Happy Fathers' Day!

Happy Fathers' Day to all of you dads.

A special one to my Dad, Dan Pelton of Canton Texas and my step-dad, Tex Wright of Santa Anna of course.

I have been pretty lucky to have two dads and they both are very special to me.

There are a few others dads that are special to me as well... my father-in-law, Jack Pierce of Raton New Mexico, step father-in-law, Jimmy White of Waco, and I can't forget the patriarch of the Robinetts, Robert Robinett.

Father's Day, 2007

A Proclamation By the President of the United States of America

On Father's Day, we reflect on the many ways that fathers contribute to the lives of their children with spoken words and unspoken kindness.

Fathers are one of the most important influences in the lives of children, and their unconditional love is an indispensable anchor of certainty and strength. By placing their family's well-being above their own, fathers provide children with an example of what it means to be a responsible person. Through unwavering devotion and daily sacrifice, fathers work to create an environment where children are protected and encouraged. Fathers instill in their children an understanding of right and wrong and help them to grow in confidence and character. These dedicated men strive to give their sons and daughters the necessary foundation to make good choices and lead lives of purpose.

On Father's Day and throughout the year, we honor the men who have taken on the great joy and responsibility of fatherhood, and we celebrate their extraordinary impact and influence. All Americans are especially grateful to the many fathers who are serving their country as members of the Armed Forces, and we lift them and their loved ones up in prayer.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, in accordance with a joint resolution of the Congress approved April 24, 1972, as amended (36 U.S.C. 109), do hereby proclaim June 17, 2007, as Father's Day. I encourage all Americans to express admiration and appreciation to fathers for their many contributions to our Nation's children. I direct the appropriate officials of the Government to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on this day. I also call upon State and local governments and citizens to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH

RODEO WEEK EXHIBIT AT HERITAGE HALL

Coleman Heritage, Arts & Preservation Society is hosting a special exhibit during Rodeo at Heritage Hall, 400 W. College, Coleman. The exhibit is spotlighting the careers of Berva Dawn Taylor and Ted Crum. Berva Dawn has had a very exciting career in the Rodeo and western entertainment and promotion, her exhibit is titled "Cowgirl Memorabilia". Ted has had a career in radio and an actor in movies and commercials, including a part in Red Headed Stranger with Willie Nelson, his exhibit is titled "Movie Memorabilia".

The exhibit will be open to the public Thursday, June 14, and Friday, June 15, 1:00 to 4:00 and Saturday, June 16, 11:00 to 4:00 with a "Meet the Stars" time from 11:00 to 1:00 on Saturday. There is no admission charge to see the exhibit but donations are appreciated.

Rodeo Rumor

The rodeo always brings to town some famous cowboys like "The Legend", Guy Allen.

And there are those that provide entertainment for the rodeo as well like the Randy Rogers Band and Pauline Reese performing at this year's rodeo dances but I heard that another country music star was spotted at the Santa Anna Dairy Queen recently and that was Kevin Fowler and his band... probably headed to Tulsa for his stop there on the 15th.

One of my favorite memories of the Coleman Rodeo was always getting to see Quail Dobbs, the famous rodeo clown. Sure I got to see him perform at the rodeo, but he would always stop at Dave's Gulf station on the corner of Santa Anna Avenue and Commercial in Coleman where I used to work in the Summer in high school. He would always visit a little with me about rodeos, traveling, and clowning.

Summer Food Safety and You

Better Living for Texans Nutrition Education Class

When: Wednesday, June 20, 2007
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Where: Coleman High Rise Community Room
311 Commercial Ave.

What: Summer Food Safety Practices to Prevent Food borne Illnesses

Did you know that each year about one in four Americans will get sick from something they ate? Many people think they have the flu when they get symptoms of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever and headache. But it may be a foodborne illness, also known as food poisoning.

There are four simple steps that can be followed to reduce the risk and health consequences of foodborne illness:

• Clean your hands and cooking surfaces.
• Combat cross-contamination of meat juices with other foods.
• Cook foods to a high enough temperature.
• Chill perishable foods within two hours after cooking.

Texas Cooperative Extension and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission invite you to attend the Better Living for Texans program on Food Safety and You. This program will help you gain the skills to avoid a foodborne illness.

The Food Safety and You program will be offered on Wednesday, June 20, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., at Coleman High Rise Community Room, 311 Commercial Ave.

For more information, contact Debbie Hailey at 325-625-4519, to ask about the Better Living for Texans/Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program.

Rainfall

Wednesday night brought another display of lightning filled skies and a little rainfall.

I poured out about about a half inch in my gauges and Tex Wright reports, "About 3/10 inch of rain fell on the (W)Right Place..."

He also shared another wildflower experience with me this past week, "I made another trip south on Sunday and Monday. Most of the Indian Blankets are beginning to go to seed. The one flower that stands out on the highway is the Purple Horse Mint. There are several large patches between Santa Anna and Fredricksburg."

"If a person were of a mind to collect seeds from the Bluebonnets and other wild flowers, now is the time. Many of them have already fell, but there are still lots of seed pods left on the plants. I imagine that within the next couple of weeks the mowers will move in and the seeds will be scattered."

"The Paint Brushes are going to seed and are plentiful between Brady and Mason. Still lots of Mexican Hat, and the yellow field flowers for a person to view."

"South of Mason there are many Indian Blankets still on the road side."

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Texas Attorney General: First-In-The-Nation Crackdown on Sex Offenders Using MySpace.com Yields Multiple Arrests

Abbott’s Cyber Crimes, Fugitive Units arrest seven convicted sex offenders with Myspace.com profiles

HOUSTON – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today revealed the results of the nation’s first large-scale crackdown on registered sex offenders using the popular social networking site, MySpace.com. In a two-week operation, officers with the Attorney General’s Cyber Crimes and Fugitive Units investigated and arrested seven previously convicted sex offenders with online profiles after MySpace.com released offenders’ subscriber information at the demand of attorneys general across the country.

