Hoe Your Own Weeds

Some of you have been waiting for a Friday ramble but I had to wait for a little motivation. I have waited just about as long as I can and had hoped some things would change but... why should you hoe your own weeds when someone else will?

The recent City Council meeting that I attended will probably be the last. After hearing that the City was seeking funding from FEMA to repair our streets that was just about all I could take. But to hear that the FEMA representatives had said that the damage to our streets was due to "deferred maintenance" was embarrassing to me. Deferred maintenance means postponed or delayed maintenance and I took it to mean the lack of maintenance. Sure the City is to blame but so are you if you don't take care of your property and take a little pride in where you live. Hoe your own weeds...

In the past year I have consulted with one of my most trusted old timers in the community about this very subject and asked about how the streets were 40 years ago before they were paved and how they got paved. Unlike a modern day planned community where the water, sewer, and gas lines are all buried and then the streets are all paved with sidewalks, curbs, and gutters and then the houses all built, most of Santa Anna's houses were built before there were any substantial streets. Most of the streets that are paved and have sidewalks and curbs were paid for by the people that lived on the street. If you wanted a curb or sidewalk in front of your house then you paid for it. That is why some have them and some don't on the same street. So you see, even though they are on the city's right of way, they are part of your home or business and add value to it. Hoe your own weeds...

With a call by Mayor Fisher for volunteers to have projects in town I was surprised at some reactions, especially one that said they couldn't work on the street because it was City property. I understand that some are senior citizens and some streets require a little more than a shovel and wheel barrow. Why should you hoe your own weeds when someone else will?

I remember as Scouts when we trimmed brush, hauled trash out of, and replaced rocks in the mountain canal. We also painted fence and playground equipment at the park when it was first built. I have seen over the past several years an active SAHS National Honor Society participate in several downtown, armory, and park cleanup projects. Why not help your neighbor, especially if they are a senior citizen and can't keep their yard mowed? We called it "doing a good turn" and "community service" and it wasn't the kind that a judge made you do.

You would think that a business owner would take a little pride in their business and keep the weeds and trash cleaned up in the front of their businesses and I am not even going to begin to talk about the backs. I think that you can tell what it is like inside a business and how they take care of business when you look at the outside. Sure there are a few that do a good job and even some that take care of more than their share. Hoe your own weeds.

Some businesses have even been given EDC money to improve their properties appearance. There were also EDC projects to clean up our town and tear down the old houses that were not fit to live in especially on the main streets. Most of them are now overgrown with grass and brush. We aren't the only ones. Just this week I saw on one of the Abilene TV stations where the City of Abilene was going to start paying to have yards cleaned up and mowed and bill the land owners. Coleman and other towns are doing similar things. It hasn't been that long ago since we were making the same progress and maybe even more. The City hired a code enforcement officer to enforce the City's ordinances but he wasn't allowed to do his job. I guess he stepped on a toe or maybe an unused hoe...

City Hall is a whole other story, but what a mess with employees not being allowed to do their jobs, being harassed by citizens and councilmen, being fired or quitting one minute and hired back the next.

It is a shame when our town had become so well known for making a turnaround and nice place to live and raise a family that it is now becoming known for corruption and a good place to get a rock or brick in your windshield or shot at with a BB or paint ball gun.

I would tell the FEMA people to keep the money and give it someone that really needs it... someone from Cross Plains, Orange, New Orleans, or Biloxi... someone who has lost their home, their business, or even worse their family... for you see, the only disaster here is the City Council and the only emergency is at City Hall.

Hoe your own weeds...

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Attorney General Abbott Reaches $21 Million Settlement Benefiting Victims of Predatory Mortgage Lending

Ameriquest Mortgage Co. returns $325 million to consumers nationwide

EL PASO – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today announced that Texas homeowners who were harmed by Ameriquest Mortgage Co.’s deceptive lending practices will share in almost $21 million in restitution. Eligible Texans will receive claim forms from the lending giant in the coming days.

The settlement, a part of Attorney General Abbott’s ongoing efforts to combat misleading lending practices, resolves allegations that Ameriquest and its affiliates, Town and Country Credit Corp. and AMC Mortgage Services, did not adequately disclose certain terms to homeowners, including whether loans carried fixed or adjustable rates. The company also charged excessive origination fees and prepayment penalties, refinanced borrowers into improper loans and inflated appraisals that qualified borrowers for loans. About 21,000 Texans who signed contracts with Ameriquest Mortgage Co. between Jan. 1, 1999, and Dec. 31, 2005, may be eligible to receive restitution payments. The amount of each claimant’s payment will be based on the degree of financial harm they suffered because of the company’s financing schemes.

“Texans will not tolerate predatory lending schemes that lock would-be homeowners into a seemingly endless cycle of debt,” said Attorney General Abbott. “We are pleased that Texas homeowners who were harmed by this lending giant will share nearly $21 million in refunds. The Office of the Attorney General will continue protecting homeowners from deceptive lenders.”

This week, eligible consumers will begin receiving letters and claim forms explaining the restitution process. To participate, consumers must complete and mail these forms to the settlement administrator no later than Sept. 10, 2007. The settlement administrator’s toll-free number is (800) 420-5875 and detailed information can be obtained online at www.ameriquestmultistatesettlement.com.

Consumers who opt for restitution relinquish their right to file lawsuits against Ameriquest. Therefore, the Office of the Attorney General encourages consumers to consult with a private attorney before deciding to participate.

July 12, 2007

New Texas Cooperative Extension Leadership Announced

Writers: Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5608,skledbetter@ag.tamu.edu
Tim W. McAlavy, 806-764-61011,t-mcalavy@tamu.edu
Lorri Jones, 281-855-5620,LJones@ag.tamu.edu
Contacts: Dr. Galen Chandler, 940-552-9941,gchandle@ag.tamu.edu
Dr. Darrell Dromgoole, 361-265-9203,Ddromgoo@ag.tamu.edu
Jeff Ripley, 512-854-9600,Jripley@ag.tamu.edu

Photos and Graphics Click for larger images

COLLEGE STATION – Three administrators have been named for key positions with Texas Cooperative Extension, according to said Dr. Ed Smith, Extension director in College Station.

Dr. Galen Chandler has been named District 1 administrator in Amarillo, Dr. Darrell A. Dromgoole has been named North Region program director for agriculture and natural resources in Lubbock, and Jeffrey Ripley has been named Extension administrator for District 11 in Corpus Christi.

All three will begin their new positions on Sept. 1, Smith said.

Chandler has been with Extension for 27 years, most recently as District 3 administrator in Vernon. In Amarillo, he will have personnel and management responsibilities for all agriculture, family and consumer science, and 4-H agents in the 22 counties of District 1.

Chandler, a native of Irving, earned a bachelor's degree in animal science from Texas A&M University in 1980; a master's degree in science-teaching from Tarleton State University; and a doctorate of agricultural education from Texas A&M and Texas Tech University.

He began his professional career in 1980 as an assistant agriculture agent in Atascosa County.

Chandler also served as an Extension agriculture agent in Comanche, Wise and Denton counties before moving to Vernon in 1996 to become the district Extension director for agriculture. In 2003, he was named the district Extension administrator.

