Tom Green County is not merely a geographical designation on a map; it's a testament to the enduring, and often indifferent, forces of history and nature in the heart of Texas. While some might search for "Tom Green County" and mistakenly arrive at the naval vessel USS Tom Green County (LST-1159), this particular entry delves into the terrestrial, and arguably more grounded, reality of a county in the vast expanse of the Lone Star State.
County in Texas
Tom Green County, Texas
[[File:Tom Green County Courthouse in San Angelo.jpg|thumb|Tom Green County Courthouse in San Angelo]] [[File:Seal of Tom Green County, Texas.png|thumb|Seal]] [[File:Map of Texas highlighting Tom Green County.svg|thumb|Location within the U.S. state of Texas]] [[File:Map of USA highlighting Texas.svg|thumb|Texas's location within the U.S.]]
Coordinates: 31°25′N 100°28′W / 31.41°N 100.46°W Country: United States State: Texas Founded: 1875 Named after: General Thomas Green Seat: San Angelo Largest city: San Angelo
Area • Total: 1,541 sq mi (3,990 km2) • Land: 1,522 sq mi (3,940 km2) • Water: 19 sq mi (49 km2) (1.2%)
Population • (2020): 120,003 • Density: 78/sq mi (30/km2)
Time zone: UTC−6 (Central) • Summer (DST): UTC−5 (CDT) Congressional district: 11th Website: co.tom-green.tx.us
[[File:Judge Michael D. Brown Justice Center.jpg|thumb|Judge Michael D. Brown Justice Center across from the Tom Green County Courthouse]]
Tom Green County, an administrative division of the U.S. state of Texas, sits prominently on the Edwards Plateau, a geological feature known for its karst topography and semi-arid landscape. This region, often characterized by its rugged beauty and challenging environmental conditions, defines much of the county's character. As of the most recent comprehensive demographic tabulation, the 2020 United States census, the county recorded a total population of 120,003 residents. The heart of this community, both geographically and administratively, is its designated county seat, San Angelo, which also holds the distinction of being the largest city within the county's borders.
The establishment of Tom Green County dates back to 1874, with its formal organization following swiftly in 1875. The county bears the name of Thomas Green, a figure of considerable historical note in Texas, recognized for his multifaceted contributions as a Texas revolutionary, a soldier for the Confederacy, and a practicing lawyer. Beyond its administrative functions, Tom Green County is an integral part of the larger San Angelo metropolitan area, serving as a regional hub. It hosts significant institutions that anchor its economy and community, including Goodfellow Air Force Base, a vital military installation, and Angelo State University, an institution of higher learning that operates as part of the esteemed Texas Tech University System. These entities collectively contribute to the county's unique blend of military precision, academic rigor, and Texan resilience.
History
The genesis of Tom Green County unfolded on March 13, 1874, when the Texas state legislature, in its infinite wisdom, formally established the new administrative division. The county was bestowed with the name of Thomas Green, an individual whose biography reads like a condensed history of 19th-century Texas. Green was a pivotal figure in the Texas Revolution, demonstrating a capacity for both military leadership and legal acumen. His later service as a Confederate brigadier general further cemented his place in the historical narrative, though perhaps less universally celebrated. In its initial, sprawling conception, Tom Green County was a truly colossal entity, encompassing an area exceeding 60,000 square miles (160,000 km2). This vast territory, larger than many modern states, speaks to the ambitious, if somewhat unwieldy, early attempts at regional organization in a rapidly expanding frontier.
The county's original administrative center was the nascent town of Ben Ficklin. However, the fickle hand of nature, as it often does in these parts, intervened with devastating consequence. In 1882, the usually serene waters of the Concho River surged with unforeseen ferocity, unleashing catastrophic floodwaters that utterly decimated the town. The calamity was profound, claiming the lives of an estimated 65 people and wiping Ben Ficklin from the map. Such events serve as stark reminders of the inherent fragility of human settlements against the raw power of the natural world. Following this disaster, the county seat was prudently relocated to a higher, safer ground, a burgeoning settlement then known as Santa Angela. This new location, perhaps seeking a more official and less angelic moniker, was officially christened San Angelo in 1883 by the United States Post Office, a name it retains to this day.