“Texans will not tolerate criminals who prey on our children,” Attorney General Abbott said. “These convicted sex predators established online identities on a Web site that is popular with teenagers and children. The Cyber Crimes Unit will continue its aggressive crackdown on sex predators who threaten our kids.”

Attorney General Abbott added: “By providing law enforcement with this critical user profile information, MySpace.com has taken an important first step towards a safer Internet. We urge all social networking sites to do whatever is necessary to protect children from Internet predators.”

The Office of the Attorney General arrested six previously convicted sex offenders who activated MySpace.com accounts in violation of parole or probation requirements that specifically prohibit them from using the Internet:

• Patrick Joseph Blevins, 49, arrested in Houston; convicted in Harris County in 1996 of indecency with a child by sexual contact. His victim was a 14-year-old girl.
• Reginald Lee Collins, 27, arrested in Houston; convicted in Harris County in 1998 of aggravated sexual assault of a child. His victim was a 7-year-old girl.
• Ronald Daven Metoyer, 41, arrested in Houston; convicted in Harris County in 2001 of aggravated sexual assault of a child. His victim was a 14-year-old girl.
• Robert Shepard Walter, 23, arrested in Houston; convicted in Harris County in 2004 of indecency with a child by exposure. His victim was a 14-year-old girl.
• Scott Peter Hansen, 44, arrested in Glenn Heights, Texas; convicted in Dallas County in 1983 of aggravated sexual assault of a 21-year-old woman; and
• Jason Labronte Carr, 31, arrested in Austin; convicted in Hays County in 1998 of sexual assault of a child. His victim was a 13-year-old girl.

As part of the ongoing investigation, officers also arrested a parole violator with a MySpace.com profile who failed to register as a sex offender. Jeremy Bryan Polak, 28, who was taken into custody in Round Rock, was convicted in 1996 in Williamson County for the aggravated sexual assault of a 4-year-old girl.

In May, the Texas Attorney General issued a subpoena to MySpace.com that forced the network to release subscriber information of all registered sex offenders who established online member profiles. MySpace.com provided Attorney General Abbott with data from Sentinel Safe, a database of information on registered sex offenders that the network compiled to verify the identities of their users.

Attorney General Abbott has repeatedly pressed MySpace.com and other social networking sites to implement definitive safety measures to protect their young users from sexually explicit images and unwanted sexual advances. Since the push from Attorney General Abbott and other attorneys general, MySpace.com has taken steps to improve safety on its site, including screening profiles for inappropriate content and making certain profiles private.

Since taking office, Attorney General Abbott has earned a national reputation for aggressively arresting and prosecuting online child predators. In 2003, he created the Cyber Crimes Unit, which protects children from online sexual exploitation. The Cyber Crimes Unit and the Fugitive Unit, which locates sex offenders who have violated the terms of their parole and could be stalking children, have combined to arrest almost 600 sex offenders. Cyber Crimes Unit investigators also have traveled to schools and communities statewide to offer educational cyber safety programs.

In May 2006, Attorney General Abbott’s Cyber Crimes Unit was awarded a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention to establish an ICAC Task Force. The Texas Attorney General’s ICAC Task Force is one of almost 50 federally funded task forces across the country dedicated to this project.

To find out more about Attorney General Abbott’s efforts to crack down on sex predators, visit the Attorney General's Web site at w

Jun. 14, 2007

Gov. Perry Joins HHS Secretary Leavitt to Sign Landmark Medicaid Reform

FORT WORTH – Gov. Rick Perry was joined today by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt to sign SB 10 into law, reforming the state’s Medicaid program which serves more than 2.7 million vulnerable, disabled and elderly Texans. The bill also creates a health opportunity pool, which will fund a premium assistance program to help uninsured working Texans who are not eligible for Medicaid buy private insurance.

“By optimizing available funding for health services, expanding consumer choices, encouraging personal responsibility for Medicaid recipients, and providing new sources of financing for private insurance, we are taking a historic step toward a better, more accessible healthcare system,” said Perry.

Today, Texas’ Medicaid program costs $39.5 billion, accounting for 26 percent of the state’s biennial budget. By instituting a more flexible, innovative methodology to provide health care to underprivileged Texans, the state will be able to serve individuals better and more cost effectively.

Medicaid reform is designed to increase the percentage of Texans with health care coverage, focus on prevention, and emphasize consumer choice in health services. Reform efforts will transform the state’s health care infrastructure, optimize health investments, and provide health coverage to an estimated 200,000 uninsured Texans.

Additionally, Medicaid reform will do the following:

• Provide assistance for enrollment in private insurance and employer-sponsored plans
• Create tailored benefit packages for children with special health care needs
• Promote consumer choice through health savings accounts and consumer directed services
• Reward healthy lifestyle behaviors with health care incentives
• Set a cost-sharing base for non-emergency use of emergency rooms

In addition to Medicaid reform, SB 10 also requires the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to develop a pilot project, which will provide incentives to primary care physicians serving Medicaid recipients who utilize health information technology, including electronic health records. Electronic medical records will help to ensure recipients receive appropriate medical care.

“It is not the end-all, be-all in a state with unique healthcare challenges, including more than 5 million uninsured, many of whom have immigrated here from poor conditions. But this plan is a good start at solving the problem working Texans who make too much to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to affordably purchase health insurance coverage,” said Perry.

HHSC will immediately begin work to prepare and submit a Medicaid waiver request by this fall to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

SB 10 takes effect September 1, 2007.

Jun. 14, 2007

Gov. Perry Attends Grand Opening of Samsung Austin Semiconductor Facility

AUSTIN –Gov. Rick Perry today attended the grand opening of the new Samsung Austin Semiconductor manufacturing plant. The state-of-the-art 300mm wafer fabrication plant is a significant technological advancement from the current Samsung facility. The expansion is a result of a $10.8 million Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant announced by Gov. Perry in April 2006. The new development will create thousands of jobs in Central Texas, recruiting both regular and contract employees.

“This plant will further cement Texas’ reputation as a world leader in high-tech innovation, and the home of a skilled workforce that can keep up with the demands of the growing handheld device industry,” said Perry. “We welcome the capital investment by world-class, global companies like Samsung, and in return, offer a great business environment with low taxes, reasonable regulations and good schools.”

