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Coleman 4-H Club Meeting

The Coleman 4-H Club will have their monthly meeting Tuesday, March 13th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Coleman Jr. High Library. All members are invited to attend, as well as anyone interested in joining 4-H. Please come and invite your friends. Parents are also encouraged to attend.

Rio Grande Valley Vegetable Crops Earning Top Dollar

March 1, 2007
Writer: Rod Santa Ana III, 956-968-5585,r-santaana@tamu.edu
Contacts: Dr. Juan Anciso, 956-968-5581,j-anciso@tamu.edu
Ray Prewett, 956-584-1772

WESLACO – "Through the roof" is how experts are describing the record prices growers in the Rio Grande Valley are getting for their winter vegetable harvests this year.

Weather-related problems in other vegetable-producing regions have reduced supplies, raised market prices and provided a much-needed boon to producers in South Texas, according to Dr. Juan Anciso, a Texas Cooperative Extension vegetable specialist at the Texas A&M University System Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Weslaco.

"Because of last month's devastating freeze in California," Anciso said, "we're seeing very strong markets and especially high prices for our celery, cabbage and carrots. The market is always volatile, but we're now seeing three and four times the normal prices."

A 40-pound box of celery, which usually fetches growers $6 to $9, is selling for $38 to $40 per box, Anciso said.

A 50-pound box of cabbage, which last year brought growers $5.50 to $6 depending on quality and size, is bringing as much as $10 to $15. Chinese cabbage, used in stir-fries and other ethnic cuisines, is fetching as much as $20 to $30 for a 50-pound box, he said.

"With Chinese cabbage selling at that price, a grower with optimal conditions and no rejects could get up to $10,000 per acre," Anciso said.

Winter vegetables from the Rio Grande Valley are sent by refrigerated trucks to markets and distribution points in Houston, Dallas and St. Louis, and as far away as Chicago, New York and Canada.

Vegetables make up about a third of the Valley's agricultural industry, with a regional gross value of about $160 million annually, according to Extension figures.

A hard freeze in mid-January dipped temperatures into the teens for several days throughout California's growing regions, causing an estimated $1 billion loss to the state's winter vegetable crop, according to the state's agriculture department Web site.

As a result, higher vegetable prices are expected to eventually be passed on to consumers at varying degrees, Anciso said.

He also said the vegetable market is expected to remain strong once Rio Grande Valley onions are harvested in April. Low supplies throughout the country of storage onions refrigerated and held over from last year's harvest, plus weather-related problems south of the border, could bring record prices.

"Heavy rains and disease problems in Peru and Mexico, coupled with reduced acreage of onions in both Mexico and Texas, have been sending prices through the roof for white and yellow onions," said Andre Escobar, a produce salesman at Duda Farm Fresh Foods in McAllen.

"Prices for onions last year were so low," Escobar said, "growers lost a lot of money and, as a result, they planted fewer acres this year. Last year growers here in the Valley planted 13,600 acres, but only 9,500 acres this year. So all those conditions are pushing prices up."

The only downside to the Valley's onion crop is that it will be harvested later than usual, Escobar said.

"By now, Mexican onion imports would be ‘blowing and going,' but it's been slow because of their bad weather," he said. "The Valley's onion harvest usually gets started March 10, but this year we're looking at April 10 because of the heavy rains we had back in October when we were planting, which delayed the crop."

Despite the slow start, Anciso said California, which usually starts harvesting and shipping their onions at the tail end of the Valley's onion harvest and depressing prices, would not be a factor this year.

"Stored onions are now selling for much higher than normal, as much as $24 for jumbo yellows from Idaho and Oregon, and Mexican onions are selling for as much as $30 for a 40-pound box, so once Valley onions start selling, we could see record prices," Anciso said.

Tommy Jendrusch, who is currently harvesting his carrot and celery fields east of McAllen, said his crop is also seeing high prices.

"The carrot market right now is unbelievable," he said. "A 50-pound bag is selling for as much as $18, compared to the $6.50 or $7 we normally get."

Imports usually drive down prices for his crops, but Mexican and Canadian imports are light this year, Jendrusch said.

"It's a shame growers in other areas are suffering, but that's helping us get better prices and it's just how this game is played," he said.

Ray Prewett, executive vice president of the Texas Vegetable Association, a commodity organization based in Mission, agreed with Jendrusch, saying Valley growers were overdue for a bright market.

"We hate to see growers in California and elsewhere suffer," he said, "but that's how the agriculture business works. We need these price increases to make up for stagnant prices that we've been seeing for the past several years. We know the situation sometime in the future will be reversed, when California growers will be back and we'll be having problems, but for now our growers need all the help they can get."

