SENATE HONORS FORMER MEMBERS

Former Secretary of the Senate Betty King unveils her portrait commissioned in her honor. Current Secretary of the Senate Patsy Spaw (right) looks on.

(AUSTIN) -- The Senate welcomed former members to the Chamber Thursday, continuing a long standing tradition of honoring the history of the body. Some of the former members attending the ceremony, like John Lindsay or Gonzalo Barrientos, just ended their service this year. Others, like Ron Clower and Bill Patman, served as Senators in the 1960's and 70's. The Senate also honored the state's longest serving Secretary of the Senate, Betty King, by unveiling a portrait commissioned to commemorate her long service. Mrs. King was elected by the Senate to the office of Secretary in 1977, and she served in that position until 2001. The portrait will hang in the committee room renamed in her honor in 2003.

Thursday also served as an opportunity for the Senate to remember former members who passed away this year. Among those honored was former Speaker of the House Bill Clayton, who won election as Speaker four consecutive times. Another was Senator Frank Madla, who died in a tragic house fire in November 2006. As a tribute to his memory, the Senate passed a bill named for him, Senate Bill 338, entitled the Frank Madla Act. This bill, by fellow San Antonio Senator Leticia Van de Putte, would require all homes built or sold after January 1, 2008, to be equipped with smoke detectors. The fire that claimed Madla's life, and that of his mother-in-law and granddaughter, occurred in a house that did not have smoke detectors. The bill was amended by Senator Mike Jackson of LaPorte to include sorority and fraternity houses under the requirement.

The Senate also passed a bill intended to increase benefits for members of the Texas National Guard who are killed in the line of duty. Currently, families who lose a loved one to military action are entitled to $21,000. Senate Bill 518, by Houston Senator Rodney Ellis, would increase this amount to $250,000.

The Senate will reconvene Friday, April 27 at 10 a.m.

Session video and all other webcast recordings can be accessed from the Senate website's audio and video archive pages.

Attorney General Abbott Urges Maverick County Residents to Beware of Scams in the Aftermath of Tornadoes

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Price gouging, contractor, charity ploys are common in the aftermath of a storm

EAGLE PASS – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today warned residents of Maverick County and other border communities to be wary of price gouging and fraudulent attempts to bilk homeowners and other consumers in the aftermath of Tuesday’s damaging tornadoes.

Gov. Rick Perry issued a disaster declaration for Maverick County Wednesday after storms caused extensive damage in the area. The governor’s declaration provides the Attorney General enhanced authority to prosecute price gouging. Under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, the Attorney General protects consumers from exorbitant prices during or after official disaster declarations for necessities, including fuel, food, lodging, medicines, repair work and other basic requirements.

“As Maverick County begins repairing damage in the wake of these storms, residents can rest assured that the Office of the Attorney General will aggressively prosecute price gouging,” Attorney General Abbott said. “Texans will not tolerate anyone who attempts to illegally profit from a disaster. We will keep the residents of Maverick County in our thoughts and prayers as we vigorously monitor this situation.”

As emergency response officials begin to gather reports of damaged or destroyed homes, Attorney General Abbott urged homeowners and businesses to exercise caution when seeking contractors to help with repairs. Abbott offered the following consumer tips:

Home repairs. Be wary of contractors who show up unexpectedly and offer roofing, drywall and other major repairs, particularly those who are not from the local community and low-ball their offer saying that they have material left over from a previous job and insist on an advance cash payment.

Obtain bids in writing from several contractors first and review each one carefully. Ask contractors if they are covered through insurance or a bond, particularly when considering them for a large project. Check with the city to make sure electricians and plumbers have the necessary license and have obtained the required permits.

Get all terms in writing and do not sign a contract without a full understanding of its contents. Do not sign a contract that has spaces left blank. Pay the contractor only as the work progresses, and do not sign a completion certificate until all repairs are done properly. If the work is substantial, consider having an independent inspector look it over before settling the bill with the contractor.

Before hiring a contractor, contact the Better Business Bureau and the Office of the Attorney General to determine whether consumers have filed complaints against the contractor in the past.

Charity scams. Be wary of telemarketers, solicitations by mail, or those who show up unexpectedly urging an immediate donation to an unfamiliar charity which supposedly will aid victims of the disaster. A legitimate charity will offer detailed information in writing about how donated money will be used and will provide a reasonable timeframe within which the donor can make an informed decision.

Be particularly suspicious of solicitors who are long on emotion but short on detail about how donations will be put to use. Always make the donation using a check or money order made out to the charity, and be wary of organizations with names that are very similar but not identical to those of a recognized charity.

Additional information to help consumers protect themselves against these and other disaster-related scams is available on the Attorney General’s Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us, or by calling (800) 252-8011. Information is available in English and Spanish.

Consumers should also call the Attorney General to report any suspicious activity that appears to target Maverick County consumers.

