Special Prayer Requests

Deborah (Bodine) Stanton, Cindy, and I would like to make a special prayer request for Cynthia (Garrett) Philpot.

I shed a tear as I think of Cynthia and her pain and suffering... a tear is so little but a prayer is so much.

Please remember Cynthia, Wayne, and their family in your prayers during this time.

Also be with those that are hurt or hurting from the tragic I-35 bridge collapse Wednesday in Minnesota. At this writing late Wednesday there were reports of at least six that were killed and over twenty that were injured in the rush hour collapse of the bridge which crosses the Mississipi River between the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

Fisher-Price Recalls Licensed Character Toys Due To Lead Poisoning Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firms named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, and other children’s toys

Units: About 967,000

Importer: Fisher-Price Inc., of East Aurora, N.Y.

Hazard: Surface paints on the toys could contain excessive levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled involves various figures and toys that were manufactured between April 19, 2007 and July 6, 2007 and were sold alone or as part of sets. The model names and product numbers for the recalled toys, which are all marked with “Fisher-Price,” are listed below. The toys may have a date code between 109-7LF and 187-7LF marked on the product or packaging.

Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from May 2007 through August 2007 for between $5 and $40.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Fisher-Price. Consumers will need to return the product and will receive a voucher for a replacement toy of the consumer’s choice (up to the value of the returned product).

Consumer Contact: For additional information contact Fisher-Price at (800) 916-4498 anytime or visit the firm’s Web site at www.service.mattel.com

Product List:

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Secretary Peters Asks Inspector General to Review the National Bridge Inspection Program

In response to the tragic bridge collapse in Minneapolis, Minnesota last night, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters has requested the Department of Transportation’s Inspector General to conduct a rigorous assessment of the National Bridge Inspection Program.

“What happened in Minnesota is simply unacceptable. We must have a top-to-bottom review of the bridge inspection program to make sure that everything is being done to keep this kind of tragedy from occurring again,” Secretary Peters said.

The Secretary called for the Inspector General to determine if the current federal program delivers the highest level of bridge safety. And, if needed, the Inspector General will make recommendations for future changes to the program.

Thursday, August 2, 2007

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters Calls on States to Immediately Inspect All Steel Arch Truss Bridges

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters today called on all states to immediately inspect any steel deck truss bridges similar to the I-35 bridge that collapsed last night in Minneapolis.

"Even though we don’t know what caused this collapse, we want states to immediately and thoroughly examine all similar spans out of an abundance of caution,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters.

According to Federal Highway Administration data, there are 756 of the relatively unique steel deck truss bridges in the United States.

The Federal Highway Administration issued the guidance to all state transportation agencies and bridge owners strongly advising them to conduct an inspection or, at minimum, review inspection reports to determine if further action is needed.

Thursday, August 2, 2007

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters Announces $5 Million in Immediate Funding During Visit To Downed I-35 Bridge in Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS – U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters today announced that, based on Minnesota’s request, $5 million in federal relief will be available to the state to repair the I-35 bridge that collapsed last night. The Secretary is in Minneapolis touring the bridge site, viewing the damage, and meeting with Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, Senator Norm Coleman, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Congressman Keith Ellison, and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak.

“We are going to make sure that last night’s damage and debris soon become a thing of the past. We will rebuild this bridge and repair this horrible hole in the heart of this community,” Secretary Peters said.

The Secretary said the $5 million “will give crews the support they need to begin restoring traffic flow, clearing debris, setting up detours, and making repairs.” She pledged that the federal government will continue to be a close partner with the state to do everything possible to get the bridge up and running as soon as possible, and that any future requests for additional funds will be quickly evaluated and processed.

# # #

Click here for the Secretary's Remarks

Click here for the Fact Sheet

Aug. 02, 2007

Gov. Perry Announces $22 Million to Rackspace Managed Hosting

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today announced a $22 million Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant to Rackspace Managed Hosting as part of the state and local efforts to secure the company’s expansion to a new facility in the Windcrest/San Antonio area. This investment is projected to generate more than $100 million in capital investment and will create approximately 4,000 new jobs during the next five years.

“The Texas Enterprise Fund continues to be the most successful deal-closing fund in the nation, and with this expansion, Rackspace will be responsible for the largest TEF job creation announcement in Texas since 2005,” said Perry. “The company’s decision to expand in Texas will provide economic revitalization and reinforce our state’s position as the world’s premier place to do business.”

Headquartered in Texas, Rackspace was founded in 1998 and is one of the fastest-growing managed hosting specialists in the world. The company provides global business web hosting services to various companies, including Fortune 500 companies. In addition to its web hosting services in San Antonio, Rackspace has offices in Austin and data center operations in Dallas, Virginia and London.

"The Governor's Texas Enterprise Fund grant was the key factor in Rackspace's decision to keep its company headquarters in San Antonio and build out a new campus within Windsor Park Mall," said Graham Weston, executive chairman of Rackspace Managed Hosting. "We're grateful for the State of Texas' investment in Rackspace, as well as the assistance of our local governments, and we are committed to delivering thousands of high-paying jobs to Texas. We look forward to San Antonio being our home for years to come."

"Rackspace is a true homegrown success story," San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger said. "It speaks highly, both of Rackspace and of San Antonio, that when their company grew exponentially, they went to great lengths to keep their headquarters in San Antonio. Moreover, this new campus will breathe life into an area that has struggled economically but has tremendous potential."

“This initiative stands to have an impact for decades to come through the presence of Rackspace and the additional investment that the company will attract to the surrounding area, which has been in decline and heavily underutilized for many years,” said Windcrest Mayor Jack Leonhardt. “This effort represents the best of intergovernmental cooperation, because the two cities, Bexar County and the state focused on the collective benefits to be gained for this region and the state.”

"The governor's plan to invest in Rackspace will enliven our technology sector as the company creates high paying jobs that will undoubtedly boost our local economy," said Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff.

The legislature, at Perry’s request, created the TEF in 2003 and re-appropriated it in 2005 and 2007 to help bring new jobs to Texas. To date, the TEF has closed the deal on projects generating more than 45,000 new jobs and $15 billion in capital investment in the state.

Aug. 2, 2007

WICHITA FALLS – Somewhere between putting grain in the bin after harvest and putting seed in the drill for planting, Texas wheat producers should pay attention to seed quality, said a Texas Cooperative Extension agent.

"During the past two years wheat farmers have dealt with record-setting drought, heavy foliar disease pressure and a breakdown of leaf rust resistance," said Miles Dabovich, Extension agent for agriculture and natural resources in Wichita County. "This year we added record-setting rainfall to that equation."

The wet spring and summer have raised concerns about wheat sprouting before harvest, he said.

"Wheat that has initiated germination will be lower quality seed – whether it is simply swollen or already has a root exposed," Dabovich said. "This type of seed will have lower germination and less seedling vigor."

"Pre-harvest Sprouting in Wheat," a publication by Extension small grain specialist Gaylon Morgan, notes that starch in the wheat kernel is converted to sugars when the kernel absorbs moisture and begins to germinate. This publication is online at http://tcebookstore.org/ . Click on the link to "Agriculture," then "Crops," then "Small Grains."

"These sugars don't keep or store as well as starch," Dabovich said. "Germination percentage and the energy available for seedling vigor both suffer while the seed is in storage.

"Seed tested right after harvest may have germination as high as 90 percent, while seed tested after three months of storage may have germination below 50 percent."

So is this type of wheat suitable as seed?

"It depends on your situation," Dabovich said. "It's a good idea to gauge seed quality by conducting a germination test prior to planting. Don't rely on a post-harvest germination test.