Samsung Electronics chose Texas as the place to make the largest foreign industrial investment in the United States with this project, building and operating the largest semiconductor plant in North America. The new manufacturing plant encompasses more than one million square feet of manufacturing and office space, and will produce flash memory chips used by MP3 players and similar hand-held devices.

Austin has been the site of Samsung’s chip manufacturing plant since 1997. In 2003, Samsung launched a $500 million upgrade and expansion for its Austin semiconductor memory chip plant.

The legislature, at the governor’s request, created the TEF in 2003 and re-authorized the fund in 2005 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 $10 billion in capital investment in the state.

Jun. 14, 2007

Gov. Perry Names Phil Wilson Texas Secretary of State

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today named Phil Wilson as Texas' 106th Secretary of State. As secretary, Wilson will serve as the state's chief elections officer, the governor's liaison on border and Mexican affairs, and Texas' chief protocol officer. The Office of Secretary of State also serves as the formal repository for official and business records, publishes government rules and regulations, and attests to the governor’s signature on official documents. Wilson’s appointment takes effect July 1.

“In addition to his responsibilities as secretary of state, Phil will continue to serve as my designee on the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Emerging Technology Fund. In this role, he will continue his leadership of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism,” said Perry. “Phil’s new role will allow my office to coordinate with the Office of Secretary of State in a seamless way to expand trade, economic development, emerging technology initiatives in the private sector and higher education, and workforce development.”

As deputy chief of staff for Governor Perry, Wilson has overseen the governor’s initiatives in economic development, job creation, federal funding issues, military base realignment and closure, and policy development. He has served as the governor’s designee on the $200 million Emerging Technology Fund and the $185 million Texas Enterprise Fund to recruit business to the state. While serving in this post, the Texas Enterprise Fund has leveraged $10 billion in capital investment and 45,000 jobs. Wilson has also led public relations and media strategies for the $20 million annual Texas tourism campaigns.

Previously, Wilson worked as Gov. Perry’s Director of Communications from 2002-2003, and as State Director for U.S. Senator Phil Gramm.

Wilson graduated from Hardin Simmons University with a degree in political science and history in 1990, and received a master of business administration degree from Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business in Dallas. He received the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Award, the George Skiles Anderson Award as Outstanding Male Graduate, and was named to Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities while at Hardin-Simmons.

“Phil Wilson is an extraordinary leader and a strong manager,” Perry said. “He has a keen ability to make decisions and get results, and I know he will apply those skills successfully for the people of Texas.”

Wilson lives in Austin with his wife Kristen Kincaid Wilson.

City of Clyde Centenial Celebration

The Clyde Community invites everyone to help celebrate our 100th Birthday. The celebration weekend will be July 6th & 7th. A street dance, historical displays, historical artifacts, crafts, food, Blue Bell Ice-cream and art exhibits downtown; Historical documentary with narration, video, pictures, music and Antique Tractor and Car Show at the Junior High Auditorium; Bar-B-Que brisket cookoff, horseshoes, washers, volleyball, kid games and fireworks at Clyde Lake. These are just a few of the planned activities. Most of the events will be free to the public. We want a big turnout for the Centenial Celebration. Please consider this an official invite to our party.

For information call the City of Clyde at 325-893-4234 concerning the Bar-B-Que cookoff entries and the arts and craft booths, or the Clyde Chamber of commerce at 325-893-4221 for general information.

Coleman Rodeo Time

Well it is once again time for the Coleman Rodeo. It is a little early this year but with the temperature in the 90's the last few days it is starting to seem like July!

Countywide Insurance Gets New Home

The sign reads "New Home of Countywide Insurance" ...Santa Anna Office that is.

Jun. 13, 2007

Gov. Perry Signs Bill Ensuring Health Care Benefits for Adopted Children

AUSTIN – Governor Rick Perry today signed into law House Bill 2702, ensuring adopted children from foster care receive health care coverage. These efforts will help more loving families whose hearts are inclined to adopt, but do not have financial means to afford health insurance, welcome a child into their home.

“Families are built and strengthened through love and care, not from wealth,” said Perry. “Every child deserves a home, and thanks to this bill, more families will have the means and assistance needed to open their doors to adopting a child.”

HB 2702 provides health insurance subsidies, totaling $150 monthly, to adopted children from foster care who are not eligible for Medicaid. Participating families who have an income less than 300 percent of the federal poverty limit are eligible to receive health care benefits.

The bill also clarifies the existing higher education tuition and fee exemption, which is intended to help adopted children from the Department of Family and Protective Services attend college.

HB 2702 takes effect immediately.

For more information on legislative action taken by Governor Perry, please visit www.governor.state.tx.us.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Attorney General Abbott Cracks Down on Spammer Who Hijacked Consumers' Personal Computers

Texas resident marketed illegal “botnet” that compromised thousands of computers

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today cracked down on rogue computer networks that illegally mask the origins of spam messages.

A stipulated final judgment filed with the federal district court in Austin prevents Texas resident Alonzo Villanueva from unlawfully sending spam messages to any e-mail addresses in the country. The judgment also prohibits Villanueva from using or selling “botnets,” a new mechanism employed by sophisticated hackers and spammers.

Media links

Attorney General's lawsuit against Alonzo Villanueva

Final Judgment against Alonzo Villanueva

“Spam like this is more than a nuisance – it is illegal,” Attorney General Abbott said. “Texans will not tolerate Internet scam artists who profiteer from spam, deceptive e-mails and piracy networks. The Office of the Attorney General will continue our aggressive crackdown on illegal spam.”

The Attorney General’s enforcement action permanently prohibits Villanueva from sending commercial e-mail with false or misleading header information; attempting to hide the identity of an e-mail’s true sender; and attempting to evade an Internet service provider’s filtering mechanisms. Any commercial e-mails Villanueva sends must clearly state they are advertisements and must include a physical address and “reply to” electronic address so consumers can request that they receive no future e-mails.