Apr. 25, 2007

Gov. Perry Views Storm Damage in Eagle Pass

Perry Issues State Disaster Proclamations for Maverick, Moore, and Swisher Counties

EAGLE PASS - Gov. Rick Perry today met with state and local officials in Eagle Pass to tour areas impacted by severe storms and tornadoes late Tuesday night into the morning. The governor issued state disaster proclamations for Maverick County as a result of the damage and loss of life sustained in the Eagle Pass area, and for Moore and Swisher counties in North Texas where tornadoes caused heavy damage earlier this week. Perry has also requested that the President issue disaster declarations for all three counties.

“The state continues to take swift action in addressing the needs of the individuals and areas impacted by these storms,” said Perry. “Though recovery will not be immediate, we know that homes and business can be rebuilt. Tragically though, the lives lost cannot. But the state will stand with these communities throughout this tragedy, from rescue to full recovery, in order to bring about a sense of normalcy as quickly as possible.”

Tornados and damaging winds were reported from Denton County in north central Texas to Maverick County at the Texas-Mexico border.

Yesterday, Gov. Perry directed the activation and deployment of specialized search and rescue teams and equipment to assist in the wake of these storms. State resources that have responded include:

• The entire Texas Task Force One team that was placed on stand-by last night, consisting of 82 personnel, deployed to Eagle Pass, where a nearly 5 square mile area has sustained structural damages in the Colonias area
• DPS helicopters, troopers and Regional Liaison Officers deployed to impacted areas
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Search and Rescue Strike Team deployed to Eagle Pass
• Texas Forest Service Incident Management Teams have deployed to Eagle Pass
• Texas Department of Transportation personnel assisting with road closures and debris cleanup in Eagle Pass
• A Department of State Health Services EMS Strike Team, Mobile Medical Command Post and Public Health Team deployed to Eagle Pass.
• Texas Military Forces has deployed of 130 soldiers, 40 high-profile vehicles and 1 UH 60 Blackhawk Helicopter to Eagle Pass
• A Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Environmental Strike Team deployed to Eagle Pass to assess the water system

The City of San Antonio deployed a Medical Strike Team consisting of five ambulances, a trauma trailer and a communications trailer to Eagle Pass. Additionally, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention are providing resources and assistance to impacted areas.

SENATE APPROVES INSURANCE EDUCATION AND TEACHERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM MEASURES

Senator Royce West of Dallas discusses his bill to launch pilot programs in the state's biggest urban areas to create community-based juvenile offender programs.

(AUSTIN) -- The Teachers' Retirement System of Texas would have greater flexibility to invest funds under a bill passed by the Senate Wednesday. Bill author Senator Robert Duncan has been a long-time advocate of reforming both the Teachers' and Employee Retirement system, which he believes are facing financial problems in the future. Senate Bill 1447 would attempt to minimize risk by allowing Retirement System trustees to choose from a broader range of funds and investment options. Duncan says this will protect the funds during economic downturns. "So that when we get into situations like we had in 2001, we don't suffer such a severe downside loss as we did back then," he said. The bill also authorizes the use of outside fund managers to add expertise to the fund's investment strategy.

The Senate also approved a bill intended to help educate Texans on health care options. Senate Bill 23, by Senator Jane Nelson, would create the TexLink system within the Texas Department of Insurance. TexLink would serve as a central resource for health insurance information, and could connect citizens and employers with health insurance resources in their regions. Nelson said educating the public is a good step toward increasing health coverage in Texas. "There is a real lack of awareness, especially among our small businesses, about the opportunity to pool with other businesses to leverage affordable health care," she said.

Other legislation passed by the Senate Wednesday includes:

• SB 887, by Seliger, would make the offense of injury of a child a "3-G" felony, meaning offenders would serve at least 50 percent of their sentence;
• SB 642, by West, would create a statewide system for the reporting of the purchase of regulated metals, in an effort to reduce the theft and resale of valuable metals, like copper;
• SB 1937, by Van de Putte, would launch an voluntary influenza school vaccination pilot program;
• SB 1295, by West, would create a community-based juvenile offender rehabilitation pilot program in large urban areas; and
• SB 583, by Patrick, would increase the waiting period to obtain a no-fault divorce from 60 to 90 days.

Session video and all other webcast recordings can be accessed from the Senate website's audio and video archive pages.

JESSICA'S LAW PASSES SENATE

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst (left) and Senator Robert Deuell listen to reporters' questions about Texas' version of Jessica's Law, passed by the Senate Tuesday.

(AUSTIN) -- The Senate approved a bill Tuesday that would stiffen penalties for sexual assault against children, including permitting prosecutors to seek the death penalty in specific situations. The bill is modeled after Florida's "Jessica's Law", named after Jessica Lunsford, a victim of abuse and murder at the hands of a convicted sex offender. Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, who has made this bill one of his priorities for this session, says this bill is easy for sexual offenders to understand. "This bill sends a message: don't mess with our kids in Texas."