Chandler said this latest career move coincides with his love of the weather and people in the Panhandle region and offers him a chance to live closer to his son, Cody, an agricultural education student at West Texas A&M University in Canyon.

As district Extension administrator, Chandler will work directly with county commissioners courts to secure funding and support for Extension, as well as market Extension programs.

"One of my goals is to visit every county within the first two months to get acquainted with the agents and judges and as many commissioners as I can," he said. "One thing I do that I'm proud of is meet with each commissioners court each year to do an interpretation visit and keep them updated on what Extension is doing."

Chandler is also looking forward to developing a good working relationship with all the research faculty with Texas Agricultural Experiment Station at Amarillo, as well as the Extension specialists.

"That will be a good challenge for me, because there are more Extension specialists and researchers to work with in Amarillo than there are at Vernon," he said.

Leaving Vernon will be hard, though, Chandler said.

"I've hired a lot of good agents in this district and that's the part I'm going to miss – seeing how they do over the years," he said.

Dromgoole, who currently is Extension administrator at Corpus Christi, will work with other regional program directors, Extension administrators, specialists and agents. He will oversee regional agriculture and natural resources programs – including planning and coordinating educational programs, supervising faculty and staff, and fiscal planning and management, and will serve as a liaison with government and public and private clientele.

"I look forward to working with the agents, specialists, agriculture commodity groups and clientele in the Panhandle, South Plains and Rolling Plains," Dromgoole said. "We will work to identify agriculture and natural resource issues and develop educational strategies that will have a positive impact on the agriculture community."

Dromgoole earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from Texas A&M University in 1984, a master's degree in agricultural education from Texas Tech University in 1991, and a doctoral degree in agricultural education from Texas A&M and Texas Tech in 2007.

A native of Yoakum, he has served Extension as district administrator in Corpus Christi since 2003 and as district director for agriculture and natural resources in Uvalde from 1997 to 2003.

Dromgoole began his Extension career in 1984, serving as a county agent for agriculture and natural resources in Victoria, Crosby, Calhoun and Collin counties through 1997.

He has authored and contributed to many publications, and is known for his contribution to county agent training. He also has a strong background in crop and livestock production and programming, Smith said.

During his career, Dromgoole has received several Extension awards and was named to the Chancellor's List in 2006. He has also been recognized by his peers for excellence in livestock production programs, applied science and technology, result demonstrations and applied research, and his work with 4-H youth.

Ripley currently is Extension director of Travis County.

"I'm excited about going to another region that has such an active Extension outreach and such a great tradition of service to the community," Ripley said. "I'm looking forward to working with the people there, who are among the best (in the agency)."

Ripley will oversee the Extension personnel in 18 southeast Texas counties.

"I hope to be a good resource for my coworkers and the volunteers we work with, as well as for the community as a whole," he said.

Ripley has more than 18 years Extension experience, serving in Guadalupe, Williamson, Palo Pinto, Tom Green and Travis counties.

He earned a bachelor of science degree in agricultural business from Tarleton State University and a master of education degree in agriculture from Texas State University - San Marcos, formerly Southwest Texas State University.

July 12, 2007

Playa Lakes Are A Valuable Plains Resource

Writer: Tim W. McAlavy, 806-746-6101,t-mcalavy@tamu.edu
Contact: Ken Cearley, 806-651-5760,kcearley@ag.tamu.edu

Photos and Graphics Click for larger images

FLOYDADA – So how's your playa...is it holding water during this unusually wet year? Is it sporting a lush bloom of vegetation, in the water and on the land surrounding it?

If the answer to either question is yes, your playa lake is doing its job and should be appreciated as an asset, said a Texas Cooperative Extension wildlife specialist.

"Playa are a tremendous asset. But we don't often recognize them as such," said Ken Cearley, Extension wildlife specialist based in Canyon, at a June 27 Playa Lakes Appreciation Day. "They are a natural catchment structure in a semi-arid region. The water they catch and hold, and the plant communities they produce, is valuable for farming, livestock production and wildlife."

Playa lakes are shallow, natural basins that dot the landscape of a large portion of the Central Great Plains. The early Spanish explorers documented them in the mid-1500s, describing them as 'small, plate-shaped, dry ponds' and tagging them with the Spanish word meaning 'beach.'

"We don't know why they were dubbed playas, and we're not entirely sure how they were formed," Cearley said. "But we do know there are more than 30,000 of them in the playa lakes region in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kansas, Colorado and Nebraska. They range in size from less than an acre to several hundred acres, and they cover a total of more than 400,000 acres."

Wet or dry, playas help support more than 246 species of wildlife – waterfowl and other birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles. They also help recharge the underlying Ogallala Aquifer, a vast underground water source for the Central Great Plains, Cearley said.

"Some of the precipitation captured by playas returns to the aquifer along the perimeter where the clay basin, or bottom, meets other soils surrounding the lake," Cearley said. "They are a natural flood water containment structure in urban settings, a source of water for livestock when flooded, a source of grazing when dry, and a valuable source of wildlife habitat when managed for that purpose.

"The vegetation that grows in playas is mostly annual plants, many of which we consider weeds. But those weeds/plants produce food (seeds) and cover for wildlife such as waterfowl and pheasants."

Landowners can apply a few management techniques to keep playas healthy and functional, the specialist said.

"If you have a playa lake on farmland that's grazed, or rangeland, consider fencing it off," Cearley said. "Do all you can to maintain or encourage a buffer strip of native vegetation around the playa. A good, functional buffer strip should be at least one to two times as wide as the playa basin it protects.

"The buffer strip will protect the playa from silt and sedimentation resulting from runoff. It also provides a home and food source for wildlife, such as pheasants, quail and other species. The fence will help you plan and control grazing."

Light to moderate grazing, removing no more than 25 percent of vegetative growth per year, is recommended for overall plant health and to encourage plant and wildlife diversity, he said.

Landowners who want to manage playas and the buffer strips around them for pheasants, for example, should consider light grazing or complete deferral. A good rule of thumb is to protect the area from grazing during the growing season, he said.

Prescribed burning can also be an effective tool for playa management, he said.

High-tech tools such as hand-held global positioning system units can help landowners map playa lakes, their vegetation and wildlife resources, and integrate them with an overall management plan, Cearley said.

"Satellite-driven GPS technology, along with Geographic Information Systems software can help you digitally map almost any resource in layers," he said. "For a typical playa lake you might have an aerial photograph layer, a topographic layer, a layer representing periodic water surface area delineation, or a layer showing vegetation types and wildlife distribution."

These map layers can be viewed individually or in combination to aid the inventory and land planning process, the specialist said.

"Internet sites such as the Texas Natural Resources Information System (http://www.tnris.state.tx.us) provide free digital maps and aerial photographs that will help you manage your land," Cearley said. "Or you can generate your own maps using GPS/GIS coordinates and mapping software."

Managing playa lakes for wildlife is good land stewardship, Cearley said, but it can also add supplemental income from eco-tourism, bird watching, photography and hunting.

"Some local rural economies are generating significant income from wildlife enthusiasts who want to experience the great outdoors," he said. "Managing playa lakes for wildlife, and as part of your larger land enterprise isn't just good land stewardship, it's also good business."