"If a pre-planting test indicates 75 percent germination, about 25 percent of what you put in the drill isn't going to germinate. Trying to compensate for poor quality seed by increasing seeding rate isn't feasible when you are planting wheat for forage or for forage and grain. And it is very risky when you are planting wheat for grain, even when soil temperature and moisture are good."

If the pre-planting test indicates high levels of Smut or other serious disease, the seed isn't worth using. If low levels are detected, the seed may be suitable if a fungicide seed treatment is used, he said.

If germination, potential seedling vigor or disease raise doubts about seed quality, the best bet is to buy and plant proven seed.

"Target planting for the optimum time, soil conditions and planting depth," Dabovich said. "Quality seed has good germination and seedling vigor, two of the main ingredients of forage and grain yields.

"With the harvest conditions we had this year, keeping seed quality in mind could help some producers avoid a crop wreck later this fall."

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Consumer Alert

Texans Urged to Check for Potentially Dangerous Tires

The Office of the Attorney General is urging Texas drivers to check their vehicles for potentially dangerous tires. The tires were sold from 2002 to 2006 for light trucks, sports utility vehicles, and vans, and could be in danger of tread separation. The tires were made by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. Ltd. (“HZ”) in China and distributed in the United States under several names, including Westlake, YKS and Compass.

According to Foreign Tire Sales, Inc. (FTS), - 1 - the U.S. distributor, at least 270,000 tires may have insufficient or missing “gum strips,” an important safety feature on certain tires that helps prevent tread separation. More than 50,000 of the potentially unsafe tires are believed to have been sold in Texas.

If you have any of these tires, immediately contact the dealer where you bought them. If the dealer is more than 50 miles away, ask the closest tire shop or mechanic to inspect your tires. In the interest of public safety, the Office of the Attorney General is asking tire dealers not to charge for such an inspection. Consumers who purchased these tires should not drive for long distances on hot roads and should avoid overloading their vehicles.

If an inspection indicates that the tires may be unsafe, consumers should immediately file an online complaint with the Office of the Attorney General at www.oag.state.tx.us or call (800) 252-8011 to receive a form by mail. Consumers can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at (800) 327-4236 and FTS at www.foreigntire.com.

Consumers should check the sidewalls of their tires for the brand name, size, model, and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number. If the DOT number contains “FTS” as part of the number, the tire may be subject to a recall in the future.

Media links

How to Read Your Tires (Image provided by the NHSTA)

Specific tire sizes and models affected:

• LT235/75R-15 CR861 CR857
• LT245/75R-16 CR860 CR861 CR857
• LT225/75R-16 CR 861
• LT265/75R-16 CR860 CR861 CR857
• LT235/85R-16 CR 860 CR861 CR857
• LT31X10.5R-15 CR861 CR857


At this time, NHTSA has not ordered a recall of any of these tires and no replacement program has been instituted. However, consumers should regularly check the NHTSA, FTS and Attorney General’s Web sites for updates.


As part of general tire safety, consumers should keep the following tips in mind:

• Inspect tires at least once a month and before every long trip for patterns of uneven wear. Check tire inflation pressure in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.

• Do not overload your vehicle. Excess weight can place extra stress on your tires. Check your tire placard or vehicle owner’s manual for the maximum amount of weight your vehicle can safely carry.

• Develop safe driving habits. Observe speed limits and avoid fast stops, starts, and turns. Avoid contact with potholes, debris, and curbs when driving or parking your vehicle.

• Keep your vehicle properly maintained. Rotate tires regularly, get wheels balanced, and get a front-end alignment if necessary.

• Use the proper tires for your vehicle. Check the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations before replacing a tire with a different size and/or construction.

• Be aware of how the outside temperature affects your tires. Hot weather can be especially hard on tires.

• Have any tire problems checked out by professionals. If you find that one of your tires is losing pressure, take it to a tire expert for a complete internal inspection.

• Avoid buying used tires. You might be getting previously recalled or otherwise dangerous ties.

Aug. 2, 2007

Photos and Graphics Click for larger images

Audio MP3(2.4 Mb) Audio Script

NACOGDOCHES – Some people might call them "piecemeal" farms: small operations of 50 acres or less.

But small acreage operations are not just thrown-together farms. They are more often highly diverse operations and compose about 33 percent of all farms and ranches in Texas, said a Texas Cooperative Extension agent.

"What is piecemeal is the usual availability of educational opportunities for these smaller operations," said Chad Gulley, Extension agent for agriculture in Nacogdoches County.

For small farmers, who need information on financing, managing labor, liability and finding specific info for alternative crops, getting all the information they need is like assembling a jig-saw puzzle from different boxes, Gulley said.

Gulley and his colleague, Cary Sims, Extension agent in Angelina County, hope to bring a lot of the needed pieces together. Their new six-week Extension program, "Making Small Acreage Profitable in East Texas" is set to encore Sept. 6.

Gulley and Sims have enlisted cooperation from an number of agencies, including the Angelina County Chamber of Commerce, the Texas Farm Bureau of Angelina and Nacogdoches counties, the Heritage Land Bank, Agriland Services, Angelina College Small Business Development Center, and Stephen F. Austin State University, Gulley said.

"There's an economy of scale that makes it hard for these operations to produce traditional ag communities at a profit," Sims said.

Usually, 50 acres or less is too small to support the most common agriculture ventures in East Texas, which are cow/calf production and growing timber, he said.

"They tend to do better growing specialized crops – from berries to vegetables – or raising small livestock like sheep and goats that may be marketed through direct-to-the consumer channels," Sims said.

The course will meet from 6-8 p.m. once a week, Sept. 6-Oct. 11. Meeting places will alternate between Lufkin and Nacogdoches each week. Cost of the course will be $50 per person, with a $10 fee per each additional family member. The registration deadline is Aug. 31.

According a 2002 U.S. Department of Agriculture census, there are more than 111,000 small farm operations of 50 acres and smaller in Texas.

"And they're highly diverse. About 38,000 of those are operations managed by women," Gulley said.

Also, the small operations typically have a negative net cash farm income, he said.

"This program will also allow small-acreage landowners to be able to network and meet new people to find out what types of agricultural enterprises will best fit their situation," Sims said.

To register or for more information contact Sims at 936-632-8239 or Gulley at 936-560-7711.

Anyone with a disability and needing special consideration should note so when registering, Sims said.

FEMA Reaches Out To Flooded Communities In Texas

Release Date: August 1, 2007
Release Number: 1709-029

» More Information on Texas Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

WACO, Texas -- Throughout the recovery from flooding that began June 16, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has reached out through face-to-face visits to individuals, business owners, community organizations and government agencies in disaster-designated counties to deliver comprehensive recovery information.  As the flooding continued, so have FEMA's proactive Community Relations (CR) teams. 

CR teams began canvassing hard-hit communities July 5, providing information about individual assistance grants, housing assistance, crisis counseling, unemployment and other federal, state and local disaster recovery resources.  These ground teams also serve as FEMA's eyes and ears to find out first hand the problems that individuals and communities face.  Teams meet with emergency managers to determine the various levels and locations of damages to create a strategy for outreach. 

"Our goal is to get information to the public quickly and to identify any special recovery needs within a community," said Federal Coordinating Officer Kenneth Clark.  "CR teams are our first face-to-face contact with victims."

While CR's ultimate goal is to ensure every bit of recovery information is received by the victims, including non-English speaking populations, they also ensure that the state-run Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) have a continuing supply of informational material to hand to disaster survivors and that communities know about the variety of services available at a DRC.

