Lots of news in the Grove this week. MG FFA and the Volunteer Fire Department are my main focus for this writing.
Wednesday night Miller Grove FFA students gathered at the Ag Shop for the annual Miller Grove International Show. This was a warm-up for Saturday’s Northeast Texas Livestock Association show at the Civic Center in Sulphur Springs. I wasn’t able to make it to theWednesday night but when I passed the school it looked like there was a large crowd. I wish the best of luck to our young competitors as they battle it out with the other local FFA groups this weekend. We have a good Ag program at school and I know Mr. McClure has been working with students and parents to get their show animals in shape for the big NETLA show.
Doug Lewis of the Miller Grove VFD contacted me lately and updated me on the status of the department and the great volunteers we have. In January, Jay Hoffman became the new fire chief with Justin Block being assistant chief. Bob Flecker still holds the office of treasurer and Doug Lewis is the new secretary for the department. At current time, there are seven active members that are all CPR certified. New members include Ray Sparks, Lester Ivy, and Geoff Hall. Not all members are available 24 hours a day but not to worry, the county department does respond to all fire calls and many EMS calls for the Miller Grove area.
The department is always in need of volunteers. Men and women 18 years of age or older are encouraged to help our local department whenever possible. And, there are may different needs that the department has. For an example, they need fire fighter responders, someone to input data into the computer, keep records for the county, help with housekeeping, help keep equipment clean and in service, maintain the exterior of the department and many other tasks. You even have the option to only respond to EMS calls or only fire calls. The volunteer options are plentiful and they would appreciate all the help they can get. Doug mentioned that there is even additional training such as colleges and academies that offer specialized training.
To volunteer there are a few basic requirements: age of 18, good driving record, a background check as well as a few other things. If anyone is interested in volunteering you can contact a current member of come to a meeting. They are held the second and fourth Thursday of the month in the firehouse on FM 275. The meetings are held at 7 pm. The second Thursdaymeeting is the business meeting and the fourth Thursday is the training meeting.
Other news includes the sale of the big fire engine, which was a little too large to make it down most of the county roads. A smaller response vehicle was purchased to replace the large engine. Also a ¾ ton pick-up was donated as an EMS responder. The Tanker was equipped with ladders so that it will qualify as a combination engine or tanker to respond to calls.
Time and funds are the two main donations that our VFD are looking for. Expenses include utility bills, fuel, insurance, equipment and several other things. Right now the note on the fire station totals $120,000 and is payable monthly. The department receives $5 per call from the county but most funding is by donation or fundraisers. I will be sharing more information about the fundraisers that are coming up in next week’s edition.
Happy birthday to my little nephew, Owen Darrow, & Bret Garrett on Feb. 28, Leslie (Smith) Frobish & Linda (Wise) Maeker on Mar. 1, Ruby (Bishop) Ross & Jerri (Byrd) Petty on Mar. 2, Thomas Renshaw on Mar. 3, and my father, Brett Darrow on March 5.
As you travel the highways and byways don’t forget that all roads lead back home and back to Miller Grove. Please send me any newsworthy information. My email address is[email protected].
