Here is a recap of what was featured in the Wednesday, Jan. 26, e-edition of the Taylor Press. The e-edition is mailed to subscribers and available at www.taylorpress.net.
PLAYING THROUGH THE PANDEMIC
Staffing has recently been interrupted in local schools due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. From Monday, Jan. 17, to Thursday, Jan 20, Hutto ISD schools were closed. That same Thursday and Friday, Granger ISD was also closed. Despite these closures, athletic competitions have continued as scheduled.
There have been no closures or delays in Taylor ISD athletics that have been reported. “We have not had
“We have not had to cancel any Taylor ISD games or practices due to athletes being out sick,” said Brandon Houston, Taylor ISD athletic director.
During Granger’s closure, the student athletes attended a powerlifting meet at Holland and hosted boys and girls basketball against Thorndale.
“The impact of COVID-19 continues to play a huge role in our day-to-day operations, but we have done a great job at weathering the conditions and allowing us to continue on participating in all UIL contests,” said Stephen Brosch, Granger ISD athletic director. “At times, we become heavily understaffed and, in many cases, undersuited when it comes to players. However, all coaches and student athletes have been able to manage each situation carefully and safely. We have been blessed to not be in a situation where entire teams have had massive outbreaks, and we hope to continue that success throughout the winter sports season and into the start of all spring sports.”
During the Hutto closure, the Hippos hosted both boys and girls basketball games against Vista Ridge and Vandegrift.
“Every team from middle school to high school has been impacted. Ways that teams have been impacted include coaches being asked to cover extra classes, coaches’ family members sick, studentathlete family members sick, student-athletes out sick, student-athletes having to change a position due to a teammate being out sick, JV kids being moved to varsity to field a varsity team, parents not able to come watch their son or daughter play the game they love because they are quarantined or tested positive,” said Bradley LaPlante, said Hutto ISD athletic director. “Even though every team has been impacted in some way, our student-athletes and our coaches and our fans are resilient and strong, and the games continue.
Even with an out-of-state tournament trip to Orlando at the end of December, Thrall winter sports have not been greatly impacted by the current COVID-19 wave. “Obviously, this
“Obviously, this round of COVID-19 has impacted us all. Despite having many students out from time to time, this round has not affected our winter sports. This could all change, but right now, we have done well to protect our sports teams,” said Aaron Vanecek, Thrall ISD athletic director.
CITY FUNDS AIRPORT PLAN
Taylor’s thoroughfare from the air will get some direction for the future.
On Jan. 13, the Taylor City Council approved a resolution to develop a master plan for the Taylor Municipal Airport. The city will contribute $20,000 to its development from the 2017 Airport Bond Project. “With everything
“With everything going on and all the interested parties that are popping up over at the airport, this is what we need,” said Sarah Hinton, Taylor Municipal Airport manager. “This is going to help us move forward.”
At an airport development meeting between the city and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Aviation Division, an airport master plan was suggested for implementation in Taylor. The plan would guide future endeavors with federal and state funding.
An airport master plan will be designed to ensure the city and airport are on the best track for future development. The direction provided by the plan should allow the airport to serve Taylor’s part of the air transportation system.
“This is $200,000 estimated project cost,” said Hinton. “It’s a 90/10 match, and 10% match from us would be $20,000.”
