Wednesday's Internet Edition, September 08, 2010.
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| U.S> Representative visits.... U.S. Representative Ciro Rodriguez visited folks at the Senior Citizen Nutrition Center last Thursday at noon. During his vist here, Rodriguez told those assembled about the Congress’ efforts to pass a Healthcare Reform bill and attempted to explain why he is in favor of it at this time. Pictured above, Rodriguez answers questions posed by onlookers. While we thank the Congressman for stopping here, the Democratic spin is getting old. |
- Culberson County Commissioners held two meetings in the past week to hear public comment on the proposed county budget for the fiscal year and also for the proposed 4% tax increase.
At the meeting last Friday evening, only one citizen came forward to voice her concerns. Darice McVay told commissioners, “If you had not discouraged the DPS troopers, they would have continued to bring money into county coffers.”
McVay was told that the county didn’t discourage the DPS, and County Judge Molinar told her that he would attempt to get the DPS to come back here.
She was also told that the two big delinquent tax payers may come forth with payments and she was additionally told that there is a distinct possibility that the tax rolls may increase by as much as $9,000,000 as a supplemental increase.
Then at Tuesday’s second hearing on the projected tax increase, County Judge Molinar reported that he had spoken with a representative of the DPS who told him that the drug interdiction funds had been renewed and that the DPS will be back in Van Horn, however, not at the level of troopers previously seen.
That development should bring in more money through the Justices of the Peace.
In another development, County Judge Molinar reported that his office has been advised that a grant to build a new fire house down on West Broadway has been approved for funding as a result of stimulus money.
The new fire station will be built on county property at the west side of the County Barn. According to Commissioner Lyndon McDonald, “Building the fire station there will insure that the west end of town is adaquately covered in case of a fire. Anything over two miles from the fire station is definitely a stretch.”
County Tax Assessor/Collector Molly Hernandez reported to commissioners that her office has been in contact with representatives of Longhorn Pipeline and El Capitan, the two delinquent taxpayers.
She reported that there is a very real possibility that these taxes may be paid within a couple of weeks.
That was good news to commissioners ears.
And, she also reported that a supplemental valuation increase, of approximately $9,000,000, is expected to come through within a couple of weeks as well.
Armed with this seeming good news, commissioners voted to proceed with the tax increase notice but they stated, “If these things do come to pass, we’ll certainly look at not going up on the tax rate as much as now planned.”
Commissioners hope to know how these things turn out by the regular commissioners court meeting set for Monday, September 14th.
County still has lowest rate of unemployment
The Texas Workforce Commission, last week, released the latest unemployment numbers for the state and the region.
The report still shows Culberson County to have the lowest unemployment within the 6 county Upper Rio Grande Workfoce Development region. Our unemployment rate stands at 4.9%
The unemployment rates within the region are as follows: Brewster County - 5.2%, El Paso County - 9.6%; Hudspeth County - 6.4%; Jeff Davis County - 5.0%; and Presidio County - 18.9%.
Best practices in curbing spread of Swine Flu
As flu season nears, there are new concerns that the H1N1 virus, also known as Swine Flu, will return in the fall. In fact, health care experts warn that the virus will affect more people this year. To help keep your family healthy this year, Culberson Hospital shares a few a tips for preventing the spread of H1N1.
“The H1N1 virus is no ordinary flu and cannot be prevented by the common flu vaccine. There is a vaccine in development, however, as with other illnesses, the best medicine in preventing H1N1 infection is good old-fashioned health precautions people should be practicing everyday,” said Dr. Chip Friday, Doctor for Culberson Hospital. “Washing your hands, avoiding others who are sick and other simple health tasks can certainly aid in the prevention of the spread of this potentially fatal virus.”
Here are a few easy ways you can prevent the spread of H1N1:
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
· When you are ill with flu-like symptoms, stay at home — from work, school or other public activities – until your fever is gone for 24 hours without the aid of a fever-reducing medicine, like acetaminophen.
· Shield others from your coughs and sneezes by using a tissue. Be sure to throw used tissues away in a trash can to contain germs.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
· Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose or mouth at all times. Germs can spread this way.
· Maintain healthful habits — get ample sleep and exercise, drink fluids and eat well.
If you feel you have been exposed to H1N1, it is best to know the signs and symptoms of the virus. Below are a few of the more common symptoms:
· Fever
· Cough
· Sore throat
· Body aches
· Headache
· Chills
· Fatigue
· Diarrhea and vomiting (in rare cases)
If you or a member of your family is affected by H1N1 and have symptoms that do not improve within 24-hours, please see your health care provider. Also, people who are at risk of complications from H1N1 due to pregnancy, a chronic medical condition, an immunodeficiency disease, or those under five years-old and over the age of 65, should seek medical attention immediately if flu symptoms occur. Treatment is available with a Tamiflu prescription, but it must begin within 48 hours of illness.
Additionally, there is a H1N1 vaccine in development that should be available by mid-October. Due to limited supply, however, the vaccine could only be available to those more at risk for complications from the virus, such as pregnant women and small children.
For more information about H1N1, visit www.texasflu.org or call Culberson Hospital at 432-283-2760. To learn more about vaccine availability in October and when shots will be scheduled, contact your doctor or Culberson Hospital at 432-283-2760.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued new guidelines for school districts in response to H1N1 outbreaks: “The guidance includes a recommendation that “School closure is not advised for a suspected or confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1) and, in general, is not advised unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school’s ability to function.
The complete guidance is available at the CDC website:http://www.cdc.gov.