Managing Urban Wildlife Becoming Critical in Growing Cities, Suburbs

March 1, 2007
Writer: Mike Jackson, 972-952-9232,Mcjaskson@ag.tamu.edu
Contacts: Fred D. Burrell, 214-904-3050,F-burrell@tamu.edu
John Davis, 972-293-3841,Jmdavis01@aol.com

DALLAS – Humans and animals cross paths more than ever in growing Texas cities, wildlife experts say.

Now they have to learn to live together. That's according to wildlife specialists who led seminars recently for the Managing Urban Wildlife conference at the Texas A&M University System Research and Extension Center in Dallas.

Wildlife professionals from the Dallas-Fort Worth area attended for advice on reducing encounters between people and potentially dangerous animals, such as bobcats, coyotes, skunks and raccoons. More than 100 attended the conference, which was hosted by Texas Cooperative Extension and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

"I think it is a very critical point in time," said Fred Burrell, an Extension agent in Dallas. "We are interdependent. We've got to learn how to co-exist. If our wildlife goes, so goes human life."

Urbanites need direction on re-connecting with urban wildlife, said Dr. Clark Adams, a professor in the department of wildlife and fisheries sciences at Texas A&M University in College Station.

He praised the audience for their interest in educating people about how they affect wildlife in their communities.

"Wildlife in urban areas isn't the problem," Adams said. "People are."

Burrell said anecdotal evidence suggests that uncomfortable encounters between humans and wildlife are on the rise in growing communities. The animals often remain in developed areas after builders turn their habitats into subdivisions.

Coyotes, for instance, thrive in urban and suburban environments, said Brett Johnson, an urban wildlife biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife.

"They are incredibly adaptable," said Johnson, who works in southern Dallas County. "Their only requirement is that they have to den up within 6 miles of a water source."

Some people become concerned when they see coyotes trotting down alleys or meandering through parks, Johnson said.

Most of the time, however, there is nothing to fear, he said. Coyotes aren't interested in humans. They prey on small mammals and reptiles. They're scavengers that dine on road kill. They also eat persimmon, plums and other fruit.

But coyotes, like other wild animals, will wander close to humans and homes if tempted, Johnson said. The solution: Remove the temptations and the animals will stay away.

Johnson recommends keeping cats and other small pets inside houses. Never feed pets outside because the food will attract unwanted animals. Secure garbage bin covers. Fix holes in fences.

"Encourage people to yell at the coyotes," he told the group. "Clap your hands. Send a stick in its general direction. I'm not talking about hurting it. But nail it with (water from) a water hose. They don't like it."

And never leave food for wild animals or attempt to feed them by hand, Johnson said. Animals will lose their natural fear of humans and eventually bite the hands that feed them.

Angela Dement, an Extension assistant, told the group to encourage pet owners to keep up with vaccinations for their animals. That limits the potential for spreading diseases.

Children should be counseled about approaching animals that might appear to be friendly, she said. She recounted an incident a few years ago in the Houston area, where a boy brought a bat to school. He found it listless on the ground. The bat, it was later discovered, had rabies. With a little education up front, the boy would have known to leave the bat alone, Dement said.

"Bats fly. They don't like the ground," Dement said. "So I tell kids, ‘If you see one, don't pick it up.'"

Burrell said that to his knowledge, the urban wildlife conference was the first ever in Texas. He and his counterparts at Texas Parks and Wildlife might make it an annual event.

"When you educate people you have an effect on their actions," he said.

New 4-H Environmental Program Will Involve Blind, Sight-Impaired Youth

March 1, 2007
Writer: Paul Schattenberg, 512-854-9600,paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Lillianne Goeders, 512-854-9600,l-goeders@tamu.edu

AUSTIN – The 4-H Children and Parents Involved in Technology and Literacy program of Texas Cooperative Extension for Travis County has received a $15,000 Giving Voice grant in science literacy from Starbucks Foundation. The grant will be used for science literacy related to environmental awareness at the Texas School for the Blind.

About 100 blind or visually impaired elementary, middle and high school students will benefit from the program, said Lillianne Goeders, Extension agent for 4-H and youth development in Travis County.

"This program will be delivered through the school's 4-H Conservation Club and will combine environmental science, environmental literacy and art in innovative ways," Goeders said. "It will give blind and visually impaired youth 10 to 18 years of age the opportunity to be directly involved in environmental stewardship, as well as create more environmental awareness in the community."

The 4-H club will adapt visual information and curriculum to provide "tactile" lessons for the students.

The partnership between 4-H and the school will allow these students to acquire skills and information to help them make informed personal choices that may affect the environment, she said.

