April 2009

Archive March 2009

April 30, 2009

News Release     
Texas Animal Health Commission           
Box l2966 * Austin, Texas 78711 * (800) 550-8242 * FAX (512) 719-0719                                                  
Bob Hillman, DVM * Executive Director
For info, contact Carla Everett, information officer, at 1-800-550-8242, ext. 710, or ceverett@tahc.state.tx.us
 
For immediate release:
 
Wild Hogs: No Indication of Flu Danger
 
You may catch the flu from your sick hunting buddy, but there’s no evidence that you will catch it from domestic or wild hogs, according to the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC).  There is no evidence that the new strain of H1N1 influenza is in domestic or wild hogs.  This disease is being spread from person to person.  
 
“We are prepared to test hogs, if a human/animal disease link is identified.  To date, there has been no indication that swine are involved,” said Dr. Bob Hillman, Texas state veterinarian and head of the TAHC, the state’s livestock and poultry health regulatory agency.  “We are participating on all calls with health and emergency officials, are monitoring the situation, and are consulting with local officials, but so far, there is no indication of animal-to-human disease spread.”
 
“Several hunters have asked about the safety of hunting wild hogs,” said Dr. Hillman.  “To repeat, there is no evidence that wild hogs are involved in this flu outbreak. Always, however, we advise wild hog hunters to protect themselves against potential exposure to swine brucellosis, a totally different disease that is not related in any way to the flu. We know from test results that about 10 percent of wild hogs carry swine brucellosis, a bacterial disease.”  
 
“When processing or butchering a wild hog, hunters should protect themselves against the blood and bodily fluids of wild hogs,” he said.  “When the wild hog meat is cooked, any swine brucellosis bacteria is destroyed by the heat.”
 
Trappers who catch wild hogs and owners of domestic swine also should practice good biosecurity to prevent spreading the flu to pigs.  “Don’t get around swine if you become ill, and avoid having visitors near your pigs,” said Dr. Hillman. “Have someone else feed the animals if you become ill with flu-like symptoms.  Notify your health department or the TAHC so your pigs can be monitored for disease.  Also, as a basic biosecurity measure, you should always wash your hands after handling animals.”
 
Dr. Hillman said wild hog trappers and domestic swine owners should call their veterinarian if their swine develop a sudden onset of respiratory illness.  The nearest TAHC area office or TAHC headquarters also should be notified so testing can be conducted according to the flu response protocol.  The TAHC headquarters may be reached at 800-550-8242.  

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The Private Property Debris Removal application period has been re-opened until May 22.  This means if you have not previously submitted an application, you may now do so.  Applications will be available at the Commissioners offices, or by calling the debris office 409-267-3503.  For clarification, the PPDR program covers debris, which may pose a hazard, in the vicinity of a home or dwelling.  This includes limbs that may be hanging or trees leaning that could pose a danger to the homeowner, but again, in the general vicinity of a home or ingress/egress to the property.

Ryan Holzaepfel

Coordinator

Chambers County

Emergency Management

PO Box 957

Anahuac, TX  77514

Office:  409-267-2400

Fax:  409-267-4133 

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The need for blood has not waned.  Sign up now to give blood during the Community Blood Drive on Wednesday, May 6.

The West Chambers County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with CenterPoint Energy for the Community Blood Drive by hosting one of the four area locations; the one at  the Barbers Hill High School in the Athletic Wing.  The Barbers Hill Anchor Club is working with the Chamber to host the friendliest and most comfortable site – with the best prizes!  We will have lots of directional signs to make your donation a pleasant one.

The hours of the drive are from 7:00 AM until 4:00 PM.  To help reduce any wait, please go online NOW to reserve your preferred time:     www.GiveBlood.org

Click on DIGITAL DONOR sign in and enter sponsor code 1155HL99

Community Blood Drive

7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Wednesday, May 6

Barbers Hill High School, Athletic Wing – (look for signs!) 

Thank you!

Missy

Melissa G. Malechek, IOM

President, West Chambers County Chamber of Commerce

Office:  281-576-5440    Cell:  281-831-6382

MGMalec hek@teleshare.net

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After consultation with the County Health Authority, the Youth Project Show Committee, and the three school districts, it was decided to post-pone the youth project show.  This also follows recommendations concerning mass gatherings made to the county by the Texas Department of State Health Services as of yesterday afternoon.  The chair of the YPS committee did tell me this morning that because of the circumstances they would take the animals weight into consideration (in other words, they don’t want the kids penalized because the show had to be postponed).