Most importantly, Villanueva is personally prevented from using botnets or offering them for use by others. Botnets, like the one offered and leased by Villanueva, are a collection of exploited computers that are connected to the Internet. Botnets are summoned and controlled by third parties, usually without their owners’ knowledge. Botnets unlawfully tap into the processing power and networking access of the individual computers that comprise them.

Spammers are increasingly drawn to botnets, because they make it much easier to hide the sender’s identity. Villanueva, whom investigators determined began his illegal scheme as a spammer gained access to a substantial botnet that he “leased” to others. Attorney General Abbott is continuing his investigation into Villanueva’s clients and other botnets that were used to send illegal spam.

Villanueva was also one of several defendants sued by the Microsoft Corporation in 2005 for flooding millions of consumers’ Hotmail accounts with spam.

This case is the latest effort by Attorney General Abbott to curb the proliferation of spam. In June 2006, the Attorney General shut down an Austin-based spam network that was run by Ryan Pitylak and partners Mark Trotter, Gary Trappler and Alan Refaeli. The defendants in that case agreed to numerous strict limitations on their future commercial e-mails, including clearly identifying e-mails as unsolicited commercial advertising and providing consumers an opt-out mechanism.

Can’t Stand the Heat? Stay Out of the Tanning Booth

Writer: Linda Anderson, 979-862-1460,lw-anderson@tamu.edu
Contact: Courtney Schoessow, 979-845-3850,CJSchoessow@ag.tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION – All tans are created equal, no matter what the source of the damaging ultraviolet rays, said a Texas Cooperative Extension expert.

That's why tanning booths aren't any safer than natural sunshine when it comes to skin damage, said Courtney Schoessow, Texas Cooperative Extension health education and development specialist.

Because tans are signs that skin has been damaged, she said.

"Tanning beds have been marketed as a ‘safe' alternative to sunbathing outdoors," Schoessow said. "However, tanning is actually an unhealthy habit. This is because the radiation that causes tanning also causes deep skin changes that can lead to skin cancer."

Two main kinds of ultraviolet radiation are UVA and UVB, she said.

"The UVA rays can penetrated deeply and damage the skin's lower layers," Schoessow said. "This can cause sunburn, wrinkles, freckles, suntan, precancerous skin conditions and skin cancer. UVB rays can damage the skin's outer layer and also cause sunburn and skin cancer."

Tanning booths emit mostly UVA radiation, she said. This kind of radiation may not burn the surface of the skin as badly as UVB rays, but it does penetrate deeper into the skin and cause more permanent damage.

So even though the radiation in tanning booths may feel more ‘gentle,' Schoessow said, don't be fooled.

"There's no such thing as a safe tan," she said. "Sometimes people associate a suntan with good health and vitality, but that's just not the case. Yes, our bodies do need some sun to produce vitamin D, but it just takes a small amount of sunlight for that to happen."

According to the American Cancer Society: "Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight can damage DNA, the critical genetic material in every cell of every person. When damaged by UV radiation from sunlight or artificial light sources such as sun lamps and tanning booths, DNA loses its power to control how and when cells grow and divide. Sometimes this DNA damage leads to the formation of skin cancer."

And if that isn't scary enough, consider this. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, UV radiation – whether from the sun, sun lamps or tanning beds – can damage the body's immune system and can "cause premature aging of the skin, giving it a wrinkled, leathery appearance."

But what about getting a ‘base tan' – doesn't that help prevent sunburn?

In a word: No, Schoessow said.

"You can still potentially sunburn if you have a base tan," she said. "So not only can you potentially sunburn but you will already have damaged skin by tanning artificially."

But for some, summer just isn't summer without getting tan. Schoessow's advice: Investigate sunless tanning products.

"The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of these products since 1977," she said, mostly in the form of over-the-counter lotions and creams. "These products interact with the dead surface cells in the outermost layers of the skin to darken the skin color. Using these products gives you the ‘look' you are wanting to achieve without the cancer risk."

However, Schoessow said, in order to more completely protect skin from damage by UV rays: always wear sunscreen with at least a 15 sun protection factor, stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. if possible, wear protective clothing with long sleeves and pant legs and hats with brims, and wear sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection.

For more information on this and other health issues, visit Extension's Family and Consumer Sciences Web site at http://fcs.tamu.edu/ and click on the link to Health.

Jun. 13, 2007

Gov. Perry Signs Monumental Cancer Research Legislation

DALLAS – Governor Rick Perry today signed HB 14 into law, creating the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and dedicating $300 million in general obligation bonds to annually fund scientific research aimed toward finding a cure for cancer. In his State of the State Address, the governor proposed a $3 billion cancer research trust fund, calling on lawmakers to join the fight against this disease and bring Texas to the national forefront of research efforts.

“The pain and suffering caused for so many for so long is what makes this a historic day, as I sign legislation that gives us great hope we will one day find a cure for cancer,” said Perry. “With my signature, and voter approval of cancer research bonds this November, we can put an additional $3 billion into the fight against cancer to fund promising projects, ensure institutional collaboration, and develop promising therapies.”

Texas is home to 400,000 cancer survivors. This year 95,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer, and 35,000 lose their battle with the disease. The resources made available through HB 14 will provide research facilities, universities and other members of the medical community means to support research focused on finding a cure for cancer.

Funding for HB 14 is dependant on a constitutional amendment to be voted on by Texans in November. Voters will be asked to authorize $3 billion in general obligation bonds for use during a span of 10 years. If approved by voters, the bill will take effect immediately. The first grants will become available in 2010, and funding is eligible to continue until August 31, 2020.

For more information on legislative action taken by Gov. Perry, please visit www.governor.state.tx.us.

June 13, 2007

When in Drought, Use Rainwater

Writer: Mike Jackson, 972-952-9232,mcjackson@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Ralph Davis, 972-563-0233,rs-davis@tamu.edu

Photos and Graphics Click for larger images

FORNEY – Nature can be stingy with rain, so hoard it when you can.

So say members of the Forney Garden Club, who with help from Texas Cooperative Extension, installed a rainwater catchment system for irrigation at a public garden.