As team members continue visiting designated counties, they will be reminding individuals that they should begin the disaster assistance process by calling FEMA's toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).  For those with speech or hearing impairment, the special TTY number to call is 1-800-462-7585.  Both numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time, seven days a week until further notice.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

August 1, 2007

Comptroller Susan Combs Reminds Shoppers Sales Tax Holiday Is Later This Year

AUSTIN — Comptroller Susan Combs today reminded Texas families that the annual sales tax holiday for clothes and shoes has changed to the third Friday, Saturday and Sunday in August. This year, the tax-free weekend runs Aug. 17-19.

“The Legislature voted to change the date of the sales tax holiday because schools are opening later in many districts,” Combs said. “Most families take advantage of the sales tax holiday to buy back-to-school clothes for the kids.”

During the sales tax holiday, most children’s and adults’ clothing and footwear priced at less than $100 is exempt from state and local sales taxes. This year, for the first time, school backpacks costing less than $100 may be purchased tax free, but shoppers must pay tax on all other school supplies.

More information about the sales tax holiday, including a list of tax-free items, can be found on the Comptroller’s Web site at www.window.state.tx.us.

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Texas Attorney General Takes Action Against National Health Spa Chain for Exposing Customer Records

Life Time Fitness cited for unlawfully dumping identifying information of adults, children

DALLAS – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott took legal action Tuesday against Minnesota-based Lifetime Fitness and its subsidiaries, LTF Club Management Company, L.L.C. and LTF Club Operations Company, Inc., for systematically exposing its customers to identity theft. According to documents filed by the Attorney General, Lifetime Fitness violated the law by repeatedly failing to protect customer records that contain sensitive personal information, including Social Security and credit card account numbers.

Investigators with the Office of the Attorney General discovered that several Life Time Fitness facilities in the Metroplex area exposed customers’ personal identifying information by discarding customer records in easily accessible trash cans behind the stores. According to investigators, the records included names, addresses, Social Security and driver’s license numbers, and credit and debit card information. Because the defendants offer child care and youth recreational facilities, the discarded documents also included names and dates of birth of several minors.

“Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States,” Attorney General Abbott said. “Texans expect their personal information to remain confidential. The Office of the Attorney General will take all necessary steps to protect consumers from identity thieves.”

Media links
Sample documents in Life Time Fitness dumpster (Information redacted by OAG)	Photo of one Life Time Fitness dumpster where documents were found
Attorney General's lawsuit against Life Time Fitness

The defendants are accused of violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) and the 2005 Identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Act, which requires the safeguarding and proper destruction of clients’ sensitive personal information. Under the law, the Office of the Attorney General has the authority to seek penalties of up to $25,000 per violation of the DTPA and $50,000 per violation of the Identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Act.

The Attorney General also cited the defendants with violations of Chapter 35 of the Business and Commerce Code, which requires businesses to develop retention and disposal procedures for their clients’ personal information. The law provides for civil penalties of up to $500 for each abandoned record.

Today’s legal action also cites Life Time Fitness with unrelated violations of the Health Spa Act for operating several Texas locations without being registered with the Secretary of State. Under the Act, Lifetime Fitness can face penalties of up to $1,000 per violation.

The Office of the Attorney General is investigating whether any exposed data has been used illegally. Consumers who interacted with Life Time Fitness facilities should carefully monitor bank, credit card and any similar statements for evidence of suspicious activity. Customers should also obtain free copies of their credit reports.

Consumers who wish to file a complaint may contact the Office of the Attorney General at (800) 252-8011 or do so online at www.oag.state.tx.us, where they can also obtain information on identity theft detection and prevention.

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Four Arrested in Houston For Defrauding Medicare, Medicaid Programs

Wheelchair delivery scheme stole almost $4 million in taxpayer funds

HOUSTON – Four Houston-area suspects have been arrested for participating in a patient wheelchair delivery scheme that defrauded the Medicare and Medicaid programs of almost $4 million.

An investigation by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit led to federal indictments for Terri Ann Thurman Orozco, 43, Carmelita Lavette Thurman, 34, Michelle Ann Ray, 40, and Sharon Johnson Thomas, 40. Agents from the FBI and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Office of Inspector General also participated in the arrests.

Media links
Michelle Ray	Camelita Thurman
Terri Orozco	Sharon Thomas

Orozco, Thurman and Ray each owns a Houston durable medical equipment company that specializes in wheelchairs and motorized scooters for Medicare and Medicaid patients. Thomas is a patient recruiter for all three companies. The four suspects were indicted for conspiring to commit health care fraud, money laundering and kickback schemes with physicians.

“Taxpayer-funded health care programs should serve those in need, not enrich criminals,” said Attorney General Abbott. “Texans will not tolerate illegal schemes to defraud the taxpayers. The Office of the Attorney General will continue aggressively cracking down on fraud in the Medicaid program.”

According to the indictments, Ray’s Heart to Heart Medical Supply, Thurman’s Top of the Line Medical Supply and Orozco’s Twice as Nice Medical Supply conspired to obtain fraudulent paperwork from physicians who claimed the wheelchairs were medically necessary. The defendants used the phony certificates to bill Medicare and Medicaid for wheelchairs, but instead delivered much less expensive scooters to patients, pocketing the cost differences. The scheme was perpetrated from August 2002 to December 2004, and the conspiring physicians have already been convicted of health care fraud.

All four suspects are part of a broader Houston-based conspiracy to commit massive fraud involving the delivery of expensive durable medical goods such as wheelchairs and scooters. The case is being prosecuted by a special assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, who is employed by the Office of the Attorney General.

Attorney General Abbott added, “We are grateful to U.S. Attorney Donald J. DeGabrielle Jr., prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Southern District of Texas, and our other federal law enforcement partners for their tremendous assistance with this case. Without the close working relationships with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, cases like this would not be possible.”

In 2005 alone, the Texas Medicaid program cost more than $17 billion. As the state’s chief law enforcement official, Attorney General Abbott has dramatically expanded the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit to save more taxpayer dollars and increase protection for Texas seniors.

The unit has established field offices in Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, Lubbock, McAllen, San Antonio and Tyler through authorization and funding from the 78th Legislature. It works with federal, state and local agencies across the state to identify and prosecute those who defraud the Medicaid program.

Aug. 01, 2007

Perry Submits Two Final Offers for FutureGen Project

Jewett, Odessa Proposals Among Four Finalists for $1.5 Billion Clean Energy Project

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today submitted Texas' final offers to the FutureGen Industrial Alliance for Jewett or Odessa to become home to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) FutureGen project, a $1.5 billion public-private initiative to build an innovative, near-zero emissions coal power plant. Based on initial proposals, the two Texas sites were chosen last July, along with two other finalists in Illinois, to remain in the national competition to host FutureGen. The FutureGen Industrial Alliance is a non-profit consortium of energy producers formed to partner with DOE for this initiative.

“Both proposals exemplify the extraordinary resources of our state, and the FutureGen Industrial Alliance can be confident that its historic project will be a success at either Texas site,” Perry said. “Given our state's energy expertise, strong business climate and innovative leadership, I am confident that Texas will be the future home of FutureGen.”

Both Texas’ two offers feature strong public-private partnerships with major corporations such as Luminant, NRG Energy and Kinder Morgan, who have committed substantial resources to our proposals. Should a Texas site be chosen, dozens of other businesses are capable of supporting all aspects of the FutureGen project, from carbon dioxide sequestration to the development of hydrogen technology.

The Texas effort has been directed by Texas Railroad Chairman Michael L. Williams, who chairs the FutureGen Texas team, and by state geologist Dr. Scott Tinker, director of the Bureau of Economic Geology at the University of Texas, which reviewed and helped assemble the Texas proposals.