On information provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services regarding the Swine Flu, Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia has postponed the Chambers County Youth Project Show.  The health and safety of our citizens and students is of paramount importance.

 Students will check in their projects beginning on Wednesday, May 20.  The show will now begin Thursday, May 21, and continue through Saturday, May 23.  The Youth Livestock Auction will be held on Saturday, May 23, at 5:00 PM.  The students are counting on support on this new sale day, date, and time!

     Chambers County Youth Project Show – May  21-23, 2009

    Youth Livestock Auction – Saturday, May 23

o   3:00 - 4:30 PM – Buyers’ Dinner  Exhibition Hall

o   5:00 PM – Pre-Auction Awards and Announcements  Auction Arena

o   5:30 PM – First Champion Sells!  Auction Arena

This is a fluid situation.  Please continue to monitor www.co.chambers.tx.us , www.bhisd.net , and KSHN 99.9 for further updates regarding this and other community activities.

 Missy

Melissa G. Malechek, IOM

President, West Chambers County Chamber of Commerce

Office:  281-576-5440    Cell:  281-831-6382

MGMalechek@teleshare.net

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 April 29, 2009                     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                     NEWS RELEASE

AUSTIN, TX— On the recommendation of Dr. David Lakey, Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, and in consultation with Texas Education Agency Commissioner Robert Scott, the University Interscholastic League is altering its schedule of events due to the outbreak of the swine flu in Texas. Effective immediately, all UIL in terscholastic competition is suspended until May 11. 

 “The health and safety of our student activity participants is of the utmost importance,” said UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt.  “Taking every possible precaution to prevent the further spreading of this disease is an important contribution to the welfare of our great state, and altering the schedule of our events is a way to keep our participants safe.”

 As this is a fluid situation, the UIL tentatively releases the following schedule for UIL regional and state events affected by this situation.

 Academic State Meet

The UIL Academic State Meet, originally scheduled for May 7-9, will be rescheduled at a later date.  The Conference 4A and 5A One-Act Play competiti on will continue as previously scheduled on May 15-16. All other conferences competing in One-Act Play will be rescheduled. A schedule of the Academic State Meet, including One-Act Play, will be posted on the UIL web site once finalized.

 Texas State Wind Ensemble Festival

The Texas State Wind Ensemble Festival, originally scheduled for May 9, has been cancelled.  The UIL staff will consult with the 16 participating schools to determine whether or not to reschedule the event at a later date.

 Regional Track Meets

All UIL regional track meets originally scheduled for this weekend, May 1-2, have been cancelled.  The state track and field meet will be extended to a three-day format to include semifinal heats.  The meet is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 14-16.

 Semifinal qualifiers will be based on the district track meet results.  Each region will be represented at the state meet by the top four performances in each event for all conferences.  Hand-held times will be converted to fully automatic times as defined by the National Federation of State High School Association rules.  A revised track and field state meet schedule will be posted on the UIL web site no later than Friday, May 1.  Qualifiers to the UIL state track and field meet will be posted on the UIL web site on Wednesday, May 6.

 Golf State Tournament

The UIL golf state tournament will take place at the previously scheduled times beginning May 11.

 Tennis State Tournament

The UIL tennis stat e tournament will take place at the previously scheduled times beginning May 11.

 Baseball and Softball

No interschool games will take place until May 11 for either softball or baseball.  Below is an altered playoff schedule for both sports.

                                    Softball                                       Baseball  

  District Certification                               Apri l 28                                                                May 19  

  Bi District Deadline                              May 16  (1 game or 2 out of 3)                                  May 23  (1 game or 2 out of 3)  

  Area Deadline                                     May 19 (1 game only)                                             May 26 (1 game only)  

  Regional Quarterfinal Deadline               May 23  (1 game or 2 out of 3)                                 May 30  (1 game or 2 out of 3)  

  Regional Semifinal Deadline                  May 26 (1 game only)                                            June 2 (1 game only)  

  Regional Final Deadline                        May 30  (1 game or 2 out of 3)                                June 6  (1 game or 2 out of 3)  