"It's foolish to water your plants with drinking water," said Rebecca Parker, Extension's regional program director in Dallas.

Extension and club volunteers installed the 350-gallon unit this spring, said Ralph Davis, an Extension agent in Kaufman County. Funding was provided by a $1,500 federal grant from the Natural Resource Conservation Service.

The system rests in a corner of the 3-year-old Kaufman County Xeric Garden in Forney, about 20 miles east of downtown Dallas.

In addition to providing irrigation for the garden, the system demonstrates how rainwater can be collected for use in home and commercial landscaping, Davis said.

"Like many communities in North Texas, Forney has been under watering restrictions due to an ongoing drought, " Davis said. "We set up the rain barrel to show folks that they don't have to worry about the amount of water they use if they get it from a catchment tank."

The system's galvanized steel tank collects rainwater from the roof of a neighboring county subcourthouse, Davis said. It takes only a half-inch of rain running off 1,250-square-feet to fill the tank.

Untreated, rainwater should be used only for plants and animals, he said. Rain picks up particles and debris from roofs that people should not consume.

Installing a home system shouldn't be difficult, Davis said. A 350-gallon tank may not be necessary since smaller units are available and comparatively inexpensive.

"You can take a plain 30-gallon trash can and make a collection system out of it," Davis said. "If a person's house is guttered already, they probably could do a small one for $200.

"And, really, you could do a little bitty one for less than that. I imagine you could get by with $50."

Extension plans to offer a class on installing systems in the fall, he said.

Harvesting water is an old idea, Davis said. People have been collecting water for as long as they have needed it to drink.

"People have been doing this for thousands of years," he said. "We just got away from it."

Residents in rural areas, for example, collected rain in cisterns through the early 1900s, until water management districts were formed, Davis said. There are unused cisterns all over Kaufman County.

Garden club members were happy to borrow the old idea, said Brad Acerman, a Master Gardener who helped with the project.

The collection system meshes well with the educational theme of conservation at the garden, which was built with $30,000 raised by the club's 60 members, Acerman said.

The garden's plants – including Earthkind roses, petunias and garlic chives -- are native and require less water than those in the typical suburban landscape, he said.

North Texans may not be as concerned about conservation this spring, given recent rains that caused some cities to ease watering restrictions, Acerman said.

"But come July and August, when it gets hot and dry, people are going to start to get interested," he said.

Jun. 12, 2007

Gov. Perry Signs Higher Education Legislation

EL PASO – Gov. Rick Perry today praised lawmakers for fully funding the Texas Tech Medical School, increasing student financial aid and investing in a new incentive funding program for institutions of higher learning, and also signed into law House Bill 2978, which establishes an engineering scholarship program.

“Texas faces unique healthcare challenges along the border that not only require more doctors, but a fully-funded four-year medical school,” Perry said. “This historic investment will ensure that Texas Tech will be able to recruit faculty to teach in the El Paso facility, and it will be able to receive the needed accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. This is a proud day – one too long in coming – but as someone who has long-advocated this program, I will take late over never anytime.”

The budget passed by lawmakers increases funding for the El Paso Medical School by $43 million as the governor requested, and also provides bond funding to allow for the completion of the $6.3 million El Paso Medical Science Building.

Perry also praised lawmakers for taking steps to increase student financial aid and creating an incentive funding program that rewards colleges and universities for improving student performance.

“I am pleased that the final budget included a $146 million increase in financial aid so that the sons and daughters of working Texans are not priced out of the education that will decide their future,” Perry said, noting that he had asked lawmakers to authorize twice the amount included in the budget.

“While the legislature did not take the bold step it could have to reform higher education funding, it did take an important initial step by tying $100 million in funding to the meeting of performance goals, such as higher minority graduation rates, graduating more students in critical fields and reducing the time it takes to graduate,” Perry said.

HB 2978 establishes an engineering scholarship program for students in the top 20 percent of their class who have graduated from high school with at least a 3.5 GPA in math and science classes. It also orders the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to establish one-week summer programs at university campuses for middle school and high school students interested in math, science and engineering concepts.

“I am proud to put my name on a bill that encourages the technological curiosity of students in working class neighborhoods as much as students from gated communities,” Perry said. “Though the $2 million in funding is far short of the $43 million I proposed for an all-encompassing technology scholarship program, my hope is that it is just the beginning of a renewed investment in scholarship programs impacting critical fields like math, science and engineering.”

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Remaining ERCOT Crime Ring Defendant Sentenced; Ends Scheme Uncovered in 2004

Former manager Stephen Wallace sentenced to 12 years, ordered to repay $800,000

GEORGETOWN – A Williamson County State District judge today sentenced Stephen C. Wallace to 12 years in prison for his role in a 2003 insider contract-fraud crime ring at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). Wallace, who previously pleaded guilty to misapplication of fiduciary property, a first-degree felony, is the last of six defendants sentenced in the scheme, which was uncovered in 2004.

The Office of Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott prosecuted Wallace and his co-defendants at the request of the Williamson County District Attorney. Wallace, 46, was ordered to pay $800,000 in restitution to ERCOT, bringing the defendants’ total court-ordered restitution to almost $2 million.

On Monday, a Travis County State District judge sentenced Wallace to 10 years in prison for first-degree felony theft, which he will serve concurrently with the Williamson County sentence. The Travis County District Attorney’s Office prosecuted the Travis County case with assistance from the Office of the Attorney General.

“Today’s sentence concludes a complex white-collar crime case that defrauded ERCOT, its customers and the state of Texas,” Attorney General Abbott said. “Texans can rest assured that we will aggressively prosecute criminals who steal from the taxpayers. We are grateful to Williamson County District Attorney John Bradley and Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle and for their assistance with this case.”

A Williamson County grand jury indicted six men in January 2005 after reviewing evidence compiled by the Office of the Attorney General.

