Government - page 2

The City of West Orange invites residents to participate in its annual Fall Clean-Up event on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Residents are encouraged to dispose of unwanted items from their homes by bringing them to the drop-off location behind the West Orange Volunteer Fire Department (WOFD).

Participants should come prepared to unload and place debris into designated dumpsters. Proof of residency and photo ID are required for drop-off. Please note that hazardous materials, tires, batteries, paint, and normal household waste will not be accepted. Appliances, furniture, metal, and green waste are welcome but must be brought to the site, and any items containing Freon must be properly drained and tagged by a certified individual.

Community Litter Pickup Initiative (8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.):
As part of the clean-up effort, Keep Orange County Beautiful will provide volunteers with gloves, trash bags, grabbers, and even bluebonnet seeds for added fun. Various clubs and organizations will be picking up litter throughout the city, and anyone interested in joining a group can contact (409) 886-1264 for details.

Special Incentives for Volunteers:

• Two $50 gift cards will be awarded to the group or individual who collects the most litter, thanks to the generous support from HEB.
• Big Daddy food truck will be on-site, providing complimentary hot dogs and drinks to volunteers courtesy of Team Granger.

Come together with neighbors and friends to keep West Orange beautiful! For more info, call 409-886-1264.

On November 5, 2024, Orange County Judge John Gothia released the following:

Due to the recent rainfall, Orange County Judge John Gothia announced he is lifting the burn ban today. Judge Gothia encourages citizens to exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning activity. Officials will continue to monitor the drought situation and rainfall totals.

The City of Oange announces that construction has begun on the pavilion for the Cove Recreation Area.

When complete, the space will also feature a walking trail, a playscape with shade sails, benches, a playground, and other amenities, creating a place for residents of all ages to enjoy.

The Orange County ESD #2 Volunteer Fire Department invites the community to its highly anticipated Open House event on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Central Station, 330 Bland Drive in Bridge City. This free event promises fun and learning for the whole family while showcasing local firefighters’ hard work and dedication.

Families will enjoy a variety of interactive activities, including:

• Children’s Fireman Challenge
• Vehicle Extrication Demonstration
• Interactive Smoke House for Fire Safety Education
• Apparatus Displays featuring fire trucks and emergency vehicles
• Photos with Sparky, the fire dog
• Free drinks and popcorn for all attendees

The Open House is a perfect opportunity for children and adults to engage with local firefighters, learn about fire safety, and explore the department’s state-of-the-art equipment. The event will also feature exciting demonstrations and challenges that allow participants to get a firsthand look at the skills required in emergency response.

The Open House is free to attend, and all are welcome to join in the fun. Don’t miss this chance to meet the brave men and women who keep our community safe.

For more information, please contact the Orange County ESD #2 Volunteer Fire Department at 409-735-2419 or visit their website.

A burn ban has been issued for Orange County, effective immediately. Orange County Judge John Gothia gave the order on Thursday morning, October 10, 2024, and will remain in place until further notice. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning, citing the increasing drought conditions in the area.

Judge Gothia emphasized that the burn ban is necessary to “protect the lives and properties” of Orange County residents. Local officials will continue to monitor the situation closely, and updates will be provided as conditions evolve.

It is illegal to leave any fire unattended in Texas, and local governments have the authority to enforce burn bans under the Texas Forest Service’s guidance. County judges or commissioners courts are empowered to implement burn bans when drought conditions pose a threat to public safety. Violating a burn ban is classified as a Class C misdemeanor, which can result in fines of up to $500 and possible community service.

Ryan Burns, public information officer for the Texas A&M Forest Service, noted the importance of public awareness during these times. “When we respond to wildfires, it’s often due to debris burning, and many residents say, ‘I didn’t know there was a burn ban,’” Burns explained. “A part of our mission is to ensure the public is aware of weather conditions and burn restrictions.”

Orange County officials urge residents to comply with the ban to prevent the outbreak of wildfires during this period of elevated fire risk. Residents can follow updates on the burn ban through county communications and media outlets.