"Blind and visually impaired youth require extra preparation and attention to participate in high-quality, hands-on science labs specifically designed for them," said Rudy Anderson, a project coordinator and 4-H adult leader. "Teachers at the school will receive the support of 4-H adult leaders, Starbucks employees and other community volunteers so they can have the time and resources needed to conduct weekly science labs and other science literacy activities relating to environmental awareness."

Volunteers for the program receive specialized training on working with blind and visually impaired youth.

"During our training, we have the volunteers do activities while blindfolded to give them a sense of how to relate to the students," said Misty Brooks, an instructional specialist with the 4-H program. "With these students, all teaching activities literally have to be hands-on, and that's what we try to impart to our volunteers."

About 30 volunteers have received training, she said, and another 20 will be needed to provide sufficient support for the program.

"The kids at the Texas School for the Blind are some of the friendliest and brightest students anywhere, and we're glad to have the opportunity to work with them," she said. "4-H is an ‘inclusive' program, and this effort will help visually impaired and blind people develop greater sense of personal responsibility and concern for the environment."

Students in the program will participate in a 4-H service learning project, science labs, recycled art projects and other activities.

"One of the students' service learning activities will be to write letters to local businesses in Braille, which volunteers will translate into printed English," Anderson said. "The letters will ask these businesses and their employees to be aware of the need to protect the water quality of our local watersheds and request they take action to help protect them."

Based on measures initiated to protect water quality, the top three businesses – small, medium and large – will be selected by the students to receive an environmental award.

"Each of these businesses will receive a 4-H Conservation Award for Leadership and Innovation during the 2007 Earth Day Awards at the school," Anderson said. "Representatives from Starbucks will present the awards to representatives of the winning businesses."

Austin is an environmentally sensitive area and individual and community involvement is needed to protect its watersheds, Goeders added.

"Helping educate and inform more than 100 youth about the importance of environmental stewardship will certainly have a positive impact," she said.

Master Gardeners Bring Passion for Plants to East Austin

Feb. 28, 2007
Writer: Paul Schattenberg, 512-854-9600,paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Skip Richter, 512-854-9600,rrichter@ag.tamu.edu

AUSTIN – Texas Cooperative Extension and the Travis County Master Gardeners will sponsor "A Passion for Plants" garden fair in East Austin.

The fair will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 17 on the grounds of the Horticulture Building at Austin Community College Riverside Campus. The grounds are at the intersection of Grove Boulevard and Hogan Street.

The event is free and open to the public. Plants and seeds will be given to attendees while quantities last.

Activities will include hands-on demonstrations and how-to instructions for growing trees plants and vegetables, said Skip Richter, Extension horticulturist for Travis County.

"Both adults and kids can learn a lot from attending the fair," he said. "Even people who aren't familiar with gardening will be able to see how to prepare their soil and take care of plants in their garden and landscape."

Educational topics will include composting and mulching, vegetable planting, preparing soil, growing plants from seeds and cuttings, and growing plants in containers. Other topics will be insects, plant diseases, native and adapted plants for East Austin, environmental awareness, tree planting, lawn care and weed control.

Children's activities will include games and a display of live tarantulas and centipedes, as well as a giant cave cockroach, by "The Bug Lady," Wizzie Brown, Extension entomologist. Experts from Extension and several East Austin gardening organizations will be available to answer questions relating to horticulture, Richter said.

Horticultural demonstrations and instruction will be targeted to those living on Austin's east side, but those from other areas also can benefit from attending, he added.

For more information, call the Travis County Master Gardeners at 512-854-9600.

Researchers ‘Sniff Out’ Emissions from Feedyards

Feb. 28, 2007
Writer: Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5608,skledbetter@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Ken Casey, 806-677-5600,kdcasey@ag.tamu.edu

Photos and Graphics Click for larger images

AMARILLO – Setting up an air quality trailer in the midst of cattle pens at a feedlot will help measure gaseous emissions, said a Texas Agricultural Experiment Station researcher.

Dr. Ken Casey, Experiment Station air quality engineer in Amarillo, wants to measure ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions from feedyards.

His research team is setting up two climate-controlled instrument trailers in different locations at a feedyard. The trailers will be equipped with two continuous emissions analyzers – one for ammonia, the other for hydrogen sulfide.

Samples from above the trailer are drawn into a heated manifold inside the trailer, where the analyzers draw their sample, Casey said. This instrumentation allows measurement of both ammonia and hydrogen sulfide with a high degree of precision.

Ammonia is an environmental pollutant associated with a number of undesirable issues that are both regional and extensive in nature, he said.

Two federal acts – the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act – establish reportable levels of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and other emissions, Casey said.