Wallace and co-defendant Kenneth Shoquist, who is currently serving eight years in prison, set up fraudulent in-house security contracts which were funded by ERCOT. Revenue from the contracts was funneled into Wallace’s “company,” the so-called DSS Group. Wallace, a program development director at ERCOT, bribed Shoquist with profits skimmed from DSS Group. In exchange, Shoquist signed approval forms authorizing the fraudulent security contracts.

Wallace also issued fraudulent invoices for nonexistent contract workers in Travis County, who were to be paid with ERCOT funds. This first-degree felony theft was prosecuted by the Travis County District Attorney’s office.

Each of the six defendants used their positions inside ERCOT, setting up security companies with figurehead presidents and billing the organization exorbitant fees for work that was never done -- often using names of nonexistent people -- and supplies that were never delivered. The schemes were intended to deceive the organization’s legal and accounting departments.

Other co-defendants currently serving prison terms are former security manager Carlos Luquis (12 years and $205,000 in restitution), and former director of information technology James Christopher Uranga (seven years and $505,000 in restitution).

Christopher Douglas, former chief financial officer for several fraudulent companies inside ERCOT, cooperated with the investigation and received nine years probation after serving 90 days in jail. He will return $506,000 in illegal profits to ERCOT. John Cavazos, a nonemployee under contract, paid $8,700 in restitution and is serving four years probation.

According to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, ERCOT, the state’s electricity grid system, is funded by Texas electricity users, who are charged 42 cents per 1,000 kilowatts. For the average residential customer, this amounts to about 50 cents per month on an electricity bill. The fee generates about $130 million a year for ERCOT. The total ERCOT budget for 2007 of $166 million also includes revenue gathered from membership fees by electricity market participants.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Attorney General Abbott, Texas Council on Family Violence and Mack Brown Unite Against Domestic Abuse

Encourage Texas fathers to lead through “strength, character and courage”

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and University of Texas Longhorns Football Coach Mack Brown today praised fathers who provide a nurturing home for their children, and urged dads to combat domestic abuse in their communities.

Attorney General Abbott and Coach Brown, who were joined by Texas Council on Family Violence Chief Executive Officer Sheryl Cates, stressed the vital role men play in preventing domestic violence. Citing Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) research, they explained how Texas fathers can prevent domestic violence and aid its victims through the recovery process.

Media links
View Video of News Conference
OAG/TCFV poster English	OAG/TCFV poster Spanish
OAG/TCFV poster thanking dads who take a stand against domestic violence

“Texas is filled with fathers who exhibit real strength, character and courage every day by fostering loving homes for their families,” Attorney General Abbott said. “We salute them and encourage fathers all across the state to take a tough stance against domestic violence.”

According to TCFV research, males can help domestic violence victims build the strength to seek help by fostering a warm, positive environment where victims feel safe. Research also indicates that men, particularly sports figures, can dispel “macho” attitudes and other myths about domestic abuse.

“In sports and in life the true test of greatness is measured by integrity on and off the field," said Coach Mack Brown. “In the same way, we hope all Texas dads who create nurturing homes for their kids will take that step of true courage by being role models outside the home and letting other men in their community know that family violence is unacceptable. Men just need to do what they know to be right.”

“Fathers are so influential in our lives and the lives of children, and have such an important role to play in creating a world without domestic violence,” Ms. Cates said. “Men can prevent children from suffering from the long-term harm of domestic violence by setting examples for the young people in their lives, speaking out against abuse wherever they see it, and teaching the value of healthy, respectful relationships.”

To bolster the public awareness campaign, TCFV launched a Web site, www.mensnonviolence.org, which will help spread today’s empowerment message.

Attorney General Abbott and TCFV have worked together several times to raise awareness about domestic violence prevention. In 2003, TCFV and Attorney General Abbott launched "Break the Silence: Make the Call," a bilingual public awareness program aimed at victims’ friends and family who were not sure how to prevent domestic violence. The program, which was funded by a $2 million grant from the Office of the Attorney General, also funded critical research about domestic violence trends in Texas.

Attorney General Abbott joined TCFV for the 2004 launch of the program’s second phase, which aimed to crack down on domestic violence by teaching Texans to recognize the signs of abuse. It also counseled about helping loved ones in abusive relationships and contacting local domestic violence programs and services.

Last August, Attorney General Abbott and TCFV launched the final phase of the program, “Know the Red Flags,” which helps young Texans form healthy relationships by learning to detect and deter date-related violence. It also encourages would-be victims to get more information about abuse and to refer abuse victims to local domestic violence programs and services.

Victim advocacy organizations receive grant funding from the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund, which is managed by the Office of the Attorney General. Following a formal application and review process, grants are awarded statewide for services such as grief counseling, shelters for abuse victims, and to advocates for victims of violent crime.

In addition to the crime victim assistance grants, last year the Attorney General’s Crime Victim Services Division provided more than $85 million from the Fund directly to help victims pay for medical and out of pocket emergency expenses and other costs associated with the crimes committed against them. More information about the Crime Victim Services Division is available by calling (800) 252-8011 or by visiting the Attorney General’s Web site: www.oag.state.tx.us.

For information about life-saving options and resources available to domestic abuse victims, contact the National Domestic Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or TTY (800) 787-3224.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Former Billing Clerk Sentenced to Six-Year Prison Term Following Medicaid Fraud Investigation

Shanta Allen pleads guilty to defrauding state Medicaid system

HOUSTON – A former billing clerk pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years in prison Wednesday for stealing from the state’s Medicaid system. Shanta Denise Allen, 32, a former employee of E.A. Christian Faith Services in Houston, pleaded guilty to one count of Medicaid fraud for illegally billing Medicaid for counseling services that were never provided to Medicaid patients. In addition to the prison term, Allen was ordered to pay restitution of $32,262.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) investigated the case, which was prosecuted by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

“Texans will not tolerate criminals who defraud the taxpayers,” Attorney General Abbott said. “The Medicaid program is designed to provide assistance to Texans who cannot afford health care. When criminals make fraudulent Medicaid claims, they are stealing from taxpayers and breaking the law. Thanks to an outstanding joint effort by our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and Harris County District Attorney Charles Rosenthal, Jr., a scam that harmed Medicaid recipients and defrauded the taxpayers has been shut down.”