Other speakers at the appreciation day briefed attendees on state and federal conservation programs, public conservation cooperatives and the 'pros-and-cons' of leasing land for recreational use.

The following Web resources can help landowners manage playa lakes:

Publications: Wetlands in the Texas Playa Region: http://www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov/news/pubs.html

Pheasant Management in the Texas Panhandle: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/land/habitats/high_plains/upland_gam e/pheasant.phtml

Vegetation Management in Playa Lakes for Wintering Waterfowl and Managing Playas for Wildlife in the Southern High Plains of Texas are available through Texas Tech Unversity's department of natural resources management: http://www.rw.ttu.edu/newsletter/mgmtnotes.htm

Agencies: Texas Cooperative Extension publications: http://tcebookstore.org Texas A&M University's department of wildlife and fisheries sciences, Extension wildlife unit: http://wildlife.tamu.edu Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Private Lands Program http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/land/private/ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program in Texas http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/partners/web/pdf/481.pdf U.S. Department of Agriculture: Natural Resource Conservation Service in Texas http://www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov Click on Find A Service Center.

Lady Bird Johnson Passes Away

AUSTIN--Lady Bird Johnson--wife, mother, grandmother, conservationist, businesswoman, philanthropist and First Lady--died today (Wednesday, July 11, 2007) at 4:18 p.m. Central Daylight Time at her home in Austin, Texas, at the age of 94. Her family and numerous friends were at her side when she died.

Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by her husband, President Lyndon Baines Johnson, who died in 1973.

She is survived by her children--Lynda, and her husband Charles Robb, and Luci Baines Johnson, and her husband Ian Turpin--as well as seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, with an 11th great-grandchild expected in August, 2007.

Funeral Arrangements announced:

FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2007:

Morning: Private family Eucharist at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin. Invitation only.

1:15 p.m.: The public is invited to pay its final respects to Lady Bird Johnson as she lies in repose at the LBJ Library and Museum, 2313 Red River, Austin, Texas. Mrs. Johnson will remain in repose throughout the night and visitation will end at 11 a.m. the following morning.

SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2007:

Private funeral service by invitation only at Riverbend Centre, Austin, Texas.

SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2007:

9 a.m.: The public is invited to line the route of a ceremonial cortege that will pass through Austin and carry Mrs. Johnson on to her burial place in Stonewall, Texas, at the Johnson family cemetery. The public route of the cortege will begin at the State Capitol at approximately 9 a.m., and will proceed south on Congress to Cesar Chavez. It will go right on Cesar Chavez and head west on the shores of Town Lake, which Mrs. Johnson was instrumental in beautifying. It will turn and go west on 290 toward Johnson City, where it will ultimately motor through downtown Johnson City, past President Johnson's boyhood home and past the LBJ National Park Visitors Center. The public aspect of the cortege will end in Johnson City.

SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2007:

Afternoon: Private family services at the graveside at the Johnson family cemetery in Stonewall. Invitation only.

See the official Lady Bird Johnson Final Tribute website.

President and Mrs. Bush Mourn the Passing of Lady Bird Johnson

Laura and I mourn the passing of our good friend, and a warm and gracious woman, Lady Bird Johnson. Those who were blessed to know her remember Mrs. Johnson's lively and charming personality, and our Nation will always remember her with affection. Mrs. Johnson became First Lady on a fateful day in November 1963 - and was a steady, gentle presence for a mourning Nation in the days that followed.

In the White House, Mrs. Johnson shared her love of the environment and nature with our entire country. The native wildflowers that bloom along roadsides today are part of her lasting legacy. She joined President Johnson in the struggle for civil rights, inspiring millions of Americans. Her commitment to early education gave many children a head start in life.

President Johnson once called her a woman of "ideals, principles, intelligence, and refinement." She remained so throughout their life together, and in the many years given to her afterward. She was much-loved in our home State of Texas, and the Bush family is fortunate to have known her.

Lady Bird Johnson leaves behind her devoted daughters, Lynda and Luci, their fine families, and a Nation that joins them in honoring a good life of kindness and service.

Jul. 11, 2007

Gov. Perry Orders Flags at Half-Staff in Memory of Lady Bird Johnson

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today directed that flags be flown at half-staff in memory of Lady Bird Johnson, former U.S. First Lady.

“Lady Bird Johnson embodied all that is beautiful and good about the great state of Texas,” Perry said. “She inspired generations of Americans with her graceful strength, unwavering commitment to family and keen sense of social justice. Her unflagging efforts to beautify our highways and byways are a lasting legacy, through which our state will forever bear the unmistakable signature of a genuine Texan. We are proud to have known her and, like all Texans, are the better for it. Anita and I offer our sincere condolences and prayers to the Johnson family and friends.”

The governor’s directive applies to all U.S. and Texas flags under the control of the state. Flags will remain lowered to half-staff on the state Capitol building and on flag displays in the Capitol complex, and upon all state buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state until sunset on Monday, July 16, 2007.

Individuals, businesses, municipalities, counties, and other political subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Statement from Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott

On the passing of Lady Bird Johnson, the following statement was released by Attorney General Greg Abbott:

"Lady Bird Johnson's lasting impact on the beauty and strength of this state is unmatched. In one of America's darkest hours, the First Lady served our country with grace and dignity. Lady Bird's beauty and what she stood for will far outlive our generation. Cecilia and I wish to extend the Johnson family our profound sympathies and wish them well as they remember a life well-lived."

July 11, 2007

Texas Crop and Weather

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576,s-byrns@tamu.edu

Audio MP3(1.9 Mb) Audio Script

COLLEGE STATION – With flood waters receding in most areas of Central Texas, the major chore of cleaning up now begins, according to Texas Cooperative Extension expert.

"Homeowners on rural water systems and wells in flooded areas should contact local health officials or their Extension agent for proper water well testing procedures if they haven't done so already,"said Scott Durham, Extension administrator in San Angelo.

"Any time flooding has occurred, contamination from runoff waters is a real possibility.

"While the recent rains have helped relieve drought conditions on rangelands and fill stock tanks, the cool, wet weather has delayed cotton crop development and limited the harvest of some wheat fields," he said. "Reports in some areas indicate the total loss of some wheat fields due to the wheat sprouting in the head while still on the stalk."

The following condition reports are from Extension officials:

PANHANDLE: The weather was warm with temperatures near 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Cotton is in fair to good condition, but later than normal due to cool weather and late planting. Wheat harvest is almost complete with good to excellent yields reported. The cool, wet conditions have helped corn grow rapidly. Sorghum, peanuts, pumpkins and sunflowers are also in good condition and progressing well. Producers are applying fungicides and herbicides to control weeds. Pastures and ranges are in good to excellent condition, and cattle continue to do well with the improved forage from above-normal rainfall.

ROLLING PLAINS: Last week was the first week in a while that some counties did not receive rain. Cotton acreage covered in water dried out enough for planting. The cotton crop looks good with adequate ground moisture. Wheat harvest is only 85 percent complete in several counties, and the rest is very likely to be abandoned due to storm damage. Some farmers posted yields of 60-plus bushels per acre. Pastures are green, and livestock are thriving. Some ranchers are concerned about the amount of grass underneath the weeds that have flourished with the rain. Flooding continues in the Brazos River and creek bottom lands. Some hay and several miles of fence have been lost.