The arrival of the Santa Fe Railway in September 1888 marked a pivotal moment for Tom Green County's economic development. This new artery of commerce dramatically facilitated the transport of goods, particularly cattle, which was a cornerstone of the regional economy. The county witnessed a significant boom in its cattle production, with exports via the railway system escalating to an impressive range of 3,500 to 5,000 railroad cars annually. This infrastructure investment transformed the area, connecting it more firmly to national markets and ushering in an era of greater prosperity and integration. By 1889, San Angelo had grown sufficiently to be incorporated as a city, a clear indication of its increasing prominence. In the same year, Fort Concho, a frontier military outpost that had served its purpose for 22 years, was officially decommissioned, signaling a shift from a wild frontier to a more settled and organized society.
Tom Green County harbors a peculiar geographical quirk: a long, slender strip of land that extends westward, a testament to the convoluted logic of historical land divisions. This unusual feature exists because Reagan County, now an independent entity to the west, was once an integral part of Tom Green County. The state of Texas, with its insistence on bureaucratic order, mandated that all counties possess a contiguous land route connecting all their parts to the county seat. This seemingly insignificant strip of land thus served a crucial, if visually odd, function, linking the two main geographical regions of the larger county. In 1903, the residents of the then-western section exercised their democratic right and voted to establish their own county, forming Reagan County. Intriguingly, the same vote also determined that this connecting strip of land would remain under the jurisdiction of Tom Green County, a historical relic that continues to shape its boundaries. It’s almost as if they couldn’t quite let go, a small, stubborn piece of the past clinging on.
More recently, Tom Green County, like much of Texas, faced the brutal indifference of extreme weather. In 2021, during the infamous Winter Storm Uri, the city of San Angelo endured an unprecedented 152 consecutive hours at or below freezing temperatures. This prolonged deep freeze, a rare occurrence for the region, brought widespread power outages and infrastructure failures, highlighting the vulnerabilities of even well-established communities when confronted by nature's more severe moods. While the county is located inland, it is not entirely immune to the broader meteorological phenomena affecting the Gulf Coast. Hurricanes and tropical storms, though attenuated by distance, have left their mark on Tom Green County, bringing significant rainfall and localized flooding. Notable among these events were the passage of Hurricane Matagorda in 1942, Tropical Storm Delia in 1973, the formidable Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, Tropical Storm Erin in 2007, and Tropical Storm Hermine in 2010. These systems, while often losing their hurricane-force winds by the time they reach central Texas, can still deliver torrents of rain, leading to flash floods and disruptions, proving that even far from the coast, the ocean's influence is undeniable.
Geography
According to the meticulous records maintained by the U.S. Census Bureau, Tom Green County occupies a total area of 1,541 square miles (3,990 km2). A significant majority of this expanse, 1,522 square miles (3,940 km2), is composed of land, offering a canvas for the characteristic landscapes of the Edwards Plateau. The remaining 19 square miles (49 km2), accounting for approximately 1.2% of the total area, is covered by water, a precious resource in this semi-arid environment.
The county is home to several critical water bodies and protected natural spaces that serve both recreational and ecological functions. These include Lake Nasworthy, a popular spot for boating and fishing; O.C. Fisher Reservoir, an important water supply and wildlife habitat; and Twin Buttes Reservoir, another significant hydrological feature. For those seeking to immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty, San Angelo State Park offers diverse ecosystems and opportunities for outdoor activities, while the Heart of Texas Wildlife Trail provides dedicated routes for observing the local flora and fauna. The lifeblood of the county's hydrology flows through the Concho Rivers, specifically the North Concho River and the South Concho River, which converge to form the main stem of the Concho River. These rivers, along with smaller tributaries like Kickapoo Creek, are not just geographical features; they are historical pathways, ecological corridors, and vital sources of water that have sustained human and animal life in the region for millennia. Their presence is a constant reminder that even in seemingly dry lands, water dictates the rhythm of existence.