  State Tournament                                June 4-6                                                               June 10-13

Missy

Melissa G. Malechek, IOM

President, West Chambers County Ch amber of Commerce

Office:  281-576-5440    Cell:  281-831-6382

MGMalechek@teleshare.net

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April 29, 2009

Swine Flue Update

Here is a link to good swine flu info/updates.  It is from the Beaumont Health Dept, for which we have planning agreements with for pandemic flu and bioterrorism:

 http://www.cityofbeaumont.com/health_swineflu.htm

Ryan Holzaepfel

Coordinator

Chambers County

Emergency Management

PO Box 957

Anahuac, TX  77514

Office:  409-267-2400

Fax:  409-267-4133 

Information About Swine Flu

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security:

• People cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Most influenza viruses, including the swine flu virus, are not spread by food.
• Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
• No food safety issues have been identified, related to the flu.
• Preliminary investigations have determined that none of the people infected with the flu had contact with hogs.
• The virus is spreading by human-to-human transmission.

 The CDC recommends the following measures to prevent the transmission of flu: 

•  Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.                                                        
• Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
•  Wash your hands frequently and use alcohol-based sanitizers.
•  Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus.
•  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
•  Try to stay in good general health.
•  Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Detailed information and updates on the flu outbreak may be obtained at:
Texas Department of State Health Services http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/ (then click on “Swine Flu”)               
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

If you own swine, consider the following practices to enhance the biosecurity on your farm to prevent the disease from being transmitted to your herd:

•  Workers should shower and change into farm-specific clothes and shoes before entering swine facilities. 
•  Establish, implement and enforce strict sick leave policies for workers presenting influenza-like symptoms.
•  Recommend that workers with symptoms be seen by a medical provider immediately.
•  Restrict the entry of people into your facility to only workers and essential service personnel.
•  Prevent international visitors from entering your facilities.
•  Ensure adequate ventilation in facilities to minimize re-circulation of air inside animal housing facilities. 
•  Vaccinate pigs against the influenza virus.  Vaccination of pigs can reduce the levels of virus shed by infected animals
•  Contact your swine veterinarian if swine exhibit flu-like or respiratory illness, especially if the onset or presentation of the illness is unusual.  
•  Notify your Texas Animal Health Commission area office or the Austin headquarters at 800-550-8242, after you have contacted your veterinarian.

The Texas Animal Health Commission is ready to assist with on-farm investigations, if pigs are present where a known human case has occurred,
and to assist with epidemiological investigations with any human cases that may have links to swine in Texas.

More information for producers may be obtained at:
National Pork Producers Council http://www.nppc.org/
Texas Pork Producers Association  http://www.texaspork.org/

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April 28, 2009

The West Chambers County Chamber of Commerce will host  “Meet the Candidates” at 7:00 PM  on Tuesday evening, April 28, at the Barbers Hill Middle School Auditorium in Mont Belvieu.  This is a friendly affair, intended to benefit every candidate and educate our voters. 

Come Hear the Candidates in races for:

Barbers Hill School Board of Trustees

City of Beach City

City of Mont Belvieu

City of Old River-Winfree

VOTE!

Registered voters in all Chambers County Precincts may vote early at the Barbers Hill ISD, C.T. Joseph Conference Center.

Early Voting:  April 27 - May 5, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Extended Early Voting Hours:  April 28 & May 5, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Election Day - Saturday, May 9  7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Take your Voter Card and Driver License with you to vote!

Chambers County Precincts 4 & 10 – C.T. Joseph Conference Center

Chambers County Precinct 5 – Beach City Community Building

Chambers County Precincts 8 & 11 - Cove Community Building

The West Chambers County Chamber of Commerce does not endorse any candidate or any political party.

I hope you will join us on April 28 and learn more about the candidates vying to represent you!

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April 17, 2009

Monday, April 20th 6:30 p.m. at the Old River-Winfree Community Building, the ORW Founders Day Committee is meeting!

All interested citizens are urged to come. We will have Billy Wallace, who is in charge of the Historical Reenactment, Chuck Chandler, Historical Musician that will be playing at the Costume Ball, and Boyce Morris, Historical artifacts, plus all Ambassadors.

Ya’ll Come!!