NORTH: Extraordinary amounts of rainfall have created problems for farmers and ranchers. The water-logged soils are causing crops to suffer. Many fields are under water. Creeks and streams have overflowed their banks. The Red River is expected to stay at or above flood stage throughout July. Winter crops are feared lost due to lodging, sprouting and shattering. No hay is being baled because fields are too wet. Rain has damaged the wheat crop with some areas reporting a 95 percent loss.About 50 percent to 60 percent of the oat crop is expected to be lost; it's too early to forecast losses on sorghum and corn. A heavy infestation of sorghum midge is expected. Overcast skies are limiting sunshine to plants. Cattle conditions are good. Pastures seem to have recovered, but weeds will be a problem once the rain stops.

EAST: Up to 7 inches of rain fell in some areas. The rain is delaying hay harvests and decreasing quality. Turfgrass problems are reported. Cattle remain in good body condition, although reports of hoof rot have been received. Blueberries, blackberries and peaches are being harvested with good yields reported.

FAR WEST: Soil moisture, crops and pastures conditions range from very short to surplus depending on rainfall. A few light scattered showers were reported across the district in amounts from 0.5 to 1.5 inches.

WEST CENTRAL: Heavy rains continued in the eastern counties. The ground is saturated, and some counties have been declared disaster areas. Cotton crops are having some problems with wet conditions, but grain sorghum is doing well. Rain has delayed the wheat harvest, and some loss has been reported. Hay fields look good but are too wet for baling. Insect problems have increased. Range and pastures continue to have good growth due to above-average rainfall and mild temperatures. Producers are repairing fences and searching for lost livestock. The outlook for pecans is good in many areas.

CENTRAL: Rainfall stopped nearly all agricultural operations. Wheat left in the field is declining in quality.

SOUTHEAST: Pastures have great amounts of forage due to the rains, but haying has been hindered. Severe scattered storms have inundated much of the area. Over-grazed pastures from earlier dry conditions are 60 percent to 80 percent infested with weeds. No disease or insect problems were reported. Livestock are doing fine.

SOUTHWEST: Uvalde's year-to-date cumulative rainfall total is about 120 percent of the long-term average. Greater accumulations were received in several areas, especially east of Uvalde, where all rivers have recently flooded. The Nueces River west of Uvalde has not flooded. The excellent moisture conditions and relatively cool weather have helped to green up the region. Forage availability is above average, but evidence of the 24-month severe drought and past overgrazing still lingers west of Uvalde. Corn and sorghum are drying down; harvest should begin in two to three weeks. Cotton is making excellent progress. Spring green beans and cantaloupe harvests are complete, and watermelon harvest continues. Peanut planting has been delayed for weeks by rains, and some erosion has occurred in planted fields. Pecans are making excellent progress with good yields expected in most orchards.

COASTAL BEND: Rains continue to saturate the area. Some harvest equipment is stranded in water-logged fields. Some farmers harvested grain sorghum early to avoid grain head sprouting. Some nutrient leaching in corn was reported. Cotton fields are suffering loss due to lack of pollination during the rainy days with minimal sunlight. Hay production has stopped, and cattle have not been able to be worked or moved due to wet conditions.

SOUTH: Continuous rains have saturated the soil. Almost 6 inches of rain was received this week. Range pastures have benefitted from this rainfall. Corn crop conditions are good with almost all of the crop maturing in the mid-region. Sorghum is also in good condition. Sorghum has headed and is coloring; about 95 percent has matured and 60 percent has been harvested. Cotton conditions are fair to good, and range pastures are very good.

Jul. 11, 2007

Gov. Perry: Texas Is One Step Closer to Becoming Home Of National Biological and Agro-Defense Facility

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement upon learning that Texas Research Park in San Antonio, promoted by Texas Biological and Agro-Defense Consortium, was selected as one of five finalists for the site of the National Biological and Agro-Defense Facility. This $500 million federal program will address biological and agricultural national security risks.

“As a leader in homeland security efforts, and a state rich in diversified technology and resources, Texas is one step closer to becoming the home of the national site for leading bio-terrorism and agricultural defense research,” Gov. Perry said. “This is great news for Texas and San Antonio, which could soon become the site of national security research efforts that protects our country against bio and agro-terrorism.”

The other four finalists in the running are in Kansas, Georgia, North Carolina and Mississippi. The new laboratory site selection is a joint project by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The federal government is expected to reach its final decision by early 2008.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, AOL Reach Agreement to Improve Cancellation Requests, Provide Refunds

Multi-state investigation results in improved business practices

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today reached a multi-state agreement requiring AOL, one of the nation’s largest Internet service providers, to issue customer refunds and reform its handling of consumer cancellation requests.

Under the agreement, which was filed by Texas and 48 other states, AOL must provide its customers a simple online cancellation method (http://cancel.aol.com). The attorneys general took legal action after AOL customers complained about difficulty and confusion when they attempted to cancel their AOL paid services. In the future, AOL must record and verify telephone calls between AOL customer service representatives and customers calling to cancel their accounts. AOL must also resolve outstanding customer complaints and provide refunds to consumers who complained since Jan. 2005 of unauthorized service charges or improper billing.

Texans deserve straight answers and clear information from their Internet service providers,” Attorney General Abbott said. “Today’s agreement ensures that millions of AOL customers in Texas and across the country are adequately informed about their online services. With more Texans using the Internet every day, we will continue working to enhance online disclosures and protect Internet purchases.”

Prior to today’s agreement, AOL limited the methods available for consumers to cancel their accounts. As a result, the majority of consumers attempted to cancel by directly calling AOL. Customer service representatives received incentives for retaining or “saving” customers in lieu of cancellation, and subscribers complained that cancellation was extremely difficult, if not impossible. Today’s agreement puts strict limitations on this practice and mandates the availability of online cancellations.

The settlement also requires AOL to revise its terminated account reactivation disclosures as well as disclosures involving accounts that are invoiced directly to monthly telephone bills. AOL must also reform its practice of allowing consumers to create “spin off” accounts, which are additional, paid AOL accounts stemming from one original membership. Under the terms of the agreement, these “spin-off” accounts can now only be created over the phone in a recorded conversation with a customer service agent, who must make detailed pricing disclosures.

AOL recently announced that it would begin limiting its role as an Internet access provider, but would allow its customers to convert to free e-mail accounts. The terms of today’s agreement should minimize the potential for consumer confusion during this transition, by requiring additional disclosures and confirmation of calls where customers are transitioned to Internet service offered by third parties.

The Texas Attorney General’s Office has participated in three other multi-state actions against AOL. In 1996, Texas and 19 other states entered into an agreement with AOL regarding the company’s standard services pricing. In 1997, AOL entered into an agreement with Texas and 42 other states that reformed the company’s customer notification procedures about various services, including dial-up accessibility. In 1998, Texas and 43 other states reached an agreement with AOL regarding the company’s disclosures for free-trial offers, premium services, and communication and long-distance charges, as well as advertising to minors and changes to service agreements.

Today’s settlement also requires AOL to reimburse the states $3 million.