In recent years, the courts have applied this legislation to swine and poultry operations, which resulted in a heightened awareness of environmental concerns within the agriculture community, he said. To date, these acts have not been applied to cattle feedyards.

Ammonia emitted at feedyards comes from excess nitrogen fed to cattle and excreted primarily in the urine, Casey said. His research is aimed at determining when conditions are most favorable for emissions to occur. Then feedyard operators can better target their mitigation strategies.

Combining the measurement data with meteorological data collected by other researchers at the same yard and an air pollution model allows the total emission rate to be determined, he said.

"Because we're going to monitor this over the course of a year, we'll pick up daily and seasonal trends," he said. "We'll be able to correlate the rate with feedyard and climatic conditions, such as pen moisture content, days since rainfall, temperature and solar radiation."

By better understanding the mechanisms that influence these emissions, researchers can establish strategies that may be useful in controlling them, Casey said.

"Clearly addressing the problem at its source through waste minimization potentially has the greatest effect," he said. "That means not feeding a level of nutrients to cattle in excess of what they need."

Hydrogen sulfide is the other pollutant Casey will measure. It, too, can impact human health, particularly at high concentrations. Although hydrogen sulfide is being monitored, concentrations are usually very low around feedyards, he said.

"There is concern that even relatively low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide can have health effects as well," Casey said. "There is legislation in a number of states, including Texas, of threshold exposure limits for hydrogen sulfide in the community around sources of emission."

Within a feedyard, most of the hydrogen sulfide emissions are thought to come from the runoff retention structures or lagoons, he said. Yard emissions are already being measured. The next step is to float a wind tunnel on the surface of the lagoon to measure emissions.

Additional measurements of the ambient concentration downwind of the runoff retention structure also will be taken, allowing an emission rate to be obtained through modeling.

"So in effect, we get two goes at measuring the emission rate – directly and indirectly," Casey said. "This will give us more confidence in the emission rates we have for these facilities."

HAIL DAMAGE FORCES SHUTTLE ATLANTIS OFF LAUNCH PAD

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA decided Tuesday to roll the space shuttle Atlantis off its launch pad and back inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center. Managers made the decision after a hail storm Monday damaged the orbiter's External Tank. A new target launch date has not been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late April.

Once an up-close look at the damage is complete, the type of repair required and the time needed for that work can be determined. Atlantis' flight, STS-117, to the International Space Station will be scheduled sometime after a Russian Soyuz spacecraft returns from the station. The Soyuz is delivering new station crew members and returning others back to Earth in late April. Adequate time is needed between the Soyuz undocking and the shuttle's arrival to the station.

STS-117 Commander Rick Sturckow, Pilot Lee Archambault and mission specialists Jim Reilly, Patrick Forrester, Steven Swanson and John "Danny" Olivas will continue training at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, as they await a new target launch date. During the 11-day mission, the astronauts will work with the station crew and ground teams to install a new truss segment, unfold a new set of solar arrays and retract one array on the starboard side of the station.

Space Shuttle Program managers are gathered at the Kennedy Space Center for the traditional Flight Readiness Review for the mission. During the two-day meeting, NASA managers and engineers assess any risks associated with the mission and determine whether the shuttle's equipment, support systems and procedures are ready for flight. The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, will continue as planned.

For information about the STS-117 crew and mission, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

Health Literacy Is Communication Tool for Patients, Doctors

Feb. 27, 2007
Writer: Linda Anderson, 979-862-1460,lw-anderson@tamu.edu
Contact: Andrew Crocker, 806-677-5600,abcrocker@ag.tamu.edu

AMARILLO – If you've ever ended a conversation with a health care provider just as confused as you were at its beginning, you know why health literacy is so important. That's the word from Andrew Crocker, Texas Cooperative Extension gerontology specialist.

"The U.S. Department of Health Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration defines health literacy as ‘the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions,'" Crocker said.

Even though that definition itself is a little difficult to understand, it also misses a key element, he said.

"Health literacy also depends on the ability of the health provider to communicate information regarding health issues," he said. "The ‘individual' – or patient – is only part of the equation."

Although the cause of health illiteracy is a mystery, Crocker said rapidly increasing technology could be a factor.

"Medicine and health information have come a long way in a relatively short time," he said. "New medications (and) procedures are developing daily, involving more and more complex methods."

The limited amount of time health care providers have to spend with each patient also contributes to the problem, he said.

"Often information is given without further consideration of whether or not it was comprehended," Crocker said. "Many people still see their health provider as unapproachable when it comes to questions because of the speed with which he or she completes their office visit."

Why is this such an important issue? Because miscommunication between patient and doctor can have serious consequences, he said.

"Individuals with limited health literacy incur medical expenses that are up to four times greater than patients with adequate literacy skills, costing the health care system billions of dollars every year in unnecessary doctor visits and hospital stays," Crocker said.