House Bill 8, sponsored by Greenville Senator Robert Deuell, would create a minimum sentence of 25 years for those convicted of an aggravated assault against a child under 14, with certain aggravating circumstances, such as kidnapping, threatening harm, actual bodily harm, or drugging the child. For a second offense, prosecutors would be given the option of seeking life without parole or the death penalty. Deuell likened the death penalty application permitted under this bill to a "rifleshot", saying it could only be applied for certain repeated offenses. " It's for very specific, egregious crimes, that I think just about anyone who would support the death penalty would agree is appropriate," he said.

The bill also creates a new type of offense, called continuous sexual abuse of a child, for abuse that happens more than once over a period of 30 days. These offenders face 25 years for the first offense, and life without parole for the second. Penalties against child pornography are also enhanced, moving this offense to a first degree felony, with a sentence of 5-99 years in prison. These offenses would also be reclassified as a '3-G' offense, meaning convicts would have to serve at least half of their sentences, with no time off for good behavior.

The bill also includes provisions regarding treatment and monitoring of sex offenders. Under this measure, the Department of Corrections would be required to offer treatment to inmates convicted of a sexual crime against a child. The bill would also mandate real-time GPS monitoring for parolees. In order to aid smaller jurisdictions in prosecuting these cases, the Office of Attorney General would be required to help with investigation and prosecution if requested.

Deuell said Tuesday's bill represented the voice of all the stakeholders in this issue, including prosecutors and victim's rights advocates. Although it creates harsher penalties for those who abuse children, Deuell says he hopes the penalties will serve as a deterrent against anyone who might sexually assault a child. "I'm a family physician, I want to practice preventative medicine," he said. "So it would be good to have legislation that potential predators would look at and think, 'it's not worth it.'"

The Senate will reconvene Wednesday, April 25, at 11a.m.

Session video and all other webcast recordings can be accessed from the Senate website's audio and video archive pages.

Santa Anna One Act Play Encore - Part II

The Santa Anna One Act Play finished up their year with an encore presentation for the community this past Monday and a final presentation for the student body on Tuesday. This year's play was very successful advancing from the Zone, District, and Area Contests to compete at the Regional Contest in Abilene. Many of the actors and actresses received individual honors along the way. At the Regional Contest LeeAnda Bennett was named to the All Star Cast and Caylie Robinett was named to the Honorable Mention All Star Cast. At the Area Contest LeeAnda Bennett and Jarod Jones were named to the All Star Cast while Becca Fellers and Terrence Jackson were named to the Honorable Mention All Star Cast. At the District Contest LeeAnda Bennett and Jarod Jones were named Best Actress and Best Actor and Caylie Robinett was named to the All Star Cast and Molly Pritchard was named to the Honorable Mention All Star Cast. At the Zone Contest LeeAnda Bennett was named Best Actress and Jarod Jones Best Actor while Becca Fellers and Caylie Robinett were named to the All Star Cast. This year's Santa Anna One Act Play was "The Women of Lockerbie" by Deborah Brevoort. The play is set on December 21, 1995, the 7th anniversary of the Pan Am Flight 103 crash. Members of the cast are Jarod Jones, Leeanda Bennett, Molly Pritchard, Becca Fellers, Heather McMillan, Adelaida Dean, Caylie Robinett, and Terrence Jackson. The Crew is made up of: Sierra Herrod, Brittany Morris, Michelle Wetsel, Monica Cortez, and Kendra Coleman. The play is directed by Kathy Walker.

Cindy and went to the Monday night encore performance of the Women of Lockerbie and I finally got another picture of the group with their trophies!

OMNIBUS BILL IMPROVES MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, INCREASES FUNDING FOR TEXAS PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES

Monday, April 23, 2007
AUSTIN - A comprehensive House bill authored by State Rep. Harvey Hilderbran (Kerrville) helps restore excellence to the state park system by improving management practices, enhancing the visitor experience and increasing local grant opportunities, and will also help increase revenue and traffic to the state's historic sites.

House Bill 12, passed today by the House Committee on Culture, Recreation and Tourism, removes the cap on the sporting goods tax used to fund state parks. Though the sporting goods tax brings in about $105 million each year, the most recent appropriations bill only allocates $15.5 million for state parks and $5 million for local parks.

"HB 12 will restore excellence by removing the funding cap, improving management practices and increasing local park funding opportunities, which will help increase revenue and traffic to Texas parks and historic sites and provide the kind of experience that will bring visitors back," Rep. Hilderbran said.

Additionally, it ensures that many of the state's historical sites are well-funded and properly marketed. The omnibus bill authorizes the creation of an historic site fund which will automatically receive a portion of the sporting goods tax. Currently, parks and historical are funded from the same account.

"Creating a separate fund exclusively for historic sites means that whether in good times or bad, our historical sites will receive sufficient funding without having to compete with more popular recreational sites," Rep. Hilderbran said. "In the long run, this will help protect the funding and ensure the success of the state's historic sites."

During a public hearing, many testified in favor of HB 12, which would allow the Texas Historical Commission to market a number of the state's historic sites. The Texas Historical Commission manages some of the most effective preservation programs in the nation, including the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program, The Texas Main Street Program and the Texas Heritage Trails program.

