An East Texas town wants to revolutionize how the state cares for people living with memory loss
By Jess Huff and Stephen Simpson, The Texas Tribune June 19, 2024 QUITMAN — Addy Lois Dunn’s memory became a concern after she began running red lights and forgetting well-worn routes. She would soon be diagnosed with dementia, and her family, including her son, Randy Dunn, would rally to her care. That was more than 20 years ago. Addy is now gone. She died in February 2012 at 74. Yet, her battle inspired Randy, who is now the mayor...
2nd Round of Economic Impact Payments Already Being Distributed
Some US residents will begin 2021 with money in the bank. The Internal Revenue Service Tuesday night reported a second round of Economic Impact Payments are already going out to taxpayers across the country. Authorized by the newly enacted Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, the second round of payments or “EIP 2,” is generally $600 for singles and...
Head Start CARES Act Spending Plan, 3 Personnel Changes Approved By SSISD Trustees
Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees made quick work of the regular portion of the November agenda Monday, including appointment of representatives to the Civic Center and Appraisal District Boards, an agreement with the Country Club and a Head Start CARES Act spending plan. Three personnel items were also approved following an executive session. SSISD Board of Trustees and administrators continue practicing social distancing, with...
TWC: State Unemployment Benefits To Continue But $600 Federal Payment Ends July 25
Other CARES Act Benefits Continue Through December AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission reminds claimants that the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) ends the week of July 25, 2020. TWC logo FPUC provided an additional $600 per week to claimants who lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Texans will continue to receive state unemployment benefits for the remainder of their claim. For those on regular...
Tax Rate Process, Federal Funding Discussed At June 22 SSISD Board Of Trustees Meeting
School finance is complicated on a good day. Add in changes in legislation, “golden pennies” and a pandemic and the budget process becomes even challenging. That’s exactly what school officials are up against this year. A school financial advisor and assistant superintendent discussed with Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees the complexities of shaping the tax rate this year as federal funding available to help...
Equipment Lease, Fireworks Contract Approved by Commissioners Court
Hopkins County Commissioners Court considered a number of items during their regular meeting Monday morning, June 22. The Commissioners Court approved a lease agreement for a backhoe, reappointment of officers and reorganization of some duties at the fire department and related budgetary amendments, security agreements for four county facilities, agreement for fireworks on the 4th of July, and inter-local agreements with 2 neighboring...
COVID-19 Financial Impact On Hopkins County Estimated At $1 Million
Business shutdowns and other measures in place due to the COVID-19 have impacted everyone, including local city and county governments. Hopkins County officials estimate a current COVID-19 financial impact of about $1 million less in revenues. “I talked with our auditor. We are down about $1 million,” Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom said. “Sales taxes will be down. Fees and fines are going to be down due to a lot...
City Budget Beginning To Experience Financial Impact Of COVID-19 Pandemic
The budget for the City of Sulphur Springs is beginning to experience the financial impact of COVID-19, according to City of Sulphur Springs Finance Director Lesa Smith. Last month, Smith told the Sulphur Springs City Council there are several areas of city finance that could potentially be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The full amount will depend on numerous variables, including changes in spending habits, how long things remain...
TWC: Reimbursing Employers Payment Deadlines for 2020 Extended to March 1, 2021
AUSTIN –The Texas Workforce Commission today extended payment deadlines for the first, second and third quarters of 2020, to March 1, 2021, to match the fourth quarter 2020 bills for designated reimbursing employers that are required to pay a share of unemployment benefits. Texas Workforce Commission Designated reimbursing employers include non-profits, local governments, school districts, and other qualifying employers who...
Child and Adult CARE Food Program Extends Access
Program sponsors serve nutritious meals and snacks for childcare and adult day care participants AUSTIN- Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller encouraged Texans to explore the benefits of accessing nutritious meals in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) administers this federally funded program operating at approximately 13,000 sites in Texas, including adult day...