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April 14, 2009

Baytown Tea Party Date Confirmed

Published in the Baytown Sun by Reporter Nick Cioco April 14th

Taxed Enough Already

Wednesday night, local voices will be heard during the Baytown Taxed Enough Already (TEA) Party rally, taking place at 6 p.m. along Baker Road between the post office and the courthouse annex.

Taking their name from the Boston Tea Party, one of the most recognized events of the American Revolution, the TEA Party rallies are locally organized and coordinated. The events are meant to protest government spending, including recent legislation such as The Homeowners Affordability and Stability Plan, the Troubled Assets Relief Program, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

For more information on the TEA Party and poster ideas, visit the organization’s Web site, www.taxdayteaparty.com

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April 11, 2009

Easter Egg Hunt Pictures April 11, 2009.  A great time was had by all.  We even had people from a family reunion come down.  Thanks to Jessica Galloway for setting all of this up!  Good Job!  Don't tell the kids, but the Easter Bunny was Jessica's Daughter!

Jessica Galloway and the Easter Bunny.

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Old River Baptist "Ride Through the Life of Christ"

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April 7, 2009

Old River-Winfree Annual Easter Egg Hunt

City sponsored Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 11, 2009
at 1:00 p.m.

The EASTER BUNNY will be here!!

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Hurricane Ike prevented the Barbers Hill Scholarship Association from holding its annual Homecoming Barbeque for the first time since 1973.  Your support of the Scholarship Meal Deal will help the group recover from that loss and ensure funds are available for deserving graduates.

            Barbers Hill Scholarship Association

            Scholarship Meal Deal – Delicious Barbeque Sandwich, Chips and Drink - $5.00

            Tuesday, April 14

            Serving 11:00 AM until 8:00 PM

            Barbers Hill Eagle Stadium, Visitor Side, EASY access!

Delivery is available for orders of Ten Meal Deals or More.  Feed your staff, feed your family, feed the neighborhood!  Call Dottie, 281-576-2595, for delivery information.

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April 2, 2009

Click on pictures to enlarge

Old River-Winfree T-Shirts

Old River-Winfree Founders Day T-Shirts are in!!!  These T-Shirts are a History Making Event.  They are the First T-Shirts ever celebrating the History of Old River-Winfree.  Purchase yours now at the City Office Mon-Thurs, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.   Closed 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. for lunch.

These Historic T-Shirts come in sizes Small Child to 3X.  We kept the costs down at $10.00.  Be sure and get yours and wear them to advertise our Founders Day July 24-25th.  Kick-off Costume Ball is July 18th.

Colleen Fontenot, Coordinator will be visiting the Ambassadors, Event Sponsors, and T-Shirt Sponsors to deliver their T-Shirts.

April 1, 2009

Homeowner Sends Burglar To The Hospital

DAYTON, April 1, 2009 - On Tuesday, March 31st, the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) received a report of a burglary in progress, on C.R. 4021 in the Indian Ridge subdivision off F.M. 1409. The call came in at 3:53 p.m. from a teenaged girl who had just arrived home from school. She saw that her house had been ransacked and also saw the suspect in the yard, near their shop building. In addition to contacting the Sheriff’s office, she also phoned her father.

When the father, Israel Palmer, arrived at the home, the suspect was still on the property. Palmer confronted the suspect, and he said the suspect reacted. Palmer said he was then in fear of his life, as well as his daughter’s safety, so he defended himself. The suspect was seriously injured and was subsequently flown to Hermann Hospital in Houston by LifeFlight air ambulance.

Because the home was close to the Chambers County line, LCSO dispatch had contacted Chambers County Sheriff’s Office for assistance. The first LCSO deputy on the scene was Michael Nugent. The case investigator is Sgt. Michelle Watson.

Sgt. Watson stated, “While we can’t recommend homeowners confront suspects, what Mr. Palmer did was very brave. He protected himself and his family with his bare hands and brute strength, and he came out on top.”

The suspect in the case is Derrick Ford, 20, from Woodland Acres in Chambers County. His residence is a short distance across the county line from where the incident occurred.

Once Ford is released from the hospital, he will be turned over to Chambers County for two outstanding warrants. An arrest warrant for the Liberty County burglary incident is pending.

Sgt. Watson added, “I’ve spoken to Derrick Ford by phone. His cooperation has allowed us to recover some stolen property from other incidents, including knives and guns.

The investigation is ongoing, with arrests of other individuals possible.