Adjacent counties
Tom Green County shares its borders with a collection of other Texas counties, forming a complex mosaic of administrative divisions. To the north lies Coke County, while the northeast is bordered by Runnels County. Directly to the east, one finds Concho County, and to the southeast, Menard County. The southern flank is shared with Schleicher County. Moving westward, the county abuts Irion County and Reagan County, the latter being the historical offshoot mentioned earlier. Finally, to the northwest, the boundary is shared with Sterling County. This arrangement of adjacent counties reflects the historical partitioning of the vast Edwards Plateau region, each county carrying its own distinct character while being interconnected by shared natural features and, often, a common historical narrative.
Demographics
The demographic trajectory of Tom Green County offers a fascinating glimpse into the ebb and flow of human settlement and societal change in Texas. The following table delineates the historical population figures, providing a quantitative narrative of growth, stagnation, and occasional decline.
Historical population
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1880 | 3,615 | — | — |
| 1890 | 5,152 | 42.5% | |
| 1900 | 6,804 | 32.1% | |
| 1910 | 17,882 | 162.8% | |
| 1920 | 15,210 | −14.9% | |
| 1930 | 36,033 | 136.9% | |
| 1940 | 39,302 | 9.1% | |
| 1950 | 58,929 | 49.9% | |
| 1960 | 64,630 | 9.7% | |
| 1970 | 71,047 | 9.9% | |
| 1980 | 84,784 | 19.3% | |
| 1990 | 98,458 | 16.1% | |
| 2000 | 104,010 | 5.6% | |
| 2010 | 110,224 | 6.0% | |
| 2020 | 120,003 | 8.9% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census |
From its humble beginnings with just over 3,600 residents in 1880, Tom Green County experienced periods of explosive growth, particularly between 1900 and 1910, and again from 1920 to 1930, reflecting the broader economic and migratory patterns of the state. The dip in population in 1920, a rare occurrence, might be attributed to the aftermath of World War I or localized economic factors. However, the consistent upward trend in subsequent decades underscores the county's increasing importance as a regional center.
Tom Green County, Texas – Racial and ethnic composition Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000 | Pop 2010 | Pop 2020 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 65,508 | 63,799 | 62,390 | 62.98% | 57.88% | 51.99% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 4,122 | 3,997 | 4,010 | 3.96% | 3.63% | 3.34% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 380 | 406 | 366 | 0.37% | 0.37% | 0.30% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 855 | 1,046 | 1,704 | 0.82% | 0.95% | 1.42% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 53 | 78 | 143 | 0.05% | 0.07% | 0.12% |
| Other Race alone (NH) | 88 | 129 | 369 | 0.08% | 0.12% | 0.31% |
| Mixed Race or Multiracial (NH) | 1,058 | 1,454 | 3,955 | 1.02% | 1.32% | 3.30% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 31,946 | 39,315 | 47,066 | 30.71% | 35.67% | 39.22% |
| Total | 104,010 | 110,224 | 120,003 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
The racial and ethnic composition of Tom Green County reveals a dynamic demographic landscape. Over two decades, from 2000 to 2020, there has been a notable shift. The non-Hispanic White population, while still the plurality, has seen a steady decrease in its proportional representation, moving from nearly 63% to just over 51%. Concurrently, the Hispanic or Latino population has demonstrated consistent and robust growth, increasing from roughly 30.7% to 39.2%. This trend reflects broader demographic changes occurring across Texas and the United States. Furthermore, the category of Mixed Race or Multiracial (Non-Hispanic) has seen a significant proportional increase, more than tripling its share of the population, indicating a growing recognition and reporting of diverse heritage. The Asian population also shows a steady, albeit smaller, percentage increase, contributing to the county's evolving cultural tapestry. These numbers aren't just statistics; they represent lives, stories, and the slow, inevitable grinding of demographic shifts that reshape a community, whether it notices or not.