"We're going to make these parks and historic sites more efficient and help them generate more traffic," Rep. Hilderbran said.

Many of the provisions within HB 12 will help the park system meet the recommendations of a State Audit report released in March.

The bill will require TPW to establish an equipment review system, under which the agency will be required to evaluate on an annual basis whether any maintenance equipment has become outdated and, if so, will require the agency to sell the equipment. It also requires TPW to submit a management plan every two years to address the most urgent maintenance requests. The bill also outlines ways to help increase the collection of user fees.

The bill will be brought before the entire House in the coming weeks.

SENATE VOTES TO STOP HPV MANDATE

Health and Human Services Committee Chair Jane Nelson passed a bill today aimed at correcting shortcomings in the state's foster care system.

(AUSTIN) -- The Senate approved a House bill Monday that would override the Governor's January executive order requiring the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to be administered to all 6th grade girls in Texas. Many lawmakers were outraged at the order, which they saw as an infringement on the powers of the legislative branch. The bill passed Monday would effectively cancel the Governor's order, and would prevent another such order until 2011.

Senate sponsor Senator Glenn Hegar said setting immunization policy should be the purview of Senate and House, not the Governor's office. "We're trying to give us a resting period where we as a Legislature have a voice, and we get to decide what vaccines are mandated in the state of Texas, and which are not," he said.

The Senate also passed a bill Monday that seeks to address shortcomings in the state's foster care system. Last session, the Legislature approved a sweeping overhaul of Texas' Child and Adult Protective Services, but Health and Human Services Committee Chair Jane Nelson said there are still problems for the state's more than 28,000 foster children. Her bill, SB 758, would address many of these issues. "SB 758 further refines our efforts to protect abused and neglected children and focuses heavily on ensuring they have access to safe, loving foster homes," she said.

SB 758 seeks to improve government oversight by requiring that each foster care facility or home be visited by a caseworker at least once a year, and by creating a licensing committee within the Department of Family and Protective Services to look at violations and to keep current on national trends affecting foster care. It expands in-home services offered to at-risk families, and would allow judges to order intervention services for families before the children are removed from the home.

The Senate will reconvene Tuesday, April 24 at 11 a.m.

Session video and all other webcast recordings can be accessed from the Senate website's audio and video archive pages.

HOUSE PASSES HB 2136

Monday, April 23, 2007
~ Hancock hails bill's passage as a victory for transparency ~


AUSTIN -- Today, the Texas House of Representatives voted for House Bill 2136 by Representative Hancock (Tarrant County) on second reading. This bill would put recommended public school counselor guidelines from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) in statute.


"Our bill promotes responsible and ethical counseling while maintaining the utmost level of confidentiality and privacy for our children and our counselors," Hancock said. "As a society, we hold our teachers, our principals and our school boards accountable for their actions and interactions with our children. It only makes sense that we hold public school counselors to the same degree of accountability."


House Bill 2136 requires public school counselors to submit an annual report to the school board, detailing the number of times a counselor refers a student to any outside agency, organization or individual. This report would be included in the annual performance report published by the school district's board of trustees. School counselors, charged with both the educational and social welfare of our public school students, do not widely practice this specific recommendation, detailed in the accepted TEA Guidance and Counseling Program for Texas Public Schools.


This program will help encourage responsible counseling in Texas for existing problems such as drug dependency, family violence, pregnancy, and learning disabilities. Supported by members of both parties, H.B. 2136 will be up for third reading on Tuesday, April 24th.

Santa Anna One Act Play Encore

The Santa Anna High School One-Act Play will have two encore productions of "The Women of Lockerbie". The last evening performance will be Monday, April 23, 2007 at 6:00 P.M. in the high school auditorium. There will be no admission and all parents, friends, and community members are encouraged to come if they have not seen the play. On Tuesday, April 24, 2007, the cast will be presenting the play for the upper grades at 10:00 A.M. Any community members not able to see it on Monday are also invited to see it on Tuesday. Mrs. Walker appreciates the community, school and parent support that this play has received.

This year's Santa Anna One Act Play, "The Women of Lockerbie" by Deborah Brevoort, is one of the best I have ever seen and this will be your last chance to see it if you haven't or if you just want to see it one more time.

The Santa Anna play is set on December 21, 1995, the 7th anniversary of the Pan Am Flight 103 crash. Members of the cast are Jarod Jones, Leeanda Bennett, Molly Pritchard, Becca Fellers, Heather McMillan, Adelaida Dean, Caylie Robinett, and Terrence Jackson. The Crew is made up of: Sierra Herrod, Brittany Morris, Michelle Wetsel, Monica Cortez, and Kendra Coleman. The play is directed by Kathy Walker.

Congratulations to the Santa Anna One Act Play on a successful year!

