LIONS CLUB
County Judge Chris Davis speaks to Lions Club on local disasters
BY BILLY WATSON SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR

President Vic Whadford announced that the Rusk Lions Club was a 100 percent club during the July 26 meeting of the Rusk Lions Club. Dan West was in ETMC Jacksonville and Secretary Bobbie Burch is sending him a get well card from the club.

The District 2-S1 meeting will be in Lufkin on July 28 at the Angelina College Community Services Building.

County Judge Chris Davis spoke on the disasters that have affected Cherokee County, such as the rain that closed roads in many areas, flooded into homes, washed out bridges, culverts and roads and caused car wrecks.

Judge Davis also discussed the space shuttle disaster, the draft disaster, the burn bands and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. On July 9, Cherokee County was proclaimed a local disaster area and began requesting state and federal aid. Governor Perry added Cherokee County to the Presidential Disaster Evacuation Plan in order for the county to receive assistance.

A representative from emergency management within the state government contacted Judge Davis, informing him that Cherokee County had been accepted to receive aide from the private sector.

Low interest loans would be made available for those with flooded homes.

Judge Davis said emergency management will return to assess our public needs, such as washed out bridges, culvert replacement and tops washed off roads, Wednesday.

Judge Davis mentioned the agricultural needs but said he was not aware of what they would be. He said he was "very proud" of the way the people of Cherokee County opened their hearts to help people in need. During hurricanes Katrina and Rita, churches, schools, volunteer fire departments and citizens worked together to help people in need of food, shelter and housing.

Lions Club members enjoyed the program brought by Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis and are looking forward to another visit from him.

Guests were Boots Burfoot, Alicia Oliver, Kyle and Alyssa Ballew, and Pastor Pat Gregg, who is the new Pastor of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.