As of the census of 2000, the county was home to 104,010 individuals, distributed among 39,503 households, and comprising 26,783 families. This translated to a population density of approximately 68 people per square mile (26 people/km2), a relatively sparse distribution indicative of its rural and semi-urban nature. The housing stock consisted of 43,916 units, with an average density of 29 units per square mile (11 units/km2). The detailed racial makeup at the time revealed a majority White population at 50.76%, followed by 5.13% African American, 0.65% Native American, 0.86% Asian, and a smaller proportion of 0.07% Pacific Islander. A significant 12.82% identified as belonging to "other races," and 2.39% reported being of "two or more races," illustrating the growing complexity of self-identification. The Hispanic or Latino demographic, encompassing individuals of any race, constituted a substantial 30.71% of the total population. Further breaking down the ancestry, the 2000 Census indicated that 13.2% of residents claimed German heritage, 10.7% identified as American, 8.2% as English, and 7.2% as Irish, reflecting the diverse European roots that contributed to the county's early settlement.
Delving into the household structure from the 2000 data, 33.00% of the 39,503 households included children under the age of 18 living within them, suggesting a vibrant family-oriented community. A solid 52.10% were traditional married couples residing together, while 11.90% were headed by a female householder without a husband present. Approximately 32.20% of households were not classified as families, indicating a significant presence of single individuals or non-traditional living arrangements. Of all households, about 27.2% consisted of individuals living alone, with 10.80% of these being individuals aged 65 or older, highlighting the presence of both younger independent residents and an aging population. The average household size was calculated at 2.52 persons, while the average family size was slightly larger at 3.09 persons.
The age distribution within Tom Green County in 2000 showed a significant youth presence, with 26.10% of the population under 18 years of age. Young adults, aged 18 to 24, accounted for 12.80%, likely influenced by the presence of Angelo State University. The largest segment, 27.10%, fell within the prime working-age bracket of 25 to 44 years. Those aged 45 to 64 made up 20.60%, and individuals 65 or older constituted 13.40% of the population. The median age across the county was 34 years, suggesting a relatively balanced age structure leaning slightly younger. Gender distribution showed a slight male deficit, with 93.70 males for every 100 females. Among adults aged 18 and over, this disparity narrowed slightly, with 89.90 males for every 100 females.
Economically, the median income for a household in Tom Green County in 2000 was reported as 39,482. For individuals, males had a median income of 20,683 reported for females, a disparity that, while not unique to the county, reflects broader economic inequalities of the era. The per capita income for the county stood at $17,325. Unfortunately, a segment of the population struggled with economic hardship, with approximately 11.20% of families and 15.20% of the overall population living below the poverty line. This included a disproportionate 20.20% of those under the age of 18 and 11.80% of those aged 65 or over, underscoring the vulnerabilities faced by the youngest and oldest residents. These figures paint a picture of a community with a solid, but not uniformly prosperous, economic foundation, reminding us that progress is rarely evenly distributed.
Education
[[File:US 87 Tom Green County.jpg|thumb|View from U.S. Highway 87 northwest of San Angelo in Tom Green County]]
The educational landscape of Tom Green County is characterized by a blend of higher education institutions and a network of public school districts, catering to a diverse student body from early childhood through adult learning.
Colleges
For post-secondary education, the county is notably served by:
- Angelo State University: A comprehensive public university offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, it is a significant cultural and intellectual hub for the region, attracting students from across Texas and beyond. As part of the prestigious Texas Tech University System, it contributes substantially to the local economy and provides a pipeline of skilled professionals.
- Howard College: This community college provides accessible educational opportunities, including associate degrees, workforce training, and continuing education courses, serving as a vital resource for local residents seeking to enhance their skills or pursue further academic endeavors without leaving the county.
Public school districts
The foundational education for the county's youth is delivered through several independent school districts, each managing its own local educational system:
- Christoval Independent School District
- Grape Creek Independent School District
- Miles Independent School District
- San Angelo Independent School District: As the largest district, it serves the majority of students in the county seat and surrounding areas, offering a broad curriculum and various extracurricular activities.
- Veribest Independent School District
- Wall Independent School District
- Water Valley Independent School District
These districts collectively work to provide educational services, shaping the minds of the next generation of Texans, a task that is, by turns, thankless and crucial.
Transportation
The transportation infrastructure of Tom Green County is primarily centered around its network of major highways, which serve as critical arteries for both local travel and regional connectivity. These routes facilitate commerce, tourism, and daily commutes, linking the county's communities to the broader Texas and national transportation systems.