The other participants in today’s settlement are the states of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia Wisconsin, and Wyoming, the Commonwealths of Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Consumers may file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at (800) 252-8011 or online at www.oag.state.tx.us.

July 11, 2007

Texas A&M's Borlaug To Receive Congressional Gold Medal

Writer: Kathleen Phillips, 979-845-28272,ka-phillips@tamu.edu

Photos and Graphics Click for larger images

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Texas A&M Agriculture's Dr. Norman Borlaug will be presented the Congressional Gold Medal July 17 for unparalleled efforts at "bringing radical change to world agriculture and uplifting humanity," according to the U.S. Congress.

The presentation of the medal, created specifically for Borlaug at the U.S. Mint, will be at 10 a.m. in the Capital Rotunda.

Borlaug, 93, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 - the first ever to receive the prize for agricultural efforts - for his international research which led to wheat varieties that helped feed millions of starving people. He is distinguished professor of soil and crop sciences at Texas A&M University where he has been actively teaching, lecturing and consulting since 1984.

In measures passed by the Senate last September and the House in December, Borlaug was credited with "saving billions of people around the world ... (he) saved more lives than any other person who has ever lived."

"Dr. Borlaug's life-long work in fields throughout the world is a shining example of the importance of agriculture, not only for feeding starving people, but for economic and political stability," said Dr. Elsa Murano, Texas A&M University System vice chancellor and dean of agriculture and life sciences. "We are honored to have shared in his work for more than two decades at Texas A&M, and we applaud this recognition of his legacy."

Borlaug is often called the "Father of the Green Revolution" to depict the color and quantity of wheat planted in the world as a result of his development of smaller, easier-to-harvest plants which were nurtured the fertilizer, water and weed-preventing chemicals.

"There is no magic in high-yielding seed," Borlaug once said. "People have to know how to grow, when to plant, how to control weeds, how to manage water."

He bred a dwarf wheat first in Mexico because the traditional varieties there grew so tall that the stalks would bend over, losing the grain heads on the ground. His developments increased Mexican wheat production sixfold.

From there, Borlaug took the improved varieties to India and Pakistan in the mid-1960s though scientists then thought those nations of explosive populations and poor land were a hopeless cause.

But the effort worked. When Borlaug's work began there, India produced 11 million metric tons per year. That country now is the world's second largest producer of wheat and is expected to bring in 73 million tons this year, according to the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Borlaug has continued to work globally, maintaining research in Mexico each spring and teaching at Texas A&M each fall.

"It's difficult to come back to the United States and talk about food shortages when we have been blessed throughout history with abundance," Borlaug recalls.

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award given by the legislative branch of government, bestowed on those who have made a significant "act of service to the security, prosperity, and national interest of the United States."

George Washington was the first recipient on March 25, 1776. Borlaug also joins the ranks of the Wright Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, Thomas Edison, Dr. Jonas Salk, Mother Theresa of India, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King and more than 100 other recipients.

Santa Anna City Council Meets

The Santa Anna City Council met in a Regular Meeting Monday evening at 5:00 at the Santa Anna City Hall. Mayor Russell Fisher called the meeting to order with Council Members Nancy Wylie, Curtis Fellers, John Morris, Tom Bell, and Harold Fahrlander in attendance as well as several City employees, including Director of Public Works, Sam Oswood; City Secretary, Arlene Welch; Chief of Police, Carlos Torres; a few other City employees, and numerous citizens which left the meeting standing room only.

There were the normal reports including a financial report from Wanda Campbell, serving as a part time accountant. Her report included the first payment of the water line bond of approximately $20,000.

Chief of Police, Carlos Torres reported that there had been a total of 127 calls last month with 29 tickets and three arrests. Chief Torres also reported that he had three suspects, including one adult and two juveniles, in the vandalism of the last few weeks to the Dairy Queen where some windows were shot at with a BB gun; to a car passing through town, which was shot at with a paint ball gun; and the most serious, which was a brick thrown through the windshield of a passing car near the intersection and signal light at 1st Street and Wallis Avenue which are also FM 1176 and US 67/84.

In the maintenance and utilities report, Director of Public Works, Sam Oswood, reported that most of the time worked had been spent on street repairs over the last month due to the fact that there had been very few water leaks.

In other business the Council unanimously approved to authorize an ordinance granting Atmos Energy a twenty five year franchise for gas distribution within Santa Anna. The Council also discussed the status of the Rural Development water delivery project with Oswood reporting that the last part of the project was to be a road constructed to the pump station costing approximately $3000 and that the Council had several options for the remaining approximately $100,000, including returning the money or refurbishing the old water tank which would take most, if not all, of the remainder. Oswood will be seeking engineering for the water tank refurbishment and report back to the Council at the next meeting.

Mayor Fisher reported on a recent visit from FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The FEMA representatives, Mayor Fisher, and Oswood toured Santa Anna viewing the damage caused by recent heavy rainfall, primarily to roads and streets, but also to the mountain canal. Most of the street damage was attributed to "deferred maintenance". The canal being a WPA project made it more of a possibility for funding.

The Council also heard from former Director of Public Works, Doug Watson, regarding several items including a list of comparisons of Council decisions compared to previous Council concerns. Mayor Fisher questioned Watson if he had sought legal counsel regarding his issues and Watson stated that he had. Fisher went on to read a letter from the City's attorney advising the Council to hear Watson's concerns but advising them not to respond, not to take any action, and to refer Watson's attorney to the City's attorney. Watson, who is now employed by the City of Coleman after working there previously, voiced that he wanted to try to work his issues out. Councilmen Fellers and Bell asked to hear what Watson had to say. With most of his discussion addressed to Councilman Morris, Watson included that he and former City Secretary, Cindy Pelton, had been harassed by Morris and falsely accused of wrong doing. Watson also pointed out that they had been falsely accused of being over budget when the current budget had been exceeded without a budget amendment, of shredding some sort of evidence while the City has since purchased a more expensive paper shredder, that they had been accused of being overpaid when their replacements have been paid more, that they had practiced nepotism while Morris is related to one of the current City employees, and that city employees had used city equipment for personal use when it has been done since Watson left his position. Watson also requested the city to pay the unpaid accrued vacation that the Council had previously voted to pay to the former employees when they resigned. Unpaid wages were also requested by Watson when had he performed additional duties to his former position as Director of Public Works. The additional duties included running the water treatment plant and repairing water leaks. Mayor Fisher reaffirmed for Watson to have his attorney contact the City's attorney regarding these issues.

"It’s All About YOU - Family Fun, Food and Fitness"

Delicious healthful eating is ALL ABOUT YOU all about making choices so that you can do all the things you want.

Family fun, food and fitness can help your whole family have more energy today. They are also the way to manage your weight and to reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer and heart disease later in life.

You are invited to our Better Living for Texans class on Thursday, July 12, at 1:00 p.m. at Central Texas Opportunities - Coleman Head Start, 720 W. 10th St. in Coleman as we talk about "Family Fun, Food and Fitness", a presentation of the Texas Beef Council. Better Living for Texans is sponsored by Texas Cooperative Extension, in collaboration with Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, Head Start, and Coleman Housing Authority. If you have any questions, call County Extension Agent, Debbie Hailey, at 325-625-4519.