Not only that. Many of these patients hide their confusion from their doctors because they are too ashamed and embarrassed to ask for help, according to the American Medical Association Foundation.

The problem is widespread. A recent government study estimated that more than 89 million adults from all ages, races and income and education levels have limited health literacy skills, Crocker said.

Fortunately this is a problem with a simple cure: Ask questions, he said.

"Many adults who have low literacy – health or otherwise – are often ashamed of this fact and try to put on a ‘show' for their health provider," Crocker said. "The health provider should be the first stop for terms, names, instructions or other words and phrases that the patient doesn't understand. If the provider is unable to satisfactorily explain what something means, then someone else from the office – a nurse or assistant – should be asked to explain things."

The patient might want to consider writing down any information from the health care provider and reading it back to make sure it's correct. Dictionaries of medical terminology, which are available at bookstores, might also be helpful, Crocker said, although the language is often technical.

Internet sites may have useful information too, but each site "should be evaluated for credibility prior to accepting it as fact," he added. Check for author, source, sponsor and date of publication.

All the responsibility for health literacy isn't on the patient, Crocker said. Doctors and other health providers need to provide their part too.

He offered steps doctors can take to help the situation:

- Use simple language in short sentences and define technical terms.

- Use videos, pictures or other visual aides if necessary.

- Ask patients to repeat instructions.

- Ask ‘how' and ‘what' questions instead of ‘yes' and ‘no' ones.

- Provide the most important information first.

- Keep in mind the age, culture, ethnicity and racial background of each patient.

- Provide information in the patient's primary language.

Some hospitals and health care providers follow the Patients' Bill of Rights, Crocker said, which begins, "You have the right to receive accurate and easily understood information about your health plan, health care professionals and health care facilities. If you speak another language, have a physical or mental disability or just don't understand something, assistance will be provided so you can make informed health care decisions." ( http://www.consumer.gov/qualityhealth/rights.htm )

"However, this is only as good as the patient makes it," Crocker said. "That part about ‘assistance will be provided' only counts if the patient asks. The patient doesn't need to try to be ‘good' by acting like they understand information if they don't. If their health provider doesn't have the time or desire to answer their questions appropriately and ensure that they understand the information, maybe it's time to find a new health provider."

NASA ANNOUNCES UNDERSEA MISSION TO INCLUDE FIRST FLIGHT SURGEON

WASHINGTON - NASA will send a flight surgeon, two astronauts and a Cincinnati doctor into the ocean depths off the Florida coast May 7-18 to test space medicine concepts and moon-walking techniques. It is the first undersea mission to include a NASA flight surgeon.

Veteran space flyer Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper will lead the 12-day undersea mission aboard the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Aquarius Underwater Laboratory. NASA Flight Surgeon Josef Schmid, NASA Astronaut Jose Hernandez and Dr. Tim Broderick of the University of Cincinnati complete the crew.

During the NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations 12 (NEEMO 12), the crew will conduct a variety of advanced medical technology experiments, including robotic telesurgery on simulated patients.

"Schmid's unique experience in space medicine will benefit the mission itself as well as the future development of crew care techniques for long-duration human spaceflight missions," said NEEMO Project Manager Bill Todd of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Hands-on telesurgery demonstrations and robotic telesurgery technology developed and refined within this mission will help surgeons overcome interplanetary communication lag time. Technologies such as surgeon-guided automatic robot function could improve the care of astronauts on future missions to the moon and Mars.

The crew will conduct simulated undersea "moon walks" to test concepts for future lunar exploration. During these simulated moon walks, they will construct an undersea structure with the help of a remotely operated vehicle, similar to what the next travelers to the moon may do. The crew also will practice collecting geological samples to help develop tools and techniques for collecting lunar samples as well as train future lunar explorers to be geologists.

Scientists and school children also will be able to move two remotely controlled surgical robots in Aquarius.

James Talacek and Dominic Landucci of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington will provide engineering support for the submerged Aquarius habitat. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington operates Aquarius on behalf of NOAA as part of NOAA's Undersea Research Program. The NEEMO missions are a cooperative project among NASA, NOAA and the university.

This will be the 12th NEEMO undersea mission. NASA Astronaut Richard Arnold and NASA Flight Surgeon Sean Roden will serve as backup crew members. It is the second NEEMO mission including the University of Cincinnati and Broderick as a crew member; the first, NEEMO 9, took place in April 2006.

The four NEEMO 12 crew members will be available for media interviews in Cincinnati during mission training and kick-off events March 5-6. Media interested in interviews should contact Amanda Harper, University of Cincinnati, at 513-558-4657 or Brenda Cabaniss, NASA Astronaut Appearances Office, Johnson Space Center, at 281-244-8860.