Major highways
- U.S. Highway 67: This north-south highway provides direct access to other parts of Texas and beyond, serving as a vital corridor for freight and passenger movement.
- U.S. Highway 87: Another significant north-south route, U.S. 87 connects Tom Green County to major cities and agricultural centers, supporting economic activity and regional access.
- U.S. Highway 277: Functioning as a key diagonal route, U.S. 277 further enhances connectivity within West Texas, offering important links for both residents and businesses.
- State Highway 208 (SH 208): This state highway supplements the federal routes, providing additional access points and facilitating local and inter-county travel.
- State Highway Loop 306 (SH Loop 306): Serving primarily the San Angelo area, this loop helps manage traffic flow around the urban core, improving efficiency and reducing congestion within the county's largest city.
These highways are the veins and arteries of the county, ensuring that people and goods can move, because, after all, life insists on movement, even if it's just from one unremarkable place to another.
Communities
Tom Green County encompasses a variety of communities, ranging from its bustling county seat to smaller, more tranquil census-designated places, and even unincorporated settlements that retain a distinct rural character. The echoes of history are also present in its ghost town, a silent monument to past endeavors.
[[File:Former Texas Theater in downtown San Angelo.jpg|thumb|Former Texas Theater in downtown San Angelo]]
City
- San Angelo (county seat): The largest urban center, San Angelo serves as the economic, cultural, and administrative heart of Tom Green County. It hosts the county courthouse, various businesses, educational institutions, and cultural attractions, acting as a regional hub for a wide surrounding area.
Census-designated places (CDPs) These are statistical entities defined by the U.S. Census Bureau for demographic purposes, typically lacking a municipal government but possessing a distinct community identity.
Unincorporated communities These settlements exist without formal municipal incorporation, often retaining a more dispersed, rural character.
Ghost town
- Ben Ficklin: Once the county seat, this community was tragically swept away by a devastating flood of the Concho River in 1882, leaving behind only historical memory and a cautionary tale about building too close to nature's whims.
Military base
- Goodfellow Air Force Base: A critical military installation, Goodfellow Air Force Base is a joint service base that provides intelligence training for the United States Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Its presence is a significant economic and cultural factor in Tom Green County.
Politics
The political landscape of Tom Green County, much like the broader state of Texas, has undergone a significant transformation over the past century, evolving from a reliably Democratic stronghold to a decidedly Republican bastion in modern times. The presidential election results vividly illustrate this shift, a reflection of changing demographics, ideologies, and national political currents.
United States presidential election results for Tom Green County, Texas
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) |
|---|---|---|---|
| № % | № % | № % | |
| 1912 | 50 (4.48%) | 906 (81.18%) | 160 (14.34%) |
| 1916 | 92 (6.52%) | 1,243 (88.16%) | 75 (5.32%) |
| 1920 | 256 (15.52%) | 1,264 (76.61%) | 130 (7.88%) |
| 1924 | 554 (19.83%) | 2,116 (75.73%) | 124 (4.44%) |
| 1928 | 2,618 (63.11%) | 1,528 (36.84%) | 2 (0.05%) |
| 1932 | 739 (12.93%) | 4,957 (86.75%) | 18 (0.32%) |
| 1936 | 627 (11.40%) | 4,803 (87.34%) | 69 (1.25%) |
| 1940 | 1,049 (13.99%) | 6,433 (85.81%) | 15 (0.20%) |
| 1944 | 1,125 (13.54%) | 6,272 (75.51%) | 909 (10.94%) |
| 1948 | 1,822 (19.99%) | 6,777 (74.34%) | 517 (5.67%) |
| 1952 | 9,698 (62.49%) | 5,797 (37.35%) | 24 (0.15%) |
| 1956 | 9,070 (64.63%) | 4,923 (35.08%) | 40 (0.29%) |
| 1960 | 8,176 (53.63%) | 7,031 (46.12%) | 39 (0.26%) |
| 1964 | 6,664 (40.53%) | 9,767 (59.40%) | 12 (0.07%) |
| 1968 | 9,682 (49.56%) | 6,774 (34.67%) | 3,080 (15.77%) |
| 1972 | 15,784 (71.87%) | 6,082 (27.69%) | 95 (0.43%) |
| 1976 | 12,316 (52.29%) | 11,064 (46.97%) | 174 (0.74%) |