"Time and again, Texas has fulfilled requests made by the Alliance, including our offer of valuable financial incentives and unmatched liability protection,” Perry said. "I am pleased the Texas Legislature helped develop our proposals and understands the importance of clean energy to the future of our state and nation, and have helped lay the foundation for the development of FutureGen and the technologies that will better protect our environment.”

The Alliance is expected to announce the winning site by the end of 2007.

Aug. 1, 2007

Photos and Graphics Click for larger images

DALLAS – Dr. Ellen Jordan, Texas Cooperative Extension dairy specialist, has received the American Dairy Science Association's DeLaval Dairy Extension Award.

The DeLaval, the association's highest honor, is presented each year to a specialist who has made noteworthy contributions to the industry. It was presented on July 10 at the association's annual meeting in San Antonio.

"Dr. Ellen Jordan is a very deserving recipient of the 2007 DeLaval Dairy Extension Award," said Dr. Ray Nebel, chairman of the association's awards committee. "She is the prototype for young dairy Extension specialists in that she is research-based and proactive. She transfers technical information to the farm so that it is easily understandable and put into practice."

Jordan is based at Texas A&M University System's Extension and Agricultural Research Center in Dallas.

The award was created to recognize outstanding achievement, according to the association. It takes its name from DeLaval Inc., a Swedish company whose founder, Gustaf de Laval, made contributions to the design of steam turbines and dairy machinery in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The award winner "must have made a valuable and noteworthy contribution to the dairy industry through dairy Extension in the broad areas of production, manufacturing, marketing and youth work," the association said in its formal announcement.

Dr. Robert Hagevoort, an Extension dairy specialist at New Mexico State University, was one of three association members who nominated Jordan for the award.

"I have long been aware, and very impressed with the quality Extension work Dr. Ellen Jordan has provided to the dairy industry in general and in the reproduction arena in particular," Hagevoort said. "She is very deserving of this award as a token of appreciation for her commitment and dedication to the industry."

Dr. Tamilee Nennich, an Extension specialist based in Stephenville, praised Jordan for dedicating her career to working with dairy producers and improving the industry.

"She has been an exemplary Extension specialist, as well as a great colleague, mentor, and friend," said Nennich, who also nominated Jordan. "Dr. Jordan has made many contributions to both Texas A&M University and the dairy industry, and this award is well-deserved."

Eight More Texas Counties Eligible for Public Assistance

Release Date: July 31, 2007
Release Number: 1709-028

» More Information on Texas Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

WACO, Texas -- Public Assistance to repair damaged infrastructure is available in eight additional Texas counties, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today. Communities in Bee, Denton, Medina, Parker, Runnels, Smith, Starr and Tarrant counties may apply for assistance to recover from severe storms, tornadoes and flooding beginning June 16 and continuing. PA funds are now available to 42 Texas counties.

"As flood waters recede, joint FEMA and State teams continue assessing damages in Texas," said Federal Coordinating Officer Kenneth Clark. "As flood damaged areas are assessed, we have expanded our declaration to support those communities with significant infrastructure repair needs."

Public Assistance is available to eligible applicants for debris removal and disposal, emergency services related to the disaster, and for the repair or replacement of damaged public facilities such as roads, buildings and utilities. Eligible applicants include state, county and local government and some private non-profits such as educational and medical facilities. FEMA will provide 75 percent of the cost of eligible projects including:

• Public roads and bridges not on the Federal Aid System;
• Public water control facilities, including dams and drainage channels;
• Public utilities such as water treatment, sewage treatment and electrical; public buildings such as police and fire stations, libraries and public office buildings, including their vehicles and contents; and
• Public parks and recreation facilities, including playgrounds, swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, ball fields and boat ramps.

State and FEMA officials will hold applicant briefings in affected areas. These briefings will introduce potential aid recipients to the Public Assistance process and address initial questions. Following these briefings, each potential applicant will submit a Request for Public Assistance. FEMA will assign a Public Assistance Coordinator to each applicant to ensure each applicant's needs are met throughout the process.

In addition to the PA program, entities throughout Texas are eligible for funds to reduce future disaster losses under FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). This program helps state or local governments avoid or lessen the impact of natural hazards through safer building practices and the improvement of existing structures and supporting infrastructure. HMGP contributes to the development of a long-term comprehensive mitigation program by funding measures designed to achieve the goals of the State Hazard Mitigation Plan.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

July 31, 2007

COLLEGE STATION --While the persistent rains throughout most of the state have broken the long-standing drought, results have been both a blessing and a curse to farmers and livestock producers, according to Texas Cooperative Extension reports.

Less rain in several Texas regions this week provided the opportunity to "make hay" and harvest crops; producers in the Panhandle even needed to irrigate cotton and sorghum crops. But in other areas of the state, excess rainfall continued and farmers and ranchers continued to struggle with its effects.

"Our year-to-date average for cumulative rainfall in the Southwest region is now 140 percent of the long-term average," said Jose Pena, an Extension economist with the Texas A&M Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Uvalde. "It's been difficult for farmers to get into their fields and harvest, especially with heavy equipment. It has basically brought the corn and sorghum harvest to a halt for now."

High humidity and overcast skies are causing additional crop problems, Pena added.

"A lot of corn and grain sorghum is sitting on saturated fields," he said. "With that and the high humidity there's been a lot of mold, and a lot of grain sorghum has been sprouting in the head."

Wet fields not only have delayed harvesting, but also planting of new crops, he said.

Pena also noted that although the rains have improved pastures and rangeland, providing excellent forage conditions, the effect of the 2005-2006 drought and high production costs have slowed down U.S. cattle herd expansion.

"The rain has been both good and bad for this region," he said. "Though many producers are having crop quality, harvesting or planting difficulties, others are OK. For example, the area's cotton crop is looking good, and we just finished a decent peach and watermelon harvest."

Texas Cooperative Extension experts offered the following reports:

PANHANDLE: Temperatures were near normal all week. Rain was light and isolated, ranging from trace to one-quarter inch. Soil moisture was short to adequate. Corn is rated fair to excellent with most areas reporting good. Irrigation is heavy. Corn borer moths are active and spider mites continue to be reported. Cotton is rated mostly fair and is about two weeks behind on heat unit accumulation. Cotton fleahoppers, lygus bugs and cotton aphids are infesting a few fields. Peanuts are rated mostly good with no pest problems. Sorghum is rated fair to excellent with no major pest problems at this time. Soybeans are rated mostly good with no pest problems. Range grasses are beginning to dry out since no significant rain has fallen. Conditions vary from very poor to excellent with most areas reporting good. Cattle are in excellent condition.

SOUTH PLAINS: Warm and dry weather continued this week. Wheat harvest is complete; excellent yields and prices have been reported. Corn is in good to excellent condition, and its potential looks very promising. Cotton is in fair to good condition, and most has reached or slightly passed bloom. Grain sorghum is in good condition and progressing well. Some producers are irrigating cotton and sorghum crops. Peanuts are in good condition and are pegging. Pumpkins continue to progress well with some irrigation. Sunflowers continue to mature. Pastures and ranges are in good to excellent condition but beginning to show signs of needing rainfall in some areas. Livestock are in good condition with moderate temperatures and excellent grazing in pastures.

ROLLING PLAINS: Temperatures remained generally mild across the region, providing good growing conditions for forage and crops. Cotton is a little behind. Livestock is in generally good to excellent condition. Hay is being harvested with excellent yields, but in the western portion of the region alfalfa hay producers are having a tough time baling good quality hay. Rainfall has occurred at the wrong time during nearly every cutting. The peach harvest has been good, but brown rot from wet, humid conditions has caused lower yield potential. Pastures continue to grow. In isolated areas, grasshoppers and fly populations remain high in most cattle herds. Hay operations are in full swing as weather allows.