Gov. Perry Activates State Resources in Advance of Severe Storms

Apr. 24, 2007

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry today authorized the activation of specialized search and rescue teams and equipment for deployment in advance of severe storms expected across Texas today and tomorrow. The high threat area is projected to include more than 70 counties covering an area of more than 60,000 miles. These storms are expected to produce heavy wind, rain, hail and possibly tornadoes.

“We hope Texans will take all possible precautions during severe weather to keep them from dangerous situations,” Perry said. “However, in such unpredictable circumstances, we want to be sure we have resources readily available to assist in the event of emergencies.”

The governor activated a Texas Military Forces Transportation Team consisting of 30 soldiers and 40 high profile vehicles – 10 vehicles will be deployed to each of the following areas: Dallas, Austin, Waco and Lufkin.

The governor also directed two 14-person Texas Forest Service Incident Management Teams to be placed on stand-by for potential rapid deployment.

Perry authorized activation of a structural search and rescue team from Texas Task Force 1 to assist with potential rescues. The team is pre-positioned at Bryan-College Station, ready for statewide deployment and consists of 80 rescue specialists with equipment and search dogs. Additionally, the governor activated a 20 person flood rescue strike team in Bryan-College Station to assist as necessary.

Texas Task Force 1 is a 210-member force that is nationally recognized for its unique search and rescue capabilities. It was deployed to New York City following the terrorist attack on 9/11, and to New Orleans following the landfall of Hurricane Katrina.

Gov. Perry Announces Border Security Surge Operations' Continued Success

Apr. 24, 2007

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today announced the reduction of crime by 30 percent in the El Paso area during a recent border security operation known as Operation Wrangler III. Operation Wrangler III was a high-intensity surge operation that lasted 30 days in the El Paso border region.

“The success of this border security surge operation demonstrates once again that more boots on the ground, working together as a team, increases our safety and border security,” Perry said. “When criminal organizations are forced to shut down their smuggling activities, our communities are safer, and the quality of life improves for all Texans.”

As in previous state-led surge operations, the objective of Operation Wrangler III was to shut down organized smuggling activity between the Ports of Entry to prevent the illegal crossing of drugs, contraband and people into Texas. Local sheriffs’ offices and police departments worked side-by-side with their state and federal partners in three Texas counties (El Paso, Hudspeth and Culberson counties) and two New Mexico counties (Dona Ana and Luna counties) to deny Mexican criminal organizations and transnational gangs entry into the U.S.

A key benefit of securing the border is crime reduction. Operation Wrangler III resulted in the overall reduction of crime by 30 percent during the 30 day period of operation. The El Paso Sheriff’s Office documented an 82 percent reduction in aggravated assaults and 43 percent reduction in robberies. The El Paso Police Department reported a 16 percent reduction in robberies and 26 percent reduction in sexual assaults during the period of this operation.

“We are sending a clear message that an increased law enforcement presence is the key to securing our border,” Perry said. “Working with numerous state, federal and local agencies we can reduce drug trafficking, human smuggling and other crime in a significant way.”

In addition to the successes of Operation Wrangler III, border-wide surge operations have had a sustained impact on crime along the entire Texas-Mexico border. With 13 of the 18 border counties reporting, January-April of this year saw a 20 percent decrease in overall crime along these border areas compared to the same period of time last year. The 13 counties include Brewster, Culberson, Dimmit, El Paso, Hidalgo, Hudspeth, Maverick, Pecos, Star, Terrell, Val Verde, Zapata and Zavala.

The statistics from local law enforcement agencies in these 13 counties comparing January-April, 2006, to January-April, 2007, revealed the following overall results:

• Criminal Mischief reduced 34 percent
• Theft reduced 30 percent
• Burglary reduced 13 percent
• Aggravated Assault reduced 16 percent
• Sexual Assault reduced 59 percent
• Murder reduced 15 percent

Former Shelby County Official Charged with Diverting Taxpayer Funds for Personal Use

Monday, April 23, 2007

Attorney General seizes accounts after $190,000 stolen from county’s indigent health care fund

CENTER – A former Shelby County assistant auditor was arrested today for diverting $190,000 from the county’s indigent health care fund. The suspect, Marilyn Lout, 70, will be co-prosecuted by lawyers with the Office of the Attorney General.

Shelby County Sheriff’s deputies served an arrest warrant on Lout of Shelbyville, who was charged with engaging in organized criminal activity for theft and misapplication of fiduciary property, both first-degree felonies. Due to concerns about her health, Lout will be allowed to remain in her home in lieu of physical arrest. Attorney General’s prosecutors also seized bank accounts of several individuals who allegedly received the proceeds of the theft.

“Texans will not tolerate government officials who steal from the taxpayers and violate the public’s trust,” said Attorney General Abbott. “The Office of Attorney General will aggressively prosecute the perpetrators of this outrageous scheme to defraud Shelby County’s Indigent Health Care Fund. We are grateful to Shelby County Sheriff Newton Johnson Jr. and Shelby County District Attorney Lynda K. Russell for their tremendous assistance with this case.”

