TEXARKANA, Texas - The state has allocated more than 5,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine to Bowie County this week, the City Council heard during its regular meeting Monday.
The regional vaccination hub at CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System will receive 2,300 doses, various pharmacies will get 1,300 and the Texarkana-Bowie County Family Health Center 1,000, said Eric Schlotter, fire chief and emergency management coordinator, during a briefing to the Council. In addition, state military personnel on Thursday will administer 500 doses to local seniors.
The Health Center will bring its vaccines to county schools this week, making it more convenient for qualified teachers, administrators and other personnel to get their shots, said Parks and Recreation Director Robby Robertson, who oversees management of the center.
To date, the county has been allocated 27,890 vaccine doses over 13 weeks, Schlotter said.
In other business, the Council unanimously passed an ordinance formally accepting City Manager Shirley Jaster's retirement at the end of April. Mayor Bob Bruggeman and Council Member Bill Harp thanked Jaster for her service to the city, and those in attendance gave her a standing ovation.
"This has been more than a career for me. My motto has always been to try to put the citizens first," Jaster said.
After public hearings during which no one spoke, the Council voted unanimously to grant one specific use permit to allow a permanent cosmetics business at 2011 Mall Drive and another to allow a double-wide manufactured home at the south dead end of Handley Street.
The Council also was unanimous in approving rezoning for the Handley Street property, which is south of South Lake Drive and west of Old Buchanan Road.
The Council's next meeting is scheduled for March 22.