NORTH: Soil moisture is mostly adequate with some surplus. A few scattered showers throughout the week slowed some agricultural activity. Corn is maturing rapidly and in good to excellent condition. Producers have taken advantage of dry weather to harvest hay and wheat. A few fields are still too muddy to harvest. Several producers reported tractors and balers stuck during the week. Wheat quality has diminished greatly. Bushel weights are mostly all below 50 pounds and the wheat is being graded as feed quality. Much hay was rolled during the drier weather. Hay yields are high, but the quality is disappointing. Wheat and oat harvesting is nearing completion. Soybeans are in good to excellent condition, but soybean rust has been found in some areas and fungicide has been applied. Forage production is excellent, and there are good to excellent range and pasture conditions. Cotton is in good condition and the cattle market has been very active. Insect populations, especially grasshoppers and crickets, have increased significantly.

EAST: A break in the rain allowed producers to harvest hay, but the quality is expected to be lower. Forage production is great for grazing. Some disease problems associated with pecans, peaches, blueberries, melons, peas and tomatoes have been reported. Horn flies are problem, but cattle prices this week were steady to firm. Cherokee County was declared eligible for assistance because of flooding. An agricultural disaster declaration and public assistance declaration are still being processed.

FAR WEST: Soil moisture ranges from very short to surplus, with most counties receiving scattered showers. Terrell County received almost 2 inches of rain. Ranges and pasture remain in overall good condition, though some did not receive adequate rainfall. The corn crop is poor to good and cotton is fair to good. Sorghum quality is fair to good with the majority heading out and showing some coloring. The watermelon harvest continues and the pumpkins are on track for a fall harvest.

WEST CENTRAL: Temperatures have remained below normal this week with very high humidity. Some scattered showers were reported, but most of the region had no rainfall for the week. Some late wheat harvesting continues. Sorghum looks good. Many producers are cutting and baling hay with above-average yields. Conditions have been excellent for growing cotton and peanuts. The corn crop is mature and waiting for some dry weather for harvest. Grasshoppers and crickets have begun to make an appearance, but no significant damage has been reported. Range and pasture conditions remain excellent. Livestock are in fair to excellent condition. Anthrax has been found in a few counties and 17 head of cattle were lost, so producers are vaccinating. Internal parasites continue to be a problem in sheep and goats. Rainy conditions and high humidity are causing mold and rotted fruits and vegetables. Pecans remain good with reports of powdery mildew and scab being found.

CENTRAL: Some areas received rain while others did not. The corn and sorghum growers could face serious economic loss if they don't harvest the over-mature crops. Drier weather has allowed some wheat harvest, hay baling and cotton planting.

SOUTHEAST: Rain all week has continued to slow hay harvest. Rainfall amounts vary but soil moisture is generally high. Heavy rains and flooding continued. Grain sorghum activity has ended; only about 15 percent was harvested. Grain fields remain in standing water, and the Brazos River was 2 feet above flood stage. Producers are advised to keep cattle and equipment away from the flood plain. Little to no hay was harvested. Cotton is producing excess foliage as a result of moisture. While sorghum previously showed good yield potential, that has dropped due to sprouting, spoilage and insects. Some early planted rice is ready for harvest, but no harvesting has been done. The milo harvest is significantly delayed. Corn yield and grade is expected to deplete quickly due to insect and disease damage. Stink bugs have been reported in harvested sorghum.

SOUTHWEST: From 2 to 7 inches of rain saturated or nearly saturated soils in a large part of the area, causing flooding and soil erosion. Year-to-date cumulative total rainfall is 140 percent or more of the long-term average. Cool weather is helping crops progress, but high humidity and overcast skies are causing some crops to deteriorate. The rain stopped the corn and sorghum harvest. Forage availability is above average. Cotton is making excellent progress. The watermelon and peach harvests are nearly complete. Peanut planting is finally complete, but behind schedule due to wet fields.

COASTAL BEND: Nothing reported.

SOUTH: Very wet conditions continue to hamper field operations in the mid parts of the region, including the harvesting of sorghum and corn. The corn is 100 percent silked and 100 percent of sorghum is headed, with about 80 percent harvested. Producers in Zavala County had to rush corn and milo harvesting during a break in the rain, but some fields were too wet for heavy harvesting equipment. Livestock producers are pleased with forage from greatly improved native pastures. Livestock are in excellent condition. In Starr County, grain crops were completely harvested – even though there was additional rainfall.

Santa Anna Library Summer Reading Program

Pirates invaded the Santa Anna Library on Thursday. It was the final day of the summer reading club program.
Pirates found plenty of treasure-

Familiar Pests

Joe England, Santa Anna HS/Class of 1950 and now of Victoria, B.C. Canada, sent in the following in response to last week's article about crickets, "Familiar Pests Return Early" from Texas A&M.
"Gray Crickets make awfully good perch and bluegill bait so why not help out by taking a paper-sack full to the creek or the lake and go fishing!!!"

It sure sounds like a good idea to me, Joe!

Contributed by: Luther Dunlap, CEA-Ag/NR, Coleman Co.

Selecting Quality Wheat Seed

Gaylon Morgan - College Station, TX
Brent Bean - Amarillo, TX
http://varietytesting.tamu.edu

Several regions of the state have endured some weather conditions and diseases that are detrimental to wheat seed quality. This includes a late freeze in the Concho Valley and Rolling Plains and extremely wet conditions in the Blacklands, NE Texas, and Rolling Plains that prevented or continues to postpone harvest. These wet conditions have led to Black point disease and pre-harvest sprouting in many areas of the state. Additionally, stinking smut (also called common bunt) and some loose smut have caused some major problems in parts of the Panhandle.

Each of these factors (pre-harvest sprouting and diseases) all affects wheat seed quality and should be considered before purchasing or planting seed this fall. Remember, good seed equates to better plant stands, better fall growth, and higher grain yields, especially when planting conditions are less than ideal.

There are several questions a person should ask before keeping or purchasing seed this year, including:
1. Does the seed look healthy? Plump seeds with good color and no swollen or sprouting seeds are ideal. Large, plump seeds contain more energy and thus result in better plant stands and early season forage growth, than smaller shriveled seed. Additionally, larger seeds are more forgiving on deeper planting depths. Keep in mind when comparing seed size that some varieties just naturally produce a larger seed than others. Always compare seed size of the same variety.
2. What is the test weight (bushel weight)? Test weight is a good initial indicator of seed quality, but is not an absolute. If the bushel weight is below 58 lbs/bu, then this warrants further investigation into the seed quality. Seed tags should state the test weight.
3. Does the seed have good germination? Good quality seed should have a >85% germination. Seed (1 lb.) can be sent to the TDA Seed Quality Lab for a germination test and/or a vigor test (accelerated aging) for $9 and $12, respectively . See addresses below. Note: If pre-harvest sprouting is an observed, then a germination test should be conducted several weeks before planting, not immediately after harvest. This is because the germination will decrease in storage, if the wheat had pre-harvest sprouting.

1. TDA Seed Testing Lab, P. O. Box 629, Giddings, Texas 78942, 979-542-3691
2. TDA Seed Testing Lab, 4502 Englewood Av, Lubbock, Texas 79414, 806-799-0017
3. TDA Seed Testing Lab, 241 East McNeil St, Stephenville, Texas 76401, 254-965-7333
4. Has the seed been exposed to stinking smut (common bunt) or loose smut? If so, the seed should be treated with the appropriate seed fungicide. See publication at http://varietytesting.tamu.edu/wheat/index.htm. Very low levels of these diseases can cause substantial problems in next year*s crop. In 2007, several producers were unable to sell their wheat due to stinking smut.
5. Make sure the wheat seed is not contaminated with weed seed. If the seed is certified, the percentage of weed seed (noxious and non-noxious) will be stated on the tag. However, it does not state what type of weed seed. If buying non-certified seed be sure to inspect the seed for weed seed, particularly hard to control weeds such as bindweed, Italian ryegrass, wild oats, and jointed goatgrass.