As assistant county auditor, Lout was responsible for administering the Shelby County Indigent Health Care Fund. Following an audit by a subsequent Shelby County fund auditor, county investigators traced missing public funds to bank accounts in Hardin County, some 100 miles south of Center. Checks appear to have been fraudulently signed, and then issued and diverted to Ms. Lout’s relatives.

Because Lout was previously a county employee, Shelby County District Attorney Russell requested the Attorney General’s assistance in prosecuting the case. The Attorney General’s prosecutors are scheduled to present this matter to a Shelby County grand jury on May 3.

Mason County Sets Spring Beef Cattle Field Day

April 23, 2007
Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Brent Drennan, 325-347-6459, b-drennan@tamu.edu

MASON - The Spring Beef Cattle Field Day presented by Texas Cooperative Extension is set for 9 a.m. May 16 at the Mason County Community Center.

The community center is on U.S. Highway 87 South, also known as the Fredericksburg Highway. "This year's program will deal with diseases of livestock and zoonotic diseases," said Brent Drennan, Extension agent in Mason County. "Zoonotic diseases are animal diseases that are transmissible to humans; rabies is a good example. In our

usually semi-arid, thinly stocked area, animal diseases are generally not a concern, but they could be. "This program is meant to familiarize producers with some of the disease problems they might encounter. We're not trying to alarm anyone," he said. "We just want producers to know what symptoms to look for in livestock and wildlife so they can better recognize and act on problems if they occur."

Participants will be given information on how to handle a situation and whom to contact in the event of a foreign disease outbreak, Drennan said.

Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be offered.

Individual registration is $10 by May 11 and $15 thereafter. A steak lunch will be provided.

For more information or to register call the Extension office in Mason County at 325-347-6459.

Standard Agricultural Practices for Dove Hunters Focus of May 8

April 23, 2007
Writer: Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259, b-fannin@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Larry Redmon, 979-845-4826, l-redmon@tamu.edu
Kelby Boldt, 409-835-8461, k-boldt@tamu.edu

BEAUMONT * To help agricultural producers and dove hunters stay informed of the latest practices with winter pasture establishment, a May 8 meeting has been scheduled in Beaumont.

The meeting will be held from 6-9 p.m. at the Jefferson County Jury Impaneling Room, 1001 Pearl St., and will help producers learn the latest federal and state regulations regarding winter pasture establishment and migratory bird hunting

"There seems to be some misunderstanding regarding what standard agricultural practices are when it comes to winter pasture establishment," said Dr. Larry Redmon, Texas Cooperative Extension state forage specialist.

"We intend to discuss the 'standard' when it comes to planting and what alternatives might be used for earlier plantings for doves that do not violate the law. Department of Justice, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and state game wardens will also be on the program to help identify how they view the law when it comes to planting for doves." Redmon will discuss "Winter Pasture Establishment: Standard Agricultural Practices" and "Summer Plantings for Doves."

Other speakers and topics will be: Jeff Odom, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, "Migratory bird hunting regulations: Federal Perspective" and Robbie Smith, Texas game warden in Jefferson County, "Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations: The State Perspective."

Co-sponsors are Extension, Texas Parks and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Department of Justice.

For more information, contact Kelby Boldt, Extension agent for Jefferson County, at 409-835-8461 or Redmon at 979-845-4826.

Be A Good Neighbor When Using Phenoxy Herbicides

April 23, 2007
Writer: Tim W. McAlavy, 806-746-6101, t-mcalavy@tamu.edu
Contact: Teresa Burns, 806-746-6101, THBurns@ag.tamu.edu

LUBBOCK - There's an old saying ..."good fences make good neighbors." While good fences often separate productive crop land and different crops, they do little to stop herbicide drift.

"Phenoxy herbicides containing the active ingredient 2,4-D are commonly used to burn down unwanted vegetation before farmers plant row crops," said Teresa H. Burns, Texas Cooperative Extension viticulture advisor based at the Texas A&M University System Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Lubbock. "Using phenoxy herbicides in close proximity to neighboring vineyards can cause a real headache for grape growers."

Grapevines are perennials that begin growth and put on new leaves early in the spring, several weeks before row crops are planted. They are also sensitive to herbicide damage throughout the growing season. "Many High Plains grape growers have suffered significant economic losses from herbicide drift during the past 10 years," Burns said. "Grape losses from herbicide drift can reach as high as $10,000 per acre because affected vines either die or take several years to recover and regain normal productivity.

"Grape and wine production contributes close to $1 billion to the Texas economy. We currently have about 2,900 acres of grapes in Texas, and more than half that acreage is on the High Plains and in West Texas."

Burns encourages row crop producers to be a good neighbor when using phenoxy herbicides, especially if there are vineyards in the neighborhood.

"Here are some tips on using phenoxy herbicides responsibly," she said. - Do not spray phenoxy herbicides within 1 mile of a vineyard from mid-March until the end of October.
- Consider using alternative chemicals, but remember that glyphosate herbicide can also drift and cause significant damage to grapevines.

