The US Census Bureau is calling on every person living in our country: “Be counted in 2010.” The census is a count of all people living in the United States, citizens and non-citizens alike. The questionnaires will be mailed or delivered to households during the third week of March, and Census Day is April 1st. Census employees will also be visiting homes that do not return their forms before the April 1st date. The questionnaires are composed of ten easy questions for each person in the household. Additionally, the information is completely confidential, and by law, the Census Bureau cannot share questionnaire answers with anyone, not even other federal agencies. Your Census count is extremely important for your community. The federal government uses the Census’ statistical information in order to distribute more than $400 billion dollars to states and communities a year for ten years. Community planners and local governments use the Census information to determine which areas need more social services and additional funding. Please fill out your questionnaire when it arrives at your house, because your community depends on you. It is very important to our community that you fill in your form and return it to the Census: 1. For every person the Census counts, about $10,500 in government services are provided in our community. 2. Census data is used to decide where to place retail stores, schools, hospitals, new housing developments, and other community facilities. 3. The number of teachers and funding for schools are based on Census data. 4. Census data determines the boundaries for state and local legislative and congressional districts; redistricting is based on population numbers. 5. With only ten questions and many ways to return it, it has never been easier to fill out Census forms! Remember… WE MOVE FORWARD WHEN YOU SEND IT BACK! Don’t forget to count your kids away at school, work, or the military. Please come to our Smithville Census Celebrations: • February 18, 5-7PM at City Hall • March 21, 3-6PM at Riverbend Park • March 27, 5-6PM at the Gazebo • April 1, all day at the Recreation Center For more information log on to the Census website (in English and in Spanish)
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FEMA has released more information about threats of wildfires in Texas. Please remember that Smithville is hosting a "firewise" workshop on Saturday, February 11 from 9AM-11AM at the Recreation Center to give you the information and tools you need to reduce the threat of wildfires near your home.
If you have a child in school in Smithville, please take our survey to let us know about how you feel about allowing students in your care to walk or bike to school. This is required through the grant we received for Safe Routes to School, and your answers will help us measure how well the program is working. Thank you for your participation in this important survey!
If you haven't seen it yet, watch the Day Tripper Episode 303 on Smithville. It features Zimmerhanzels, Tom Tierney, Main Street, Buescher State Park, and many other familiar places.
Please check out our local historian David Herrington's website about Smithville History. He and Carol Snyder literally wrote the book ("Images of America: Smithville") so he knows what he's talking about!
We always knew it, but Smithville is now officially a member of "Communities of Character" through the International Character First program. The character traits emphasized include: Loyalty, Justice, Self-Reliance, Self-Discipline, Integrity, Honor, Patriotism, Respect, Honesty, Responsibility, Compassion, and Perseverance. Smithville’s participation in this program is a natural extension of its strong tradition of service. Citizens take great pride in the many programs and projects that have been accomplished as a result of tenacious and committed volunteers.
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