Extension Sets 3 Dove Appreciation Days Across Texas

CEU's offered at each Session

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Dale Rollins, 325-653-4576, d-rollins@tamu.edu

SAN ANGELO - Widespread rainfall across Texas should mean excellent dove hunting for much of the state, according to a Texas Cooperative Extension wildlife expert at San Angelo. *Prospects for the upcoming dove season, which starts Sept. 1, look quite good at this point,* said Dr. Dale Rollins, Extension wildlife specialist at San Angelo. *The excellent rains across most of the state have been a boon to doves and especially to dove feeding habitats. There*s such an abundance of sunflowers, that the hunter*s problem may be a dilution of doves across the landscape. Having a back-up plan that might include a stock pond or evening flyway may be good insurance for a successful hunt.*

Extension has scheduled three Dove Appreciation Days to help hunters, land managers and owners get ready for the coming season:

-Aug. 20, Stephens County, Jackson Rural Event Center - contact Leslie Neve at 254-559-2313. Registration is $5 by Aug. 13 or $10 at the door. Three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be offered.

-Aug. 21, Runnels County, Winters Community Center - contact Marty Gibbs at 325-365-2219. Pre-registration is $15 by Aug. 15 and $25 at the door. Two continuing education units will be offered.

-Aug. 22, Glasscock County, Garden City Community Center - contact Rebel Royall at 432-354-2381. Pre-registration is $15 by Aug. 17 and $25 at the door. Two continuing education units will be offered.

All three programs last from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and share similar programming. The morning sessions deal with habitat management practices and the afternoon sessions will be devoted to field tours.

*The backbone of the dove season in Texas still rests on the mourning dove, but in recent years both the white-winged dove and the introduced Eurasian collared dove have increased dramatically,* Rollins said. *The latter two doves tend to concentrate in urban settings, but usually travel to nearby fields to forage. We*ll also discuss these birds during the seminars.*

Dove hunting in Texas has changed in recent years, he said. *Good dove hunting is something most of us in Texas have pretty much taken for granted, but what used to be a sure bet has been more erratic in recent years,* Rollins said. *Whether one is managing purely for personal recreation or for profit, the information presented at these dove seminars should improve one*s hunting opportunities.*

For more information, contact Dale Rollins at 325-653-4576 or by e-mail at d-rollins@tamu.edu .

Program updates will be posted at http://teamquail.tamu.edu.

Contributed by: Luther Dunlap, CEA-Ag/NR - Coleman Co.

Centex Beef Alliance Pre-Conditioned Calf Sale

The Centex Beef Alliance has scheduled its Platinum Pre-Conditioned Calf Sale for November 15, 2007 to be held at the Lockhart Auction, Inc. in Lockhart, Texas.

On January 19, 2003 cattle raisers met at the Luling Foundation Farm and the Centex Beef Alliance was formed. The purpose of the Alliance is to improve the genetic make-up of commercial cattle operations; improve management practices that will comply with the national quality assurance program; enhance the health performance of calves; enhance the reputation of Texas beef; and in the end to reward the commercial producers with increased profit margin potential for the added value to their product.

For the past few years, the Alliance has been presenting educational programs and establishing its pre-conditioned calf health plan in an effort to assure that ranchers produced healthy animals. We are now ready to step forward and have our first sale. All calves to be entered in the sale must be weaned by October 1, 2007 and must comply with the guidelines set forth on the CENTEX BEEF enrollment form and health program. The sale is open to anyone that wants to sell calves that have been pre-conditioned in our VAC 45 health program. Further details and regular updates on the sale can be obtained from our website: http://www.centexbeef.org, by E-Mail at info@centexbeef.org., or by writing to the Centex Beef Alliance, P. O. Box 21, Luling, TX 78648. You may also contact any of the member Board of Directors for further information.

Rachel A. Williams Bauer
County Extension Agent-Agriculture & Natural Resources
Texas Cooperative Extension- Caldwell County
The Texas A&M University System
1403 B Blackjack Street
Lockhart, Texas 78644
(512) 398-3122
(512) 398-3867 Fax
rabauer@ag.tamu.edu

Jul. 27, 2007

Gov. Perry Awards $16,468 to the Travis County Sheriffs’ Department K-9 Unit

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today announced an award of $16,468 to the Travis County Sheriffs’ Department to purchase a dog kennel that officers will use to transport their working dogs. The kennel is climate controlled and allows for longer deployment in the field while providing safe, comfortable and effective transportation of the dogs. Funds are awarded under the State Criminal Justice Planning Fund and are distributed by the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division (CJD).

“With these funds, local law enforcement officials will be better equipped to provide and maintain adequate conditions for their K-9 units, enabling them to better serve their communities and protect its citizens,” Perry said.

The State Criminal Justice Planning Fund supports programs that enhance the criminal and juvenile justice systems through various means, including law enforcement training and development, juvenile delinquency prevention programs, substance abuse treatment programs, special prosecution and criminal investigation units, and victim services programs.

Each year, CJD awards more than $113 million in grants for a variety of juvenile justice, criminal justice and victim services programs.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Tarrant County Judge Sentences Fort Worth Man to 40 Years in Child Pornography Case

Reuben Wenger found guilty of promotion and possession of illegal materials

FORT WORTH – A Tarrant County judge on Thursday sentenced a Fort Worth man to 40 years in state prison for possessing child pornography and transmitting it via the Internet. Reuben V. Wenger, 40, was convicted on charges of promotion and possession of child pornography, which are second- and third-degree felonies, respectively.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Cyber Crimes Unit began investigating Wenger in November 2005 when officers suspected him of sharing child pornography images over the Internet.

Media links

Reuben Wenger

“Texans will not tolerate criminals who exploit and prey upon our children,” said Attorney General Abbott. We are grateful to the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office for prosecuting the case and to the Fort Worth Police Department for their assistance. The Cyber Crimes Unit will continue to work tirelessly to crack down on child predators of all types.”

Fort Worth police arrested Wenger at his residence in June 2006 after the Cyber Crimes Unit brought evidence from a previous search warrant that he had engaged in peer-to-peer file-sharing of over 1,000 sexually explicit images involving children. The investigation also uncovered more than 2,100 computer files containing child pornography on Wenger’s computer. He was indicted by a Tarrant County grand jury in October 2006. Wenger is married and has one child.

Attorney General Abbott has earned a national reputation for aggressively arresting and prosecuting online child predators. In 2003, he launched the Cyber Crimes Unit, which targets online predators by assuming the identities of young teenagers in Internet chat rooms, and the Fugitive Unit, which locates convicted child sex offenders who have violated the terms of their parole and could be stalking children. Attorney General Abbott’s initiative has resulted in more than 600 arrests of such offenders. His office has obtained convictions against more than 60 men on child pornography charges.

Jul. 27, 2007

Gov. Perry Announces a $6 Million Emerging Tech Fund Award

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry awarded $6 million to the Texas A&M University System to help attract leading university researchers to Texas A&M University’s Texas Institute for Preclinical Studies (TIPS) in College Station. The grant is awarded through the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF), a $200 million initiative created by the Texas Legislature in 2005 at the governor’s request and re-authorized this year.

“Technological innovation is the lifeblood of tomorrow’s economy. By bringing today’s leading researchers to our state’s universities, we are elevating our emerging technology sector to make Texas a strong competitor in the global marketplace,” Perry said. “Continued investment in emerging technology creates more jobs and generates substantial capital investments, diversifying and enriching our economy.”