As a result, planting glyphosate-resistant cotton in close proximity to a vineyard should be avoided, according to Dr. Ed Hellman, Extension viticulturist based at Lubbock.
- Always read and follow herbicide label directions.
- Shut down or postpone herbicide applications if the wind speed is greater than 5 mph, or if the wind changes direction.
- Do not spray when there is a risk of temperature inversion, or when temperatures exceed 85 degrees F.
- Set up herbicide application equipment to deliver large spray droplets, which are less likely to drift.
- Use air induction or drift-retardant spray nozzles on spray equipment.
- Use a thickener, drift-retardant or elasticizer in the herbicide tank.
- Use a less-volatile amine formulation of phenoxy herbicide rather than an ester formulation.

But be aware than amine formulations can also drift.

"The person applying a herbicide is responsible for minimizing the potential for drift that may cause crop damage in adjoining fields," Burns said. "But if we practice some common-sense, good-neighbor methods when planning and making herbicide applications, we help minimize crop damage from herbicide drift. It just makes good sense, and good neighbors."

To find out the location of vineyards on the High Plains, or for more information on good neighbor herbicide use, contact Burns at 806-746-6101 or THBurns@ag.tamu.edu .

Annual Heart of Texas Cow/Calf Clinic Becomes More 'User-Friendly'

April 20, 2007
Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Scott Anderson, 325-646-0386, s-anderson@tamu.edu

BROWNWOOD - For 28 years, Texas Cooperative Extension's annual Heart of Texas Cow/Calf Clinic has been a morning program. This year, to make it more "user-friendly," it will be in the evening, said Scott Anderson, Extension agent in Brown County.

"Most area ranchers now have regular jobs to tend to, and many couldn't make clinics in the past," Anderson said. "That's the reason for the change."

The clinic will begin at 5 p.m. May 3 with registration and a meal. It will take place at the Brown County Fairgrounds on U.S. Highway 377 South.

"This clinic is noted for providing a program that's practical for cattle raisers," Anderson said "And this year is no different. We've had some rain, but we still don't know what the hay crop will be. We're also seeing grain prices climb. These two factors alone can affect the cattle market, but so far that's not happened. Our aim is to provide the information our producers need to manage their cattle in these unusual economic times."

Topics and speakers include: "Vaccination for Central Texas Cows," Dr. Ron Gill, Extension livestock specialist at Stephenville; "Stocking Rates After a Rain," Dr. Allan McGinty, Extension range specialist at San Angelo, and "How Much Can You Pay for a Grass Lease?" and "Cattle Market Outlook," Bill Thompson, Extension economist at San Angelo. The clinic is sponsored by the Extension offices in Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, McCulloch, Mills and San Saba counties.

Individual registration is $5 by May 1 so an accurate meal count can be made.

For more information or to register, contact the Extension office in Brown County at 325-646-0386.

Concho/McCulloch County Wheat Tour Set For May 15

April 20, 2007
Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Michael Palmer, 325-732-4304, m-palmer@tamu.edu

MILLERSVIEW - Texas Cooperative Extension in Concho and McCulloch counties will hold its annual wheat tour from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 15, at the Millersview Gymnasium.

The morning's topics will include: "Value of Wheat forage in a Livestock Operation," "No-Till Conservation Farming," "Strategies for Small Grain Pest Control," "Small Grain Diseases," "Farm Service Agency and Wheat Board Updates," and "Wheat Market Outlook."

Afternoon topics will include: "Harvest Weather Outlook," "Economics of Biofuels and Wheat Production," and "Fertilizers, Small Grain Varieties and Wild Oat Control."

The day's events will also include talks by chemical company representatives, and reviews and tours of test plots in both counties.

Five Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be offered. Registration deadline is May 10.

For more information and to register, call the Concho County Extension Office at 325-732-4304 or the McCulloch County Extension Office at 325-597-1295.

Apr. 20, 2007

Gov. Perry Visits Colonias in El Paso

Highlights accomplishments and pledges continued support for assistance

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today visited residents of College Park and Ascension colonias in El Paso, and spoke about the importance of ensuring adequate living conditions for all Texans.

“The State of Texas has an obligation to pursue policies that raise the standard of living for all of its people,” Perry said. “That means providing access to quality schools, access to basic services like water and wastewater systems, and access to vital infrastructure such as quality roads.”

Colonias are unincorporated and unregulated settlements along the United States-Mexico border. Close to a half million Texans live in meager conditions in more than 2,300 colonias across Texas. Perry noted that while there is more work to be done, significant steps have been taken toward improving the standard of living in colonias.

“Thanks to a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant, we recently were able to bring water services to seven colonias in the eastern part of El Paso County ,” Perry said. “Today, more than 50,000 El Paso residents in 166 colonias are receiving water and wastewater services for the first time. This isn’t everyone, but it’s better than where we were just a few short years ago, and we need to make even greater progress.”