Similar in size to the International Space Station's living quarters, Aquarius is the world's only permanent underwater habitat and laboratory. The 45-foot long, 13-foot diameter complex is three miles off Key Largo in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, about 62 feet beneath the surface. A surface buoy provides connections for power, life support and communications. A shore-based control center monitors the habitat and crew.

For more information about the NEEMO 12 crew, its mission and Aquarius, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/neemo

http://www.uncw.edu/aquarius

Sadness

It is with great sadness that I tell of you of the passing of Pete Rutherford. Mr. Rutherford, 85, was injured in an auto accident Tuesday afternoon near Coleman at the intersection of Santa Anna Avenue and US HWY 84. He was transported to the Coleman Medical Center where he later passed away and services are pending at Henderson Funeral Home in Santa Anna.

I also learned earlier this week that Brother Waide Messer, age 50 and a former pastor of mine at First Baptist Church of Santa Anna, passed away on Februaury 20th in Wimberley Texas. Brother Waide had been living in Memphis Tennesee where he was an associate pastor and he had just moved to Wimberly on February 19th.

I also heard last week that Dr. Filemon Cabansag, age 81 of Keene Texas had passed away on February 4th. Dr. Cabansag owned and operated the Ranger Park Hospital, Clinic, and Nursing Home for a number of years here in Santa Anna.

Please remember the Rutherford, Messer, and Cabansag families in your prayers.

Diabetes Class - Great Beginnings!

By Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS

The Do Well Be Well with Diabetes class series got off to a great start Saturday, at the Santa Anna Volunteer Fire Department Community Room, with Family Nurse Practitioner Peggy Hensley, of Hensley Family Health Clinic, presenting the first lesson entitled, "What Is Diabetes?" She gave an overall view of diabetes, what it is, how it affects the body, and some of the complications that go along with it.

Thanks!

The Coleman Pre-K classes would like to thank everyone for collecting pop tabs for Stormie. We really appreciate the whole community and surrounding communities who helped raise pop tabs. We have collected 33lbs. so far and this will help the family with their stay at the Ronald McDonald House. Unfortunately, Stormie will have more stays at the Ronald McDonald House. So everyone please keep collecting pop tabs for us. You can bring them to the Coleman Elementary office.

Another Santa Anna Navy Man Sets Sail

Coleman County Historical Commission

Submitted by Tex Wright

Thru the month of February, Coleman County’s Historical Commission has been busy working toward the upcoming year. If you have a bit of history of this area, contact Chairman Eric Joffrion at 325-625-4318 during the day in Coleman. The members would love to hear your story.

The upcoming meeting on March 1st will be a very special one. Ralph Terry "Mr. Coleman County History" will be the speaker. He has promised a very interesting program, but has told all that the title of his program will remain a secret. He did slip up and say that it would be on "Coleman County Genealogy and Local History".

Several members joined Chairman Joffrion in Santa Anna on Saturday February 24th at the dedication of the marker for the Thomas T. Perry display for a very interesting program. Again, the Commission invites you to attend the program on Thursday March 1st. The Commission will meet on the 3rd floor of the 1st Coleman National Bank at 7:00 PM. There will be snacks and drinks for your refreshment.

Statement by Gov. Perry on TXU Purchase

Feb. 26, 2007

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry issued the following statement today on the purchase of TXU by private equity firms Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co, Texas Pacific Group and Goldman Sachs:

“The sale of TXU to private equity firms maintains TXU’s previous commitment to a 20 percent reduction in their statewide emissions, while ensuring a strong investment in a stable, reliable power supply for electric customers across Texas. With an increased commitment to wind energy production, plans to increase the power supply by 3,700 megawatts, and land dedicated to an IGCC pilot project, this new arrangement will ensure both a cleaner environment and a more stable supply of energy.

“Furthermore, with multiple energy companies proposing new projects to expand their energy capacity, and today’s announcement that rates will be reduced by 10 percent for TXU customers, we know that market forces are working to ensure our energy supply is both more abundant and more affordable as we look to the future. I applaud this investment in emissions reductions, renewable sources and Texas jobs. This record purchase is a strong indication that the Texas economy remains strong.”

Brenham Man Arrested Twice By Cyber Crimes Unit Pleads Guilty, Receives 12-Year Prison Sentence

Monday, February 26, 2007

John David Payne solicited sex online and traveled to Bastrop for meeting

BRENHAM – A former Brenham city worker was sentenced to 12 years in prison for using the Internet to solicit a child for sex. In a case prosecuted by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Cyber Crimes Unit, John David Payne, 28, pleaded guilty Friday in Washington County District Court to one count of criminal solicitation of a minor, a second-degree felony.