The award will help recruit world class researchers to TIPS to research and develop innovative advancements in biotechnology. The leadership of these top researchers will help new discoveries, particularly medical devices and therapies, move more quickly from concept to the marketplace to treat and prevent diseases. This award will leverage an additional $40 million for the institute from the Texas A&M University System and $2.5 million from the local community through the Research Valley Partnership.

A 17-member advisory committee of high-tech leaders, entrepreneurs and research experts reviews potential TETF projects and recommends funding for projects to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House.

The 2008-2009 state budget recently passed by the legislature and signed by the governor includes $75 million in new general revenue for the TETF. In addition to previous TETF balances and interest, more than $165 million will be available for the 2008-09 biennium.

To date, the TETF has allocated $89.1 million in grant funds to Texas companies and universities.

The TETF program has three main areas of investment:

• Increasing research collaboration between public and private sector entities through new Regional Centers of Innovation and Commercialization where the seeds of an idea can take root in a university lab and eventually grow into a new product marketed by a new or expanding firm;
• Matching research grants provided by both federal and private sponsors to help innovators acquire the capital they need to bring their idea to life; and
• Attracting more top-notch research teams from other universities around the nation that will help put Texas universities on the cutting edge of technology research and development.

For more information on the TETF, visit www.emergingtechfund.com

July 26, 2007

SAN ANGELO -- The impact bio-energy is having on the sheep and goat industry will be the focus of this year's 34th annual Sheep and Goat Field Day at the Texas A&M University System Research and Extension Center in San Angelo.

The event will start with registration at 8 a.m. Sept. 6 at the center which is located just north of San Angelo on U.S. Highway 87.

Key topics to be covered include: "By-product Feeds fro Bio-energy Production," "Effect of Higher Feed Prices on Optimal Body Size of Sheep and Goats," and "Economic Outlook for Feed and Sheep and Goat Prices."

The field day will conclude with industry updates and a legislative update.

One Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education unit will be available.

For more information contact the center at 325-653-4576.

Jul. 26, 2007

Texas Responds to Storms Across the State

AUSTIN – Numerous state resources, including search and rescue teams, were pre-positioned today at the direction of the Governor’s Office to respond to heavy rainfall that is expected to continue across Texas through the weekend. The forecast storm line stretches from Laredo to the Dallas area. The state will provide assistance to these communities as local officials indicate the need for state help.

“Because storms have saturated much of our state this summer, many of our communities are at risk of dangerous flash flooding. Places where one or two inches of rain normally wouldn’t cause concern could quickly turn into a life-threatening situation,” Perry said. “We will continue to work with local officials to provide the state resources necessary to ensure the safety of all Texas residents.”

In anticipation of severe weather events, two Texas Task Force 1 swift water rescue teams, and a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter and swift water rescue team, have been pre-positioned in San Antonio to assist with search and rescue operations as needed. Six Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens with three boats and a Texas Forest Service Incident Management Team are also positioned in San Antonio and ready for rapid deployment. Additionally, 60 Texas Military Forces soldiers and 20 high-profile vehicles are on standby if needed to assist with response to heavy flooding and other emergencies. Voluntary organizations are also prepared to help if needed to provide mass care support for residents.

“As this severe weather continues, I urge Texans to heed the warnings of their local leaders and take all possible precautions to avoid dangerous situations,” Perry said.

July 26, 2007

Photos and Graphics Click for larger images

COLLEGE STATION – Motorists traveling along Brazos bottom farmland just outside of College Station are doing double takes over a towering 12-foot sorghum crop.

The unorthodox-looking sorghum is the latest study by Dr. Bill Rooney, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station researcher, who hopes to produce a high-tonnage variety that could soon be used for bioenergy.

Talk of using tall sorghum to power an automobile is no Aggie joke. Sorghum as a source of biofuels had some of the nation's top scientists at the Great Plains Sorghum Conference enthusiastic about its future.

"Ag is changing," said Jeff Dahlberg, president of the National Sorghum Producers. "We're no longer about just feed and food. We're about fuel and bioenergy. I think it's caught people in this country by surprise."

With talk of ethanol focusing primarily on corn, sorghum can play a pivotal role since it can fit into starch, sugar and cellulosic conversions, Dahlberg said.

Sorghum is just one aspect of the Experiment Station's bioenergy initiatives. Rooney's research has focused on improving sorghum as a bioenergy feedstock. To that end, he has collaborated with other scientists looking into sorghum's prospects as a bioenergy component.

"The (sorghum breeding) program in College Station changed about four years ago," he told a group of researchers at the conference. "On the side, we began working on bioenergy and sweet sorghums. It's evolved into a project that has consumed a good portion of time."

Like sugarcane, sorghum can be converted into ethanol. The tall sorghum trials in College Station boast superior genes from hybrid sorghums. Specifically, Rooney is evaluating the sorghum's sugar content.

"If we want to develop a high-sugar hybrid, we have to have high levels of sugar on both sides of the parent," he explained.

Using cross-pollination of selected hybrid varieties, Rooney will soon establish a superior, high-yielding plant variety commercially viable for biofuel production. He's also attempting to include genetic traits that withstand periods of drought.

The tall sorghum trials are also being conducted in Weslaco and Lubbock. Another component of the research is harvesting. Rooney and other scientists are evaluating composition and yield both for animal feed and ethanol production, he said.

"One of the things we are looking at is how long can you leave this in the field," he said.

The Lone Star state is positioned to help meet the challenge of producing 1 billion tons of biomass needed to replace 30 percent of the nation's petroleum, said Dr. Bill McCutchen, Experiment Station deputy associate director. The state already is one of the largest biomass producers in the nation.

"Twenty-five percent of the nation's beef is in the Panhandle alone," he told conference attendees. "We have a large forest industry and overall we're a major biomass producer when you factor in the amount of crops produced in Texas. We have the largest installed wind energy and biodiesel capacity. Texas produces a lot of biomass, and we're diverse."

Using plant cellulose from Texas crops, such as sorghum, not only "has incredible potential, but also big potential for bi-products."

"Sorghum produces more biomass than corn, using 33 percent less water," McCutchen said. "Sorghum may have been overlooked as a potential biomass product."

If modeled after the sugarcane industry, a tall sorghum variety producing 20-plus tons to the acre transported to a processing plant within a 40-mile radius "is economically viable," he said.

"The sugarcane industry has been doing this for a long time," he said. "What we're not saying is switchgrass or corn isn't a viable crop, but if we can grow sorghum, it's worth giving a serious look. We believe this paradigm is happening and will happen."

But how to incorporate these crops into an existing portfolio of feedstock crops and other cash commodities in Texas is a challenge that lies ahead, he said.

"One of the things we envision is we want to be able to grow dedicated biomass crops for fuel within a diverse system," he said.

More information on the Experiment Station's bioenergy initiatives can be found at http://taes.tamu.edu/BioenergyInitiatives.htm.

July 25, 2007

AMARILLO – Courses covering the business accounting program QuickBooks Pro will be offered in Amarillo and Lubbock in August, a Texas Cooperative Extension specialist said.

In these two-day courses, participants will use a case study to learn the program in a hands-on setting, said DeDe Jones, Extension risk management specialist in Amarillo. The software program is used by many agriculture lenders and producers.

Each participant will develop cost and profit centers, enter transactions and create reports, Jones said. Program tips will be discussed throughout the course. No prior computer experience is necessary.

The courses will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The Amarillo course will be Aug. 22-23 and the Lubbock class will be Aug. 28-29, both at the respective Texas A&M University System Agricultural Research and Extension Centers.

