TEXARKANA, Texas - Area leaders gave status updates and looked ahead at February's Chamber of Commerce board meeting.
Texas-side Mayor Bob Bruggeman reported the City Council's disaster resolution regarding damage from the previous week's winter storm.
"We don't do those often," he said. "But recent events have seen a few, including COVID, the hacker attack and now this storm. Bowie County has been declared a disaster area and aid is available to assist those in addressing damage."
Among other avenues, county residents can call 800-621-3362 to record or report winter storm damage. They may be eligible for assistance.
Other things noted at Monday's City Council meeting include falling numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases. On a related note, those who were scheduled for vaccination this past Saturday get a makeup this Saturday.
"The Grim is coming along," Bruggeman said. "Also, we thank our area utilities and city maintenance for keeping power and water going as well as the streets being clear under those circumstances. Also, our first responders were out there, getting the job done under difficult circumstances."
Doug Bowers, representing the city of Nash, reported that Nash is busy with winter storm recovery, with city crews playing catchup.
Natalie Haywood, chamber events and communications director, announced that its annual celebration, this year held online, was well attended, with more than 3,000 viewers tuning in real time.
"Also, every one of the items up for bid at the silent auction were won," she said. "Some are waiting for the winners to come claim their item, but they all were bid on."
The Women in Business conference is quickly approaching, scheduled for March 17. Lots of guest speakers and points of interest are planned; most notably, their top speaker is Sarah Thomas, the first female official in the NFL.
Also, the chamber continues plans for a fishing tournament in April, intended to highlight tourism in Texarkana.