| 1980 | 16,555 (60.71%) | 9,892 (36.27%) | 824 (3.02%) |
| 1984 | 23,847 (72.46%) | 8,981 (27.29%) | 82 (0.25%) |
| 1988 | 21,463 (63.10%) | 12,283 (36.11%) | 266 (0.78%) |
| 1992 | 14,989 (40.80%) | 11,437 (31.13%) | 10,313 (28.07%) |
| 1996 | 18,112 (55.21%) | 11,782 (35.91%) | 2,914 (8.88%) |
| 2000 | 24,733 (71.43%) | 9,288 (26.82%) | 605 (1.75%) |
| 2004 | 28,185 (75.33%) | 9,007 (24.07%) | 225 (0.60%) |
| 2008 | 27,362 (70.41%) | 11,158 (28.71%) | 341 (0.88%) |
| 2012 | 26,878 (73.20%) | 9,294 (25.31%) | 548 (1.49%) |
| 2016 | 27,494 (71.45%) | 9,173 (23.84%) | 1,812 (4.71%) |
| 2020 | 32,313 (71.47%) | 12,239 (27.07%) | 658 (1.46%) |
| 2024 | 33,399 (73.47%) | 11,585 (25.48%) | 477 (1.05%) |
In the early 20th century, Tom Green County was overwhelmingly Democratic, aligning with the "Solid South" political alignment common throughout the region. For instance, in 1916, the Democratic Party candidate secured nearly 88% of the vote. This dominance, however, began to show cracks in 1928, when Herbert Hoover, a Republican, surprisingly carried the county, perhaps due to local anti-Catholic sentiment against Al Smith. This proved to be an anomaly initially, with the county reverting to strong Democratic support in the 1930s and 40s.
The mid-20th century marked a more decisive shift. Dwight D. Eisenhower's victory in 1952 was a watershed moment, as he won the county with over 62% of the vote, signaling the beginning of the Republican realignment in Texas. While there were occasional Democratic victories, such as Lyndon B. Johnson's in 1964, the trend toward Republican preference became increasingly pronounced. By the 1970s, the county had firmly entrenched itself in the Republican column, with Richard Nixon winning over 71% in 1972. This trend has continued unabated into the 21st century, culminating in the 2024 election where the Republican candidate garnered over 73% of the vote. The county's political identity is now unequivocally red, a testament to the long, slow, and often predictable, march of political evolution.
United States Senate election results for Tom Green County, Texas
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) |
|---|---|---|---|
| № % | № % | № % | |
| 2024 | 31,686 (70.15%) | 12,332 (27.30%) | 1,152 (2.55%) |
The pattern observed in presidential elections is mirrored in statewide races, such as the United States Senate election. In the 2024 Senate contest, the Republican candidate secured a commanding victory in Tom Green County, capturing over 70% of the vote. This result further solidifies the county's identity as a reliable conservative stronghold in Texas politics, reflecting a deeply ingrained political preference that has become a defining characteristic of the region.
Education
The public education system in Tom Green County is managed by a series of independent school districts, each responsible for delivering K-12 education within its designated geographical boundaries. These districts play a crucial role in the development of the county's youth, preparing them for higher education or entry into the workforce.
School districts include:
- Christoval Independent School District
- Grape Creek Independent School District
- Miles Independent School District
- San Angelo Independent School District
- Veribest Independent School District
- Wall Independent School District
- Water Valley Independent School District
These districts are the backbone of the community, providing the necessary infrastructure for learning, a relentless and often thankless endeavor that, if done correctly, ensures the future isn't entirely bleak.
Notable person
- August Pfluger is an American politician and a distinguished retired military officer who currently serves as the U.S. representative for Texas's 11th congressional district. Before his career in politics, Pfluger had a notable career in the United States Air Force, where he achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel. His military service included combat deployments and various leadership roles, providing him with a background in national security and strategic planning that he now brings to his legislative duties in Congress. His trajectory from military service to political representation is a familiar, if somewhat predictable, path for those seeking to continue serving the public.