July 10, 2007

Extension Economist: Increased Consumer Demand for Milk Products Driving Up Prices

Writer: Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259,b-fannin@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. David Anderson, 979-845-4351,d-anderson@tamu.edu

Photos and Graphics Click for larger images

COLLEGE STATION – The popular catch phrase ‘Got Milk?' is taking on new meaning after a spike in demand for milk-related products, a Texas Cooperative Extension economist said.

"It all started around last year as exports for milk products have increased and overall consumer demand for milk products is on the rise," said Dr. David Anderson, Extension economist for livestock and food products marketing.

According to Anderson, some contributing factors to the current dairy market are:

- Higher feed costs for dairy cows as a result of growing ethanol production.

- Drought in parts of the U.S. as well as Australia, causing a decline in milk production and increase in feed prices.

- Declining production in Europe due to reduced subsidies.

- Increased demand for dry milk powder exports and domestic use of products containing dairy additives as a source of protein.

"Everything from corn to hay is causing dairy farmers to pay more for feed," Anderson said. "And there are so many new products that contain milk. For example, a lot of the protein drinks used by weight trainers and other fitness-minded individuals use milk products as a protein source."

Nonfat dry milk prices on June 16 reached $1.91 per pound compared to $1.07 in December 2006 and 98 cents in early January 2006.

Another factor is a movement to avoid the use of rBST, a man-made version of the naturally occurring hormone cows produce, Anderson said. Giving cows rBST increases milk production, he said.

"There's no difference in the milk if it is used or if it's not used," Anderson said. "You've got groups against rBST and you've got milk processors buying milk from farmers that aren't using it. As a result, it's slowing down some of the overall milk production."

"But higher prices aren't a production issue, its demand," he said.

Even pizza chains are feeling the impact of higher dairy prices, Anderson said.

"Their response may be to put less cheese on pizzas," he said. "But when cheese is cheap, they're more likely to put more on there."

Export demand is on the increase as well, Anderson said. Milk powder and milk proteins "go into a variety of products" and the international demand for these is contributing to the increases in milk prices.

Jul. 09, 2007

Gov. Perry Orders Flags at Half-Staff In Memory of Former Chief Justice John L. Hill Jr.

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today directed that flags be flown at half-staff in memory of John L. Hill Jr., former Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court.

“We will lower our flags in remembrance of an influential Texan, who exemplified leadership and true public service as the first person in Texas history to serve as Secretary of State, Attorney General and Chief Justice,” Perry said. “Anita and I extend prayers of comfort to Chief Justice Hill’s family during their time of grief.”

The governor’s directive applies to all U.S. and Texas flags under the control of the state. Flags will be lowered immediately to half-staff on the state Capitol building and on flag displays in the Capitol complex, and upon all state buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state until sunset on Saturday, July 14, 2007.

Individuals, businesses, municipalities, counties, and other political subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

July 9, 2007

West Texas Deer Study Group to Meet Aug. 7-8 in San Angelo

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

SAN ANGELO - ‘The West Texas Deer Study Group will have its 10th annual program Aug. 7-8 at the Texas A&M University System Research and Extension Center in San Angelo. Anyone interested in deer management is invited to attend. The meeting starts with registration at 8 a.m. Aug. 7.

Sponsors are Texas Cooperative Extension; Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; Natural Resources Conservation Service and Wildlife Systems Inc.

Dr. Dale Rollins, Extension wildlife specialist at San Angelo, said this year's theme is "Enterprise Aspects of the Deer Business."

"The interest in what I call ‘intensive' deer management continues to climb in Texas, and throughout the whitetail's range for that matter," Rollins said. "Some of that growth is prompted by personal interest in ‘how big a buck can I grow,' and some is prompted by economic interest. The two rationales may not always jibe.

"Our aim for this year's meeting is the business aspects of deer management; that is, to see why or why not the two schools of thought don't always go together. We'll also have a host of other topics addressing everything from ethics to recipes."

A sampling of those topics includes: "The Business of Deer and Deer Hunting," "Maximum Profits - Minimum Headaches," "Integrated Captive Breeding," "Culinary Side of a Hunting Lodge," and "Cashing in on Does, Culls and Misfits."

The group was formed in 1998 to advance sound deer and habitat management in West Texas, the region considered west of Interstate 35 and north of U.S. Highway 90, Rollins said.

Individual pre-registration received before July 25 is $60; registration after July 25 will be $90 at the door. The fee includes three meals and all program materials.

For more information, contact Rollins at 325-653-4576 or see http://teamquail.tamu.edu for a copy of the agenda.

Monday, July 9, 2007

Texas Attorney General, SEC File Market Manipulation and Stock Fraud Charges Against Two Texas Residents

Illegal “botnets”used to cheat investors out of more than $4.6 million

HOUSTON – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Special Investigations Unit charged two Texas residents with devising an illegal high-tech scheme to defraud investors out of more than $4.6 million. Both suspects, who were indicted July 3 by a Harris County grand jury, are the subjects of an ongoing investigation by several states and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In addition to the state’s charges, the suspects face securities fraud charges, which were filed today by the SEC.

Darrel Uselton, 40, of Katy, and his uncle, Jack Uselton, 69, of Houston, face organized criminal activity and money laundering charges. According to state and federal investigators, the Useltons reaped millions in illegal profits by promoting shares from at least 13 penny stock companies. The suspects then secretly sold those stocks into an artificially active market they created with manipulative trading schemes, spam e-mail campaigns, direct mailers, and Internet-based promotional activities.

The case is being prosecuted by the Texas Attorney General’s Office (OAG) and the Office of Harris County District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal with investigative assistance from the New York Attorney General’s Office. OAG investigators have seized more than $4.2 million from bank accounts associated with the defendants. Darrel Uselton was arrested by OAG investigators and is currently being held in Harris County Jail in lieu of $8 million bond. An arrest warrant has been issued for Jack Uselton.

“Investors will not tolerate scam artists who use the Internet to illegally manipulate stock prices,” Attorney General Abbott said. “Together with several states and the SEC, we have uncovered an elaborate scheme to defraud unwitting investors. The Office of the Attorney General will aggressively prosecute market manipulators, spammers and con artists whose illegal schemes defraud unsuspecting citizens.”

SEC Chairman Christopher Cox added: “This latest step in the Commission’s anti-spam initiative is intended to protect investors from fraud artists who would treat the investing public as their personal ATM machines. The use of bots to spread investment spam at exponentially higher rates is making this type of fraud an even more virulent threat to ordinary investors. Not only are victims getting hit with get-rich-quick spam, but by turning the victims’ computers into zombies, these fraudsters are sending out still more spam to others. Given estimates that up to one quarter of all personal computers connected to the Internet are part of a botnet, and the thriving market in selling lists of compromised computers to hackers and spammers, the SEC is taking this very seriously. We remain aggressively committed to tracking down anyone attempting to use bots to prey on investors with false or misleading spam about securities.”

The Commission’s complaint, which it filed with the U.S. District Court in Houston, charges the Useltons with orchestrating a series of spam e-mail campaigns. The scheme, which relied on an array of computer “botnets,” touted near-worthless penny stocks in millions of spam e-mails sent to potential investors. Those unsolicited electronic messages included baseless price projections and other unfounded claims. Each campaign, which featured a single company, lasted anywhere from several days to several weeks.