The $75 course registration fee covers computer lease payments and teaching materials, she said. Couples will be charged only one registration fee if they share a computer.

Class size for each course is limited to 13 in order to provide hands-on experience for all participants, Jones said.

Pre-registration by Aug. 17 is requested for each course. To register or for more information on this program, call Jay Yates in Lubbock at 806-746-4056, or Jones at 806-677-5667.

Jul. 25, 2007

Gov. Perry Announces a $2 Million Emerging Tech Fund Award

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry announced a $2 million award to SecureOrigins Inc. of El Paso to help bring its emerging technology to market. The grant is awarded through the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF), a $200 million initiative created by the Texas Legislature in 2005 at the governor’s request and re-authorized this year.

“Technological innovation is the lifeblood of today’s economy. Through these grants, we are investing in potentially life-saving technologies and elevating our state’s emerging technology sector to make Texas a strong competitor in the global marketplace,” Perry said. “Continued investment in emerging technology creates more jobs and generates substantial capital investments, diversifying and enriching our economy.”

SecureOrigins Inc. of El Paso is receiving $2 million for further development of its Intelligent Software Agents (ISA). ISA are software modules that automate specific tasks, provide round-the-clock decision support and collaborate with each other without human intervention to determine best response action.

ISA will be used for such functions as:

• Assisting first responders in continuous real time protection of the border, and emergency preparedness and response involving high volumes of information and fast changing variables. For example, in a disaster situation, the ISA will synthesize complex information from a myriad of sensors and sources to provide simplified options for decision making by first responders.
• Assisting cross-border industry in real time visibility of their end-to-end supply chain logistics. For example, sensor devices compatible with ISA would be placed on a delivery truck, moving goods from one country to another to ensure compliance with authorized routes and timing benchmarks. The ISA could detect any interruption of travel or tampering with the vehicle, which would then alert the appropriate authorities of the unexpected activity.

A 17-member advisory committee of high-tech leaders, entrepreneurs and research experts reviews potential TETF projects and recommends funding for projects to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House.

The 2008-2009 state budget recently passed by the legislature and signed by the governor includes $75 million in new general revenue for the TETF. In addition to previous TETF balances and interest, more than $165 million will be available for the 2008-09 biennium.

To date, the TETF has allocated $89.1 million in grant funds to Texas companies and universities.

The TETF program has three main areas of investment:

• Increasing research collaboration between public and private sector entities through new Regional Centers of Innovation and Commercialization where the seeds of an idea can take root in a university lab and eventually grow into a new product marketed by a new or expanding firm;
• Matching research grants provided by both federal and private sponsors to help innovators acquire the capital they need to bring their idea to life; and
• Attracting more top-notch research teams from other universities around the nation that will help put Texas universities on the cutting edge of technology research and development.

For more information on the TETF, visit www.emergingtechfund.com

July 24, 2007

Comptroller Susan Combs Urges Texas Schools to Participate in Texas Fitness Now Program
$20 Million Available to Help Kids Get Fit

AUSTIN — In the continued fight against childhood obesity, Texas Comptroller Susan Combs today offered the state’s public schools and charter schools an opportunity to receive $20 million in grants during the next two years to support in-school physical education, nutrition and fitness programs for students in grades 6, 7 and/or 8.

Combs announced the new Texas Fitness Now grant program, aimed at middle school students attending schools where enrollment is at least 75 percent economically disadvantaged.

“Texas Fitness Now will provide crisis money for our schools,” Combs said. “Childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes among children is an epidemic that we, as a state, must address now. Obesity cost Texas businesses an estimated $3.3 billion in 2005 and could cost employers $15.8 billion annually by 2025 if the trend continues.”

Approximately 700 schools qualify for Texas Fitness Now grants. The minimum grant is $1,500, and schools can get more, based upon their enrollment. More than 270,000 students could benefit from the grants.

“The U.S. Surgeon General’s office reports that overweight children have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults,” Combs said. “Texas Fitness Now will help teach kids the importance of physical activity and fitness and lay the foundation for a life of healthy choices and lifestyles as they grow into adulthood.”

Combs secured funding for the grants in the 2008-09 state budget (General Appropriations Act, Article III, Rider 89) and developed the rules for the Texas Fitness Now program in conjunction with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and other interested stakeholders. TEA will administer the program, evaluate grant applications and award the funds to schools.

Acting Commissioner of Education Robert Scott said, “I appreciate the leadership Comptroller Combs has shown on improving the lives of Texas children. The Texas Education Agency is ready to work with her to improve the health and fitness of our students.”

To be eligible for a Texas Fitness Now grant, a school must ensure that students in grades 6, 7 and/or 8 participate in physical activity for either 30 minutes a day or 225 minutes per two-week period for the entire school year and must have a physical education curriculum that meets the standards of the National Association of Sports and Physical Education.

In addition, the school must:

• Have or be in the process of adopting a Coordinated School Health Program required by the Texas Education Code;
• Have a quality physical education program based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) that combines education, fitness and nutrition;
• Have submitted a wellness and nutrition policy to the Texas Department of Agriculture as required by law;
• Have established a School Health Advisory Council to review and make recommendations for using the grant;
• Have certified physical education teacher(s); and
• Conduct a campus fitness evaluation before Oct. 15 and again at the end of the school year, using an assessment instrument adopted by the state education commissioner and provided free-of-charge to participating schools.

The Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) says Texas Fitness Now grants could help participating schools become models for fitness education throughout the state.

"This program rewards innovative thinking in the fight against childhood obesity,” said Julie Shields, TASB’s Assistant Director of Governmental Relations. “It motivates districts to get creative in their physical education classes, but at the same time, it also recognizes that to develop these programs for Texas students costs money. Hopefully, all Texas students will benefit from lessons learned at those schools thinking outside of the box and getting results."

Texas Fitness Now grants may be used to support and enhance physical education, including buying PE equipment; buying equipment to track students’ progress, such as heart monitors and pedometers; selecting or developing an effective physical education curriculum and instructional materials; and training teachers and school administrators to help their students become fit and adopt healthy lifestyles. Schools must use at least 25 percent of the funds for nutrition education.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples particularly applauds the program’s nutrition component. The Texas Department of Agriculture oversees the state’s school nutrition policy.

“A well-balanced diet and plenty of exercise are vital for the health and well-being of all Texans – especially our young Texans,” Staples said. “Texas farmers and ranchers are natural partners in producing and providing healthy, nutritious food for children and will be strong allies in all school fitness efforts. I applaud the Legislature and Comptroller Combs for their foresight on this program.”

The Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (TAHPERD) commends the Texas Fitness Now program.

“There are two major challenges for our professionals to deliver a quality physical education program in Texas schools; one is funding, and the other is the large teacher to student ratio,” said TAHPERD Executive Director Diana Everett. “This grant program will enable many of our teachers and administrators to address at least one of our challenges. Through the Texas Fitness Now grant program, professional physical educators can seek the equipment and resources to teach lifetime habits of physical activity and fitness to their students.”

“We believe we will see measurable, positive results from incorporating more activity into the school day and teaching students to make healthier choices,” Combs said. “We urge all eligible schools to take advantage of this opportunity to start solving the childhood obesity problem.”

The deadline for schools to apply for a Texas Fitness Now grant is Oct. 1. More information, including program guidelines and a list of frequently asked questions, is available online at the Comptroller's Web site: www.window.state.tx.us. The actual grant application is available on TEA's Web site at: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/opge/formfund/pe/tfn/proguide.doc. Schools may also contact Marissa Rathbone at TEA, (512) 463-3064, for more information about the Texas Fitness Now program, or TEA's Division of Formula Funding, (512) 463-8525, for more information about grant funding.

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