine team is excited to welcome with the City of Palacios in help- time homebuyers and empty from the South Bay Marina, Pala- nesters alike that seek the ameni- ing bring affordable housing to cios Pavilion and Palacios Bay Ashley Koudela, PA-C to Bay City! The schedule ties of living near the bay without Beach. Homeowners will have this community,” said Lynn. sacrificing time with family for a “We feel with these price points easy access to remarkable sunsets is open now for appointments in December. long commute. along the seawall, local shopping we can significantly impact the The development company is community where it is needed and a multitude of desirable din- Call (979) 241-6100 or visit bit.ly/koudela excited to market the location and ing options. most. We look forward to breaking encourage homebuyers to take ad- Whether a family is buying their ground and having homes ready in vantage of historically low interest to request an appointment online. late spring 2021.” rates at this time. first home or are looking to move Lynn Development will break “We are thrilled to be the first up, they will enjoy comfort and ground on the residential develop- residential development bringing convenience in this modern com- ment in January 2021. Pelican new housing opportunities to munity. Place will feature single-family Palacios,” said D.C. Dunham, Learn more about Pelican Place homes beginning in the $150k Lynn Development’s chief execu- at http://www.lynn- range up to $200k. tive. homes.com/pelican-place/. Learn The subdivision will offer five “We have been working with more about Lynn Development 600 Hospital Circle in Bay City, TX Visit matagordamedical.com different floor plans–ranging from local banks, mortgage companies at https://lynn-development.com/.