PROUD TO B E I N
Denton County by Denton County Judge Andy Eads photo courtesy of Judge Andy Eads
A
accounts of how the 1918 influenza
impacted the county. I was amazed at how we responded to that pandemic as well. From the beginning of the
pandemic, I realized how important it would be to save all of the
information related to the pandemic for future historical purposes. If you have items to share with us such as oral histories, documents or
photographs, please let us know. LOOKING AHEAD: 2021 1. Collaboration is key. We created
connections among many parts of
s the number of COVID-19 positive cases continue to rise, not only across the state and across the U.S., it can sometimes seem as if the information is overwhelming in terms of how this pandemic has and will affect each of us.
our county – from municipal and
state officials to hospital CEOs. We
also worked closely with non-profit
partners, developing new systems to
It is true that we are seeing community
Commissioners Court awarded over $35
assist our residents where and when
in comparison with other areas, Denton
grants to our local businesses that were
us well in the years ahead.
spread and that it is increasing. However, County has seen fewer cases and fatalities. I am proud of our Denton County
residents who have taken personal
responsibility and also been considerate of others throughout this year. Their
actions and precautions have helped
keep our cases lower than some other comparable counties. Let me be clear,
one fatality is too many. But when we look at the overall numbers, Denton County
has fared much better than in some areas across our state and the U.S.
As part of a vibrant area of growth, we
have also seen a lower overall economic
impact as well as a lower unemployment rate. Denton County continues to see
ongoing economic development. Drive
along any of our major thoroughfares, and you will see what I mean: construction of restaurants, retail shopping centers, and new housing of all types are ongoing. Even our Economic Development
Department is seeing more activity than ever before with queries and
calls. I am pleased the Denton County
million of our federal funds for business closed, partially closed, or who had
financial losses. This has helped stabilize our local economy.
I compiled a starter list, and I welcome your feedback on some additions. LESSONS LEARNED: 2020 1. Plan for anything; it can happen.
help was needed. All of this will serve 2. Technology is the wave of now.
We all quickly learned how to use
Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other
software that will be part of our lives from now on.
3. Denton County IS the best place to
be. This past year has taught us that
In mid-March, before anyone
we are all fortunate to be part of a
pandemic, I remember one late
feel amid significant growth as we
emergency command center
box to find solutions. As we forge
understood the scope of the
county that has kept its hometown
night in particular at the county
collectively thought outside the
when we were working on county
ahead, we all should strive to keep
pandemic plans at the same
time our county was under a tornado warning.
2. Communicate, communicate and
then, communicate again. We have done a lot of communicating on
many platforms, but we can always do better.
3. Preserve for future reflection. Early on, I had our county historians compile
this generosity of spirit and sense of
community at the center of our efforts. It has, and will continue to, serve us well.
In our time of reflection during this
holiday season, particularly after one of
the toughest years in all of our lifetimes, we find both hard truths and hope. It’s my sincerest wish that we let hope be
foremost in our minds as we go into 2021.
CONNECT WITH US: andy.eads@dentoncounty.com | 940.349-2820 | www.dentoncounty.gov/countyjudgenewslettersignup 26 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | DECEMBER 2020
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