Payne, a former Brenham Water Department employee, also agreed to plead guilty in Bastrop County to a separate charge of attempted sexual performance by a child, a third-degree felony. His sentence on that charge will run concurrent with his Washington County sentence.

Media links
John David Payne	Video of Payne's Dec. 29, 2005, arrest (Larger video file)

“Texans will not tolerate criminals who prey upon our children,” Attorney General Abbott said. “Twice arrested for preying on children, this offender is a prime example of the dangerous, incorrigible nature of these predators. Our Cyber Crimes Unit will continue its aggressive crackdown on criminals who target young Texans.”

Cyber Crimes Unit officers arrested Payne in December 2005 after he traveled from Brenham to Bastrop to meet a child he solicited for sex. When he arrived, Payne discovered the “child” was a Cyber Crimes Unit investigator posing as an underage girl.

While Payne was out on bond in the Bastrop County case, Cyber Crimes Unit officers arrested him again for propositioning an undercover investigator in a MySpace.com chat room. Payne was charged with online solicitation of a minor.

Attorney General Abbott’s top priority is protecting children. His Cyber Crimes and Fugitive units have arrested more than 500 sexual predators since he took office in December 2002. The Fugitive Unit locates convicted child sex offenders who have violated the terms of their parole and could be stalking children.

Three Receive Texas A&M Distinguished Texan in Agriculture Awards

Feb. 23, 2007

AUSTIN – A former congressman who spearheaded the 2002 Farm Bill and two brothers who helped create an ice-cream empire received Texas A&M Distinguished Texan in Agriculture awards Friday.

Former U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm and Ed and Howard Kruse of Blue Bell Creameries were recognized for outstanding leadership and significant contributions to Texas agriculture.

The awards were presented at the 2007 Ag Forum held in Austin.

"All three of these individuals have made historic contributions to Texas agriculture throughout their careers," said Dr. Elsa Murano, vice chancellor and dean for agriculture and life sciences at Texas A&M University and the director of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station.

"Agribusiness in Texas has benefited either directly or indirectly from their leadership and foresight, which has kept our multi-billion dollar state industry at the forefront of innovation."

Stenholm was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 13 terms from 1979 to 2005. He helped lead the 2002 Farm Bill that promoted stewardship of agricultural land and water resources, and ensured continued research to "maintain an efficient and innovative agricultural and food sector," according to the nomination citation.

Stenholm was born in Stamford and graduated from Texas Tech University. He has operated a cotton farm in West Texas for many years.

Renewable Energy, Conservation Key Issues in Making of New Farm Bill

Feb. 23, 2007

AUSTIN – Farmers and ranchers could soon be looking harder at forage production as biomass crops become more lucrative and sought after by new biofuel plants popping up across the U.S.

What U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn., doesn't want to see happen are plants ready to go on line with no product to be found.

"If we don't get feed stocks started now, these plants are going to be built and people are going to be looking for material with no (place) to go," said Peterson, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee at the 2007 Ag Forum Friday in Austin.

As work continues on a new farm bill that looks to weigh heavily on energy and conservation, some of the most traditional practices on the nation's farms could be changing, he said.

"I tell my people at home instead of growing sugarbeets, you might be growing switchgrass," Peterson said. "This (renewable energy) is the most exciting thing that has ever happened in my lifetime in agriculture."

To help illustrate the opportunity that awaits agricultural producers, Peterson described recent equity offerings for new ethanol plants in his home state.

"When we have an equity drive, we have farmers being the first in line, camping out so they can buy stock," he said.

Government getting more involved in biofuel plants' financing wouldn't be in the best interest of agriculture, Peterson said.

"I'm not a big fan of government getting too involved and making it harder for these equity drives," he said. "There are a lot of bills out there that would do more harm than good, but we'll have to sort through that."

Biofuel production and conservation programs are a few key components of the new farm bill legislators hope will delivered to President Bush by September. However, though farm government spending is far below 2002 levels, Peterson said the current food stamp program is taking chunks of money away.

The debit card system has made the system more efficient and cut down on fraud and abuse, he said. However, it's also expensive.

"Food stamps are 67 percent of what we are going to spend," he said. "In the old days, we got a lot of urban support. Now (the program has) become kind of an entitlement."

Though conservation will be another key component of new farm legislation, it's set to take a 30 percent cut in funding, Peterson said, but those cuts could be restored.

"There's going to be quite a bit of interest in new spending," he said. "One thing that would be helpful is if we can get people in Texas, whether in agriculture or not, to support us to get extra resources for the ag committee to support the farm bill." For other new programs to be funded, the agriculture committee is being asked to look at cutting other programs, Peterson said.

