WEDNESDAY VOLUME XXV NUMBER 51 Section 1 10 pages
December 16, 2020 Home of the ‘Lone Star Flag’ and
Ania Mikolajczyk
Montgomery County’s Only Locally Owned Newspaper
Established 1995
Montgomery County News
Montgomery, Texas 77356
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PRE-SRT POSTAGE PD #80 MONTG. TX
PBOX Magnolia, TX 77353
Texas Montgomery County Sheriff’s Houston VA Selected Weekly Department Completes Third as One of Gas Prices (December 14, 2020) Texas gas prices have risen 0.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $1.85/g t o d a y, a c c o r d i n g t o GasBuddy's daily survey of 13,114 stations. Gas prices in Texas are 5.4 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 36.6 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Texas is priced at $1.45/g today while the most expensive is $2.69/g, a difference of $1.24/g. The lowest price in the state today is $1.45/g while the highest is $2.69/g, a difference of $1.24/g. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 0.7 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.14/g today. The national average is up 1.4 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 41.4 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. Neighboring areas and their current gas prices: Midland Odessa$1.95/g, unchanged from last week's $1.95/g. San Antonio- $1.73/g, down 2.0 cents per gallon from last week's $1.75/g. Austin- $1.79/g, down 0.7 cents per gallon from last week's $1.79/g. "After gas prices spiked last week in their biggest weekly rise since August, we've seen them cool back down for the time being. With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise and restrictions weighing on gasoline demand, we're likely to see optimism over vaccinations offset by lower current demand for the most part," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "In the weeks ahead as that balance shifts and millions get the vaccination, if things look much improved, I would expect for a longer upward move in gas prices. For now, however, the holidays will be marked by the lowest seasonal prices in years." GasBuddy is the authoritative voice for gas prices and the only source for station-level data spanning nearly two decades. Unlike AAA's once daily survey covering credit card transactions at 100,000 stations and the Lundberg Survey, updated once every two weeks based on 7,000 gas stations, GasBuddy's survey updates 288 times every day from the most diverse list of sources covering nearly 150,000 stations nationwide, the most comprehensive and up-to-date in the country. GasBuddy data is accessible a t http://FuelInsights.GasBudd y.com. SOURCE GasBuddy
Annual No-Shave November Fundraiser
During the month of November, Sheriff Rand Henderson authorized staff of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office to participate in its 3rd annual No Shave November charity event. The purpose of the month-long fundraiser was to help raise awareness for cancer research. Sheriff’s Office
Society. The Leukemia & Ly m p h o m a S o c i e t y ’s mission is to aid in the research for cures of blood cancers, and improve the quality of life for patients and survivors. Participation in the event was voluntary but extensive, with 200 Deputies and other employees donating as part
of the fundraiser. Sheriff Henderson said, “I am amazed and humbled by our staff’s commitment to bring awareness to cancer research. This is another staff organized community partnership with the Leukemia and
See Sheriff, page 2
Conroe Native Helps Spread Holiday Joy
By Training Support Center Hampton Roads Public Affairs If you are in the military, most likely you have deployed during the holidays far away from family and friends. Logistics Specialist 1st Class Dori Wingate, a native o f C o n r o e , Te x a s a n d Training Support Center Hampton Roads (TSCHR), Northwest Annex Student Management, Site Leading Petty Officer, knows this first hand. Both Wingate and her husband are active duty with 32 years of combined naval service and they have both deployed during the holidays. “My husband just came home from a six month tour in South Korea right in time for the holidays. He left a few of his junior sailors (one on his first deployment), and I thought why not do something for the troops that can’t be home,” said Wingate. Wingate decided she would coordinate a stocking-stuffing event for troops stationed in Africa, Community...........2, 3, 9,10 South Korea, and Spain. With the help of 250 local Commentary............................4 volunteers, 300 stockings were stuffed, 100 cards were Devotional..........................5 hand made by local Legals.........................6, 7, 8 community member Josh K i n g , We s t e r n B r a n c h Business Directory...........10
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personnel paid a minimum of $50.00 to participate in the initiative. On December 14, 2020, Sheriff Rand Henderson, on behalf of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, presented a check for the money raised in the amount of $12,105.00 to The Leukemia & Lymphoma
Intermediate 3rd and 5th grade students provided 250 cards and several donations were from the Western Branch community. “LS1 Wingate has a mindset of inclusivity that is found in successful leaders,” s a i d C h i e f Av i a t i o n Electrician Sarah M c Q u e r r y, T S C H R Northwest Student Management Site Leading Chief Petty Officer. Volunteering is a foreign concept to many people.
With job responsibilities and family duties, who really has free time? According to Wingate, nearly everyone does. “We all have jobs and responsibilities,” said Wingate. “Giving back only takes one good deed at a time. It doesn’t matter how large or small the deed is. When you’re away from home during the holidays, a care package, card, or letter puts a smile on your face," said Wingate. “It makes you
feel like you are not forgotten. This doesn’t mean it has to come from someone you know, everything is appreciated.” Not only did Wingate coordinate, stuff stockings, and mail the gifts, she donated $275 for postage and supplies “I have friends that are supposed to take pictures for me as the packages are being handed out, I am so excited,” said Wingate. “I can’t wait to see the photos!”
37 VA Sites to Receive Initial Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine HOUSTON — The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center today announced that it has been selected as one of 37 VA sites to receive initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The Houston VA was selected for its ability to vaccinate large numbers of people and store the vaccines at extremely cold temperatures. In accordance with Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, the Houston VA will begin vaccinating health care personnel and Veterans i n VA’s l o n g - t e r m health care facilities once the Food and Drug Administration issues an emergency use authorization for a vaccine. COVID-19 v a c c i n e implementation will include an initial limited-supply phase followed by a general implementation phase, when large supplies of the vaccine will be available to Veterans who want to receive one. The ultimate goal is to offer it to all Ve t e r a n s a n d employees who want to be vaccinated. As more vaccine becomes a v a i l a b l e , appointments will be scheduled for eligible Veterans. “ We a r e v e r y excited to provide a vaccine that has the potential to help get COVID-19 under control when used alongside public health measures such as masking, physical distancing and f r e q u e n t handwashing,” said Francisco Vazquez, Medical Center Director. Veterans seeking additional information should visit the VA Coronavirus FAQs webpage or contact their VA health care team.