According to the SEC’s complaint, the Useltons earned more than $4.6 million from their fraudulent scheme between May 2005 and December 2006. The SEC’s complaint indicates the Useltons and companies they controlled received unrestricted penny stock shares despite little or no investment. Those shares were allegedly provided in return for their purported financing or promotional activities.

Darrel Uselton was disciplined by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) in 2004 and 2005. In a 2002 action that has since settled, the SEC permanently enjoined Jack Uselton from violating anti-fraud regulations.

July 9, 2007

Officials Warn West Nile Virus Is Back

Writer: Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5608,skledbetter@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Greta Schuster, 806-651-2280,gschuster@mail.wtamu.edu

CANYON -- Lots of rain leaves standing water. Standing water attracts mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus. And July is the prime month for cases of the disease to start showing up, said a Texas Cooperative Extension specialist.

Dr. Greta Schuster, an Extension integrated pest management specialist in Canyon, will be dragging out her carbon dioxide light traps this week to determine how many positive mosquitoes can be found in the area.

Schuster, who also is a West Texas A&M University associate professor, is working with Dr. James Alexander and the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Alexander reported West Nile Virus is already active in Texas, with one human case in Willacy County. Positive mosquitoes have been found in Collin, Denton, Jefferson, Montgomery and Willacy counties.

West Nile Virus cases in Texas can be found at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/disease/arboviral/westNile/ .

In 2006, 33 West Nile human fatalities were reported, and since 2002, 71 fatalities due to the virus have been reported in Texas, Schuster said, quoting state health service figures.

Schuster has been sampling for West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes for the past five years. She started in an effort to help Extension agents and area veterinarians know the severity of the situation and to help get horses vaccinated for the disease.

Each year she watches the reports from other parts of the state to know when to start collecting mosquitoes. When the positive cases start showing up in the south, she knows it won't be long before the virus moves north.

When Schuster collects the live mosquitoes in her traps, she sends them to the Texas health department in Austin where they are tested to see if they carry the disease.

"We're trying to find out when mosquitoes are becoming active and what species is active at the time," she said.

With all the recent rain in Texas, a large hatch of mosquitoes can be expected, Schuster said.

"If they are showing up in my traps, then there are a lot more out there," she said. "That's when we start alerting the Texas Department of Agriculture and other agencies who can get the word out that it is time to be more vigilant in control and protection."

To protect against disease-carrying mosquitoes, Schuster said wear long sleeves when working outdoors, use a DEET product and don't go out from sundown to 10 p.m. if possible.

"When we were collecting mosquitoes off the horses, they were covered the heaviest from about 8 to 10 (p.m.)," she said.

Schuster said there is some concern about using products with the DEET chemical in it, but advises that if people spray most of the chemical over their clothing and use long sleeves to protect themselves, it is safe.

The DEET amounts in products vary, she said. The amount needed depends on how long an individual expects to be outside. The more DEET the repellent contains, the longer not better it will protect.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise that products with a low concentration of active ingredient may be appropriate when exposure to insects is minimal, Schuster said. Higher concentrations of active ingredient may be useful in highly infested areas or with insect species which are more difficult to repel.

When trying to limit mosquito populations outside, a combination of treatments is best, Schuster said.

"First, we advise sanitation," she said. "Empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels and cans. Remove discarded containers and other items that could collect water."

Second, use a larvicide chemical to control hatching mosquitoes so they never become adults, Schuster said. Larvicides, which kill immature mosquitoes, are put in water sources.

Bacillus thuringiensis more commonly know as BT is a biological larvicide that is safe for animals, she said. It is found in products sold as Mosquito Dunk. Methoprene, a chemical larvicide, is an insect growth regulator that kills larvae by disrupting their development.

As with all products, Schuster advised, read and follow all labels and directions.

The final step to treatment is the use of adulticides or products used to kill adult mosquitoes, she said. These products can immediately reduce the number of adult mosquitoes around the home. They include fogs, mists or sprays, which are often used by city and county officials to treat large areas, she said.

"There's no one control that works the best," Schuster said. "It's a combination of all of them. That's the whole basis to the integrated pest management program."

Jul. 09, 2007

Gov. Perry Rolls Out Texas' Bioenergy Strategy

Focus on advanced technology will lead to sustainability and global solutions for growing energy needs

HOUSTON – Governor Rick Perry today joined bioeconomy leaders to roll out Texas’ Bioenergy Strategy, highlighting the state’s achievements in creating a balanced energy portfolio through developments in bioenergy and other energy resources. The governor also awarded a $5 million Texas Emerging Technology Fund grant to Texas A&M University for research and biofuel advancements.

“As a state that grows by 1,000 new residents each day, Texas must take a more innovative approach to developing new methods and research in the field of energy,” said Perry. “By intersecting three of our state’s largest industries – energy, agriculture and petrochemicals – researchers in Texas have made tremendous progress in developing bioenergy and fuel sources from such things as plant cells, compost and fertilizers.”

In 2004, Gov. Perry spearheaded efforts to build industry clusters comprised of leaders in six industry sectors economists forecasted to be future engines of economic development in the United States. One of the sectors, energy, sparked partnerships between the private sector, academia, and the state and federal government to research bioenergy and fuel opportunities in Texas. Today, scientists have developed unique avenues through use of natural materials to create environmentally clean and efficient energy sources. Today, bioenergy and fuel products are successfully competing with traditional manufacturing processes thanks to their ability to cut costs by using natural products, while promoting a greener and more eco-sensitive business.

During the last year, the bioenergy initiative evolved into a larger project focused on the broad realm of bioproducts. Advancements in such fields as biomaterials, biochemicals and biopharmaceuticals have ignited the creation of a bioeconomy in Texas.

“In a place like Texas that not only houses unique terrains and ecosystems unlike any other the world, but also has access to ports, international borders, and other venues for trade, we have a distinct opportunity to further develop and leverage more of our state’s resources to develop a variety of bioproducts,” said Perry.

At the event, Gov. Perry awarded a $5 million Texas Emerging Technology grant to Texas A&M University to help recruit commercially-focused faculty to market innovative research for the next generation of biofuels. Texas A&M and Chevron are also partnering on research efforts to achieve accelerated harvesting of non-food crops for conversion into biofuel products.

The governor recognized the newly formed Texas Bioproducts Industry Council, which will work closely with the private and public sector to strategize the future of bioproducts in Texas. Ongoing research has the potential to promote Texas to a self-sufficient post for energy and fuel, while introducing global solutions to growing energy needs.

July 9, 2007

Texas A&M System Awarded $5 Million for Bioenergy Research

Contact: Terri Parker or Tina Evans, 979-458-6023,SysComm@tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION -- Gov. Rick Perry announced today that The Texas A&M University System has received a $5 million grant from the state's Emerging Technology Fund for the Texas A&M Agriculture and Engineering Bioenergy Alliance. "The Texas A&M System has a reputation for excellence in research. We strive to maintain and improve upon that reputation by hiring outstanding faculty and providing them with the tools they need to rise to the top of their field," said Michael D. McKinney, chancellor of the Texas A&M System. "This funding from our state's leadership will be used for groundbreaking research to create alternative fuels to solve our world's energy challenges."