"Americans want us to pay our bills and be fiscally responsible," he said. "We're not complaining. But in order for us to get more money, it's what you can give up."

Meanwhile, the outlook for grain farms is the best since fall of 1995, while cotton and rice will still show red, said Dr. James Richardson, co-director of the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M University.

The outlook on future farm policy is that fruits and vegetables will get subsidies of some kind and more emphasis will be placed on renewable fuels research.

"Don't discount the emphasis of conservation in the next farm bill," he said.

"It's very likely" that many of the same programs will be in the 2007 Farm Bill "not because that's what everyone wants, but because it may the best safety net we can afford," he said.

Gov. Perry Awards $12,000 to Texas Medical Board

Feb. 23, 2007

Funds address recent increase in physician licensure applications

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry awarded $12,000 in grants to the Texas Medical Board for continued regulation of medical practice in the state. This funding provides for additional personnel, investigation of medical malpractice cases, addressing cases scheduled for the State Office of Administrative Hearings, and expediting licensure of Texas physicians.

“Because medical liability reforms were so successful, Texas has been deluged by the number of physicians who want to practice medicine here,” Perry said. “This grant will provide the Texas Medical Board with the necessary resources to quicken the process of licensing doctors who are vital to the health and well-being of all Texans.”

The Texas Medical Board regulates certain licensed healthcare professionals in Texas and educates consumers regarding their rights in seeking quality healthcare. Last June, the Office of the Governor provided $375,000 to the Texas Medical Board for administrative and case load support. With the growing demand for Texas medical licenses, the agency determined an additional $12,000 was needed to redirect resources necessary to manage the increasing demand of licensing physicians in Texas.

The Texas Medical Board currently has more than 2,500 licensure applications on file. A significant number of the applications were filed by physicians moving from other states. Only five months into the fiscal year, there are more applications pending today than the board licensed all of last year.

Gov. Perry supported Proposition 12, a constitutional amendment authorized by Texas voters in 2003 aimed at reducing frivolous medical malpractice lawsuits. Since then, these reforms have improved the access to physician services; the ranks of medical specialists are growing; doctors are bringing critical specialties to underserved areas; hospitals and physician groups are expanding services and upgrading medical technology; and professional liability premiums and hospital liability costs have been reduced.

Texas 4-H Center Names Locke as New Director

Feb. 23, 2007
Writer: Linda Anderson, 979-862-1460,lw-anderson@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Darlene Locke, 361-265-9203,d-locke@tamu.edu
Dr. Martha Couch, 979-845-1211,m-couch@tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION – Dr. Darlene Locke, Texas Cooperative Extension specialist for 4-H and youth, has been named director of the Texas 4-H Conference Center in Brownwood. She will begin her new duties immediately, said Dr. Martha Couch, Extension associate director for 4H and youth.

"Dr. Locke is a 23-year Extension employee, beginning her career with us as an undergraduate assistant in the Texas 4-H office," Couch said. "She served as a county Extension agent in Jackson, Nueces and Aransas counties."

In 2001 Locke became an Extension program specialist and, before being named director, served as program director of the conference center.

Her experience with the center goes back further than that, she said.

"I cherish the camping and educational workshops I attended at the 4-H center as a 4-H member in Montgomery County," Locke said, "and hope that others will want to share that same opportunity with their children and grandchildren."

As director, Locke's duties will include coordinating educational programs, including summer camps, weekend leadership retreats, Extension programs, senior camping programs and youth and/or school-related programs, she said.

Locke's plans for the center are to "continue to support and enhance Extension educational programs in the counties by providing a safe, clean and inviting atmosphere where people can learn and, at the same time, (and) have fun and fellowship," she said.

She will also be involved in budgeting and financial issues at the center, grant development, strategic planning and community involvement, she said.

Locke earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural education in 1985 and a master's degree in horticulture in 1991, both from Texas A&M University. In 2004 she earned a doctorate in education from Texas A&M and Texas Tech University.

For the center, she said, "Our overall goal is to offer the best in customer service, to make every visitor feel welcome during their stay."

Gov. Rick Perry Signs SCR 20

Feb. 23, 2007

Measure ensures state can deliver on record property tax cut

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today signed Senate Concurrent Resolution 20, a measure that allows the state to deliver on the historic school property tax cut passed in 2006.

“This measure will allow the state to keep an important promise we made last year to lower Texans’ school property tax rates by one-third,” Perry said. “I applaud lawmakers for sending me this resolution because it means homeowners and employers will see billions of dollars in tax relief, and more Texans will be able to achieve their dream of owning their own home.”

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