By Ginger Broomes

The Orange Leader

Orange County Commissioners Court approved a proclamation naming March 21 as “Kick Butts Day/Anti-Tobacco Day” on behalf of the Gift of Life’s Youth Advisory Council. The Gift of Life provides free prostate cancer screenings, men’s health and free mammograms. Connie Berry, Community Relations Coordinator for the Julie Rogers Gift of Life in Beaumont, along with several students from Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School’s Youth Advisory Council handed out information, treat bags and spoke about why being anti-tobacco was so important.

“One of the things we’re trying to do is to educate and empower our high school youth council about the harmful effects of tobacco and how this is one of the easier ways to actually prevent cancer” Berry said.

Approval was also given proclaiming the month of March as National International Developmental Disability Day, presented by the Spindletop Center of Beaumont.

The agreement between FEMA and Orange County for the use of the Orange County Expo Center as a disaster recovery center was renewed until March 31^st, as numbers have slightly increased with the closing of the Vidor FEMA facility on February 28.

The court also approved Orange County and the City of Orange could use the Hot Tax funds in the amount of $17,920 for electrical upgrades for the installation and termination of new power feeds at the City of Orange Boat Ramp. The money would be used for the upgrades deemed necessary in order to continue to service the fishing tournaments and other events that take place there, and an electrical contractor has been selected.

Interim Emergency Management Coordinator Leon George gave an update on debris pick up. He stated that there was currently only one truck running picking up two loads a day. Citizens needing debris removal should call 745-9809 for debris pick up.