The Texas A&M Agriculture and Engineering BioEnergy Alliance, a partnership between the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station and the Texas Engineering Experiment Station, will use its grant funds to hire new commercially focused faculty to accelerate the path to market for their innovative research on the next generation of biofuels.

"In order to meet our long-term energy needs, the development of biofuels from agricultural feedstocks requires research into many alternatives by talented scientists working on Texas-based issues," said Dr. Elsa Murano, vice chancellor and dean of agriculture and life sciences for the A&M System. "Here at Texas A&M and within the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, we are conducting significant research on several dedicated feedstocks for biofuels and renewable energy such as sorghum, sugarcane, forage and oil-based cropping systems that are sustainable within existing agricultural production systems.

"We are very appreciative of the governor for providing this funding through the Emerging Technology Fund. This grant will enable us to bring in additional, world-class scientists who can help us significantly accelerate this research and development of biofuels. We are going to do our part, working with our partners in Texas A&M Engineering, to move biofuels from the fields to our fuel tanks more quickly and efficiently, which will provide tremendous benefit to the state of Texas," she said.

In addition to the ETF grant, the agriculture and engineering experiment stations and Texas A&M will provide funds to recruit and retain superior, commercially focused faculty in key disciplines to join and enhance the Bioenergy-Bioproducts Development Team.

About the A&M System:

The A&M System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a budget of $2.6 billion. Through a statewide network of nine universities, seven state agencies and a comprehensive health science center, the system educates more than 103,000 students and makes more than 15 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. Externally funded research brings in almost $620 million every year and helps drive the state's economy.

About the Texas A&M Agriculture and Engineering Bioenergy Alliance:

The Texas A&M System is uniquely configured to optimize the integrated development and design of cellulosic and oil-based feedstocks with emerging technologies and sustainable supplies of biomass to address biofuels and renewable energy. Over the past two decades, faculty and staff researchers have worked on multiple feedstocks, biofuels and bioenergy projects. The Texas A&M Bioenergy Alliance is advancing this research toward demonstration projects and eventual commercialization, while accelerating the next generation bioenergy.

About the Emerging Technology Fund:

The ETF is a $200 million initiative created by the Texas Legislature in 2006 to help businesses get innovations to the marketplace. Recipients of ETF funding are selected by a 17-member advisory committee of high-tech leaders, entrepreneurs and research experts who review potential projects and recommend projects for funding to the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the house.

Weekend

Once again we had a few tenths of rain on Friday and then some showers on Sunday afternoon.

Jessica is blaming me for the rain since I started on the garage roof.

I think it was Patrick because he washed their car Sunday afternoon.

Cindy and I enjoyed getting together with friends at a Fourth of July party at Albert and Julie Brashears Saturday night. They always put on a good show. The fish and mosquitos were biting and the fireworks were exciting especially for those sitting in the bleachers up front. There wasn't a hayride this year but Albert said we could ride his mule...

Jessica, Patrick, Nate, Luke, and Dawson all went to Lake Brownwood for the big fireworks show. Jessica said it was good.

That is about all I have and have time for. Have a good week!

Don't forget to send your news items to news@santaannanews.com.

Thanks for coming by SantaAnnaNews.com and come back soon!

New Recipe Page

I added a Soaps list to the menu on the left and a new Recipes Page.

The recipes include a Recipe of the Day, a low carb, low fat, vegetarian, breakfast, and dessert recipe from LivingCookBook.com and also a baby and Eceltic recipe.

All of these are dynamic and change every day so if you see one you like you better print it off or write it down.

June 29, 2007

GIS to Help Ranchers Manage Natural Resources

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

SAN ANGELO – Texas Cooperative Extension will present an introductory Geographic Information System workshop at 8:30 a.m. July 12 at the Texas A&M University System Agricultural Research and Extension Center in San Angelo.

The workshop, titled "Geographic Information Systems for Natural Resource Managers in West Texas: Exploring the Possibilities,"will introduce the technology to range managers.

Two later workshops, set for Aug. 29-30 and Sept.19 at the center, will offer in-depth instruction on several commonly used facets of the satellite technology, according to Dr. Dale Rollins, Extension wildlife specialist at San Angelo. .

"Back in 1997, we introduced the concept of selective brush control, what we now call ‘Brush Sculpting,' as a way to enhance wildlife habitat," Rollins said. "Back then, Brush Sculpting meant lots of flagging tape to define the areas for brush removal. Today it means a global positioning unit and a computer on the bulldozer or on the spray plane doing the control work."

A global positioning system – commonly known as "GPS" – is usually a hand-held unit that uses satellite technology to pinpoint geographical positions, Rollins said. And a Geographic Information System incorporates GPS and other databases for "a communication support-type interface."

"Simply put: GPS is the ‘bullet,' component of the system and GIS is the ‘rifle,'" Rollins said.

Topics at the July 12 meeting will concentrate on how to develop and implement brush sculpting and range monitoring plans.

"We'll also discuss how GIS has opened new windows relative to counting wildlife and managing a quail-hunting operation," Rollins said. "They've even got a GPS unit for bird dogs that allows the hunter to keep up with the whereabouts of up to 15 dogs simultaneously."

Individual pre-registration, which includes lunch, is $15 by July 10 and $25 at the door.

The Aug. 29-30 workshop is an introduction to ARC/GIS software. Individual registration is $375. The training is an Environmental Systems Research Institute - certified training in ArcView 9.2. Environmental Systems Research Institute markets ArcView.

The Sept. 19 daylong "Geospatial Field Day" will feature hands-on training on various equipment used in the field. Individual registration which includes lunch, is $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Consult the TeamQuail Web site http://teamquail.tamu.edu to view the workshop's agenda.

For more information on any of the three workshops, call Rollins at 325-653-4576 or Steve Sturtz, Extension agent in Tom Green County at 325-659-6525.

4-H Updates

By: Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS

District Record Book Judging
July 17, 2007
If you are planning on submitting a 4-H Record Book, please let us know what category and age division your book needs to be entered in. Completed record books should be turned in to the Extension office on or before July 9th .

ICE CREAM SUPPER AT Coleman Co. Electric Coop Annual Mtg.
Friday, July 13, 2007

This year, Coleman county 4-H has been asked to host the refreshments at the Coleman County Electric Cooperative Annual meeting on Friday, July 13 at the Coleman ISD School Cafeteria. We will begin serving at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments which 4-Hers need to bring are *homemade ice cream and homemade cookies.

We also need 4-Hers to help serve at this event. 4-Hers.....this is a great community service activity. Please call the Extension Office at 625-4519 and sign up for what you would like to bring and if you are available that evening to help serve.

4-H Calendar

July
9 Record Books due to Co. Extension Office

13 Ice Cream Supper for Coleman Co. Electric Coop
(Serving begins at 5:30 p.m.) (4-Hers be there by 5:00 pm)

15-21 State Shooting Sports Games - San Antonio

17 District Record Book Judging

23 District Junior & Intermediate Fashion Show

If you have any questions about any of the 4-H events listed above or would like more information about the 4-H programs in Coleman County, please come by the Extension Office, 2nd floor, County Courthouse, or give us a call at 325-625-4519.

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