The ban on outdoor burning issued last week remains in effect despite localized rains received Monday evening. The initial order banning outdoor burning was issued at the Monday, Aug. 23 meeting of the Franklin County Commissioners Court.

People of all ages will be entertained with the annual Kid’s Rodeo and adult fun events conducted prior to and during the Franklin County Sheriff Posse Labor Day Weekend Rodeo on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 4 and 5. For more details on the event, see the Aug. 26 edition of the Mount Vernon Optic-Herald.

Rough, tough and drop-dead gorgeous, are the phrases often used to describe the All American Cowgirl Chicks® who will be featured for the Go Rodeo Festival Sept. 4 and 5.

The United Way of Franklin County, Texas honored business and group supporters for their expected contributions of more than $100,000 in funds during 2010.

A ban on outdoor burning was issued at the Monday, Aug. 23 meeting of the Franklin County Commissioners Court.

The ban went into effect immediately and is expected to continue for the next 90 days or until the prohibition on outdoor burning is lifted by the court members. The local court has a policy of issuing burning bans when the Keetch-Byram Drought Index exceeds 600 for the county. The current index figures indicate a rating of 600 or more, with the southeastern portion of the county in excess of 700.

This order does not prohibit outdoor burning activities related to public health and safety that
are authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for: (1) firefighter
training; (2) public utility, natural gas pipeline or mining operations; (3) planting or
harvesting of agricultural crops; or, (4) burns that are conducted by a prescribed burn
manager certified under Section 153.048, Natural Resources Code, and meet the
standards of Section 153.047, Natural Resources Code.

A violation of this Order is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00. Individuals may also be responsible for damages to the property of others resulting from fires started by them or persons acting under their instruction.