According to evidence gathered by MFCU investigators, Allen used E.A. Christian Faith Services to bill Medicaid from 2002 to 2003 for more counseling hours than were actually conducted. Investigators also found that even after several licensed counselors stopped working for E.A. Christian Faith Services, the defendant continued to bill Medicaid for the counselors’ services.

Eric Deshon Allen, Sr., 35, the defendant’s husband and former owner of the company, pleaded guilty in May to one count of Medicaid fraud for his part in the scheme. He was sentenced to five years probation and 240 hours of community service. He also paid $32,262 in restitution.

In 2005 alone, the costs of the Medicaid program in Texas totaled more than $17 billion. As the state’s chief law enforcement official, Attorney General Abbott has dramatically expanded the MFCU to save 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. Attorney General Abbott’s MFCU works with federal, state and local agencies to identify and prosecute those who defraud Medicaid.

WALK ACROSS TEXAS CELEBRATION

The annual Walk Across Texas Celebration will be held at the Coleman City Park on Tuesday, June 19, at 6:00 p.m. Bring your favorite picnic food and join us for fun and recognition. If you have any questions, call Debbie Hailey at the Extension Office at 325-625-4519.

4-H / FFA Steer Validation

4-H / FFA Steer Validation will be Monday, June 25, from 4-6 p.m. at the Coleman Livestock Auction Barn. More information will come later. If you have any questions, call the County Extension Office at 325-625-4519.

Jun. 11, 2007

Gov. Perry Signs Transportation Bill

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today signed into law Senate Bill 792, a statewide transportation bill that ensures Texas will continue to build needed roads and expands the powers of local transportation authorities to develop toll projects.

“I am proud to sign this legislation because it will help Texas build the roads we need to manage our state’s tremendous population growth,” Perry said. “Under this legislation, every planned road construction project will move forward as scheduled, local leaders will have more authority to build new toll roads and all toll revenue will be used for transportation projects in the area it was raised.”

Key provisions in SB 792 will:

• Ensure that local toll authorities have the first option to build new toll projects and may use state rights of way as needed.
• Require local toll authorities and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to agree to certain business terms, such as toll rates, when a project is first proposed and to perform a Market Valuation Study based on those terms to determine a road’s total value.
• Allow local toll authorities to propose that needed state roads be built as toll roads; currently, only TxDOT can initiate such a proposal. This provision will allow more needed toll roads to be built sooner.
• Modify comprehensive development agreements (CDAs) by limiting CDAs to 50 years; mandating that the state’s future buyback cost be stipulated in the CDA; clarifying that competing tax roads cannot be built within four miles on either side of a CDA toll road; and requiring CDA revenue be used only for other projects in the region in which it is generated.
• Place a two year moratorium on some CDAs. Virtually all CDAs planned to be executed over the next two years were exempted from the moratorium by their local lawmakers.
• Allows TxDOT to issue $3 billion in bonds to borrow against future gas tax revenue. This provision will allow TxDOT to use these bonds as toll equity for state toll roads.
• SB 792 is a compromise bill lawmakers developed after the governor expressed concerns about House Bill 1892, a similar transportation measure Perry later vetoed.

SB 792 is effective immediately.

Monday, June 11, 2007

Attorney General Abbott Reaches Agreement to Protect Check 'n Go Customers from Identity Theft

Temporary injunction requires Check ‘n Go to immediately improve document disposal process

EL PASO – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today reached an agreement with CNG Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries, Check ‘n Go of Texas, Inc. and Southwestern & Pacific Specialty Finance, Inc., which protects customers from identity theft.

Under an agreed temporary injunction obtained by the Attorney General this morning, Check ‘n Go has 24 hours to enact measures that will protect sensitive personal and financial information contained in customer records. The agreement, which governs how Check ‘n Go stores dispose of customer records, implements an interim process that will protect consumers from the risk of identity theft while the Attorney General continues moving forward with this case.

“Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States,” Attorney General Abbott said. “This agreement requires Check ‘n Go to better safeguard their customers’ critical personal information. Texans can rest assured that the Office of the Attorney General will continue aggressively enforcing laws that protect consumers from identity theft.”

Under the interim process imposed by today’s agreement, all Check ‘n Go employees must deposit customer records that are no longer needed in a secure, nonpublic container for pickup by a third-party disposal company.

The temporary injunction also requires Check ‘n Go to provide store managers with written instructions for implementing the interim process. Signs must be posted to inform employees of the interim disposal system, and the defendants must also designate a corporate employee or third-party provider to whom store employees can anonymously report violations of the interim process and other privacy policies.

The Office of the Attorney General took legal action against the defendants in May after discovering that several Check ‘n Go stores exposed customers to identity theft by discarding business records in easily accessible trash cans. According to the Attorney General’s enforcement action, the records included financial records and bank statements that contained names, addresses, Social Security and driver’s license numbers, and checking account information.

The Office of the Attorney General is investigating whether any exposed data has been used by identity thieves. Consumers who interacted with Check ‘n Go stores should carefully monitor bank, credit card and any similar financial 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.

In recent weeks, Attorney General Abbott has taken legal action against six entities to protect Texans from the threat of identity theft. Last month, EZPAWN and EZMONEY Loan Services agreed to a similar interim process after the Attorney General’s investigators found business records, including promissory notes and bank statements, that contained customers’ sensitive information dumped in easily accessible trash bins.

In April, Attorney General Abbott took legal action against CVS/pharmacy and RadioShack Corporation for exposing hundreds of customers to identity theft by failing to properly dispose of records that contained sensitive information. In March, the Attorney General filed an enforcement action against Jones Beauty College in Dallas for improperly discarding student financial aid forms with Social Security numbers and other personal information. Also in March, Attorney General Abbott took legal action against On Track Modeling, a North Carolina-based talent agency that abruptly shut down its Grand Prairie office and abandoned more than 60 boxes containing hundreds of confidential client records.