Gov. Perry will continue to support and encourage efforts to improve the lives and futures of the families living in colonias. The Texas Office of the Secretary of State has oversight of numerous colonia issues, and is continually working with federal, state and local agencies and officials to help address the challenges facing colonia residents.

“My greatest aspiration is that the children of colonias are given the opportunity to better themselves through a quality education,” Perry said. “But you can’t do well in school if you are sick, and you can’t stay healthy without basic water and wastewater services, and with living conditions conducive to the spread of disease. The hopes and dreams of every child matter. And we will do everything we can to advance those dreams.”

Gov. Perry Requests Federal Disaster Declaration for Storm Damage In Nine North Central Texas Counties

Apr. 19, 2007

AUSTIN – Governor Rick Perry today requested that President George W. Bush declare nine North Central Texas counties major disaster areas as a result of severe storms and flooding on March 29-31. The counties include Callahan, Coryell, Eastland, Ellis, Hill, Jack, Lampasas, McLennan and Navarro.

The governor’s request comes after issuing a state disaster proclamation for these nine counties. Recently, joint surveys by teams from the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management and local jurisdictions determined the extent of damage to be beyond the capabilities of the state and the affected local governments.

“Damage to homes, road closures caused by debris, and disruptions in electrical power have left many people in need,” Perry said. “The localized damage to these counties is high, and I will continue working with local emergency officials to provide needed state resources and pursue available federal assistance.”

Recent severe storms and flooding during the past six months have put a strain on the state’s emergency relief budget.

In response to the flooding, the Texas Department of Transportation provided resources for emergency road clearing, and the Texas Department of Public Safety assisted with communications efforts. Texas Parks and Wildlife coordinated with local officials to assist in search and rescue, and the American Red Cross and Tthe The Salvation Army are giving support to people in need. The Texas Military Forces and Texas Task Force 1 are on standby in case further support is required.

If the Governor's request for a Federal Disaster Declaration is granted, it could provide federal grants for local governments facing extensive damage to roads, bridges, culverts and other public infrastructure. Assistance also may be made available for debris removal and hazard mitigation, which means funding for projects that would lessen or prevent flood and storm damage in future severe weather events.

Cleveland Cemetery Association 45th Annual Meeting

The Cleveland Cemetery Association 45th Annual Meeting will be Saturday April 28, 2007 at 10 am at the Cleveland Cemetery Chapel. The Financial Report will be given; new business includes the addition of an acre to the cemetery and election of officers. Current officers are Charlie Ray Fleming President, Bob Reese Vice-President, Ernest Covey, 2nd Vice President, Janice Fellers, Secretary-Treasurer.

RANKIN – MOORE TO EXCHANGE VOWS - APRIL 28TH 2007

Jay Lee and Shirley Jane Rankin, of Coleman and Chris and Jerilyn Moore, of Springtown, Texas would like to announce the approaching marriage of their children Stacie Rankin and Seth Moore.

4-H News

Lamb & Goat Camp - Howard College
Goat Camp - June 3, 4, & 5th, 2007
Lamb Camp - June 17, 18, & 19th, 2007

Howard College in Big Spring, Texas offers camps for lamb & and goat exhibitors, parents, and leaders. Topics to be addressed are: Selection, health & management, feeding, exercising, washing and shearing, showmanship, and classifying. This camp is a hands-on type instruction and has proved to be very beneficial for young exhibitors.

There is a charge of $85.00 per person which covers lodging, meals and awards. Adult supervision is required. Entrants will receive a camp tee shirt or cap. Camp participants must be nine (9) years old or entering the third grade.

If you are interested in attending, you will want to send in your reservation ASAP. They only take the first 200 paid and complete applications. Come by the County Extension Office soon for an application and more details about the camp.

Horse Project Certification
If you have a horse(s) that you will be riding in the District 7 4-H Horse Show, you will need to certify your horse(s) by May 1st . Forms are available at the County Extension Office.

Livestock Judging
If you are interested in participating in 4-H Livestock Judging, contact us at the Extension Office at 625-4519 (or e-mail: coleman-tx@tamu.edu ) and put your name on the list. We will begin practice sessions SOON. Watch for updates and announcements. We look forward to your participation.

State Fair - Lamb & Goat Validation Tags
Please be thinking about the number of lamb and goat validation tags you will be needing for 2007 State Fair. Deadline to order is April 20th. Please have your numbers to me by April 18th .

District Roundup - Educational Presentations
It*s not too late to get an Educational Presentation together for the District 7 4-H Roundup event which is held in May each year. Educational Presentations (formerly called Method Demonstrations) can be a fun activity that can be presented individually or in teams of two or more. In presenting a demonstration, you *show and tell* how to do something. The subject matter can be a wide variety of topics: Examples: Horticulture, Food & Nutrition, Horse, Housing & Home Environment, Meat Science, Family Life, Promote 4-H, Public Speaking just to name a few. Ask to see the publication titled 2007 4-H Rock On ! Texas 4-H Roundup Guide for more topics and contest guidelines. If you think you might be interested, contact Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS at the County Extension Office.

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