Friday, June 8, 2007

Brown County Grand Jury Indicts Texas Youth Commission Officer, Inmate for Drug Possession

Henry Ruben Firth, Jr., Daniel Ochoa, Jr. indicted, arrested for marijuana possession

BROWNWOOD – A Texas Youth Commission officer and an inmate were indicted Thursday for possessing drugs at the Ron Jackson Juvenile Correctional Facility. Juvenile correctional officer Henry Ruben Firth, Jr., 29, and inmate Daniel Ochoa, Jr., 20, each face one count of possessing a prohibited substance in a correctional facility, a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison.

Law enforcement officers with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) arrested Ochoa at the facility and transported him to the Brown County Jail, where bond was set at $10,000. OAG officers arrested Firth in Bedford. He was transferred to Tarrant County Jail, where he is being held in lieu of $15,000 bond. Both defendants will be prosecuted by the Brown County District Attorney’s Office.

“With these indictments, Texans can rest assured that state and local officials are aggressively pursuing allegations of wrongdoing at Texas Youth Commission facilities across the state,” Attorney General Abbott said. “We are grateful to Brown County District Attorney Michael Brandon Murray, TYC Conservator Jay Kimbrough, and the grand jury for their diligent attention to this matter. Together, we will ensure that order and justice will pervade at these facilities.”

In March, Texas Youth Commission staff discovered marijuana in Ochoa’s possession. According to the indictment, Firth provided the illegal substance to the youth.

The OAG’s Special Investigations Unit continues to work with other law enforcement agencies to monitor allegations of wrongdoing at Texas Youth Commission facilities. The OAG’s participation in the joint effort stems from a March 2007 executive order, which provided for a collaborative effort with the Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice to provide assistance and support. This case was investigated by the OAG as part of that ongoing effort.

Jun. 08, 2007

Gov. Perry Signs Texas Youth Commission Reform Legislation

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today signed into law Senate Bill 103, an overhaul of the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) that will drastically improve youth and correctional officer safety, the investigation and prosecution of alleged crimes and accountability at the agency.

"This legislation will change the broken culture at the youth commission so that it can fulfill its mission of rehabilitating troubled youth," Perry said. "Because of these reforms, safety will improve for youth offenders and correctional officers, allegations of criminal conduct will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted, and a full-time executive commissioner will provide the leadership and accountability needed at TYC."

SB 103, which takes effect immediately, implements the following reforms:

• Authorizes the governor to appoint an executive commissioner once the agency is out of conservatorship, and to appoint an ombudsman;
• Establishes an advisory board to the commission consisting of 9 members, with the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker each appointing 3 members;
• Requires TYC to maintain a ratio of one correctional officer for every 12 youth;
• Controls size of future population by requiring misdemeanor offenders to be held in local county probation detention centers instead of TYC;
• Requires TYC to evaluate minimum lengths of stay unique to each offense and to discharge youths at age 19;
• Establishes inspector generals, who must be peace officers, to investigate allegations of criminal conduct in the agency and all contract facilities;
• Requires ombudsman and the TYC chief inspector general to submit reports on investigations to the executive commissioner, advisory board, governor, lieutenant governor, speaker, Texas Department of Criminal Justice Special Prosecution Unit, state auditor, and appropriate legislative committees with TYC oversight.
• Requires TYC to implement strict guidelines to separate and group committed youth by age;
• Authorizes the TDCJ Special Prosecution Unit to prosecute crimes that occur in the agency or contract facilities.

For more information on legislative action taken by Gov. Perry, please visit www.governor.state.tx.us.

Flag Day and National Flag Week, 2007

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

The American Flag represents freedom and has been an enduring symbol of our Nation's ideals since the earliest days of our Nation. Wherever it flies, we are reminded of America's unity and in the great cause of liberty and justice for all.

Two hundred and thirty years ago, the Second Continental Congress officially made the Stars and Stripes the symbol of America. The Founders declared that the 13 stars gracing the original flag represented "a new constellation," just as America embodied new hope and new light for mankind. Today, our flag continues to convey the bold spirit of a proud and determined Nation.

Americans have long flown our flag as a sign of patriotism and gratitude for the blessings of liberty. We also pledge allegiance to the flag as an expression of loyalty to our country and to the belief in the American creed of freedom and justice. By displaying and showing respect for the flag, we honor the ideals upon which our democracy rests and show appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy today. Flying the flag can also be an expression of thanks for the men and women who have served and sacrificed in defense of our freedoms -- from the early patriots of the Continental Army to the courageous Americans in uniform who are defending those freedoms around the world today.

During Flag Day and National Flag Week, we honor Old Glory and reflect on the foundations of our freedom. As citizens of this great Nation, we are proud of our heritage, grateful for our liberty, and confident in our future.

To commemorate the adoption of our flag, the Congress, by joint resolution approved August 3, 1949, as amended (63 Stat. 492), designated June 14 of each year as "Flag Day" and requested that the President issue an annual proclamation calling for its observance and for the display of the flag of the United States on all Federal Government buildings. The Congress also requested, by joint resolution approved June 9, 1966, as amended (80 Stat. 194), that the President issue annually a proclamation designating the week in which June 14 occurs as "National Flag Week" and calling upon all citizens of the United States to display the flag during that week.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim June 14, 2007, as Flag Day and the week beginning June 10, 2007, as National Flag Week. I direct the appropriate officials to display the flag on all Federal Government buildings during that week, and I urge all Americans to observe Flag Day and National Flag Week by flying the Stars and Stripes from their homes and other suitable places. I also call upon the people of the United States to observe with pride and all due ceremony those days from Flag Day through Independence Day, also set aside by the Congress (89 Stat. 211), as a time to honor America, to celebrate our heritage in public gatherings and activities, and to publicly recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH

USS Kidd Commissioning Ceremony

GALVESTON, Texas (June 9, 2007) – Sailors man the rails of the newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Kidd (DDG 100), during an evening commissioning ceremony Saturday, June 9, 2007, at Port of Galveston, Galveston, Texas. Designated hull number DDG 100, the new destroyer honors Medal of Honor recipient Rear Adm. Isaac Campbell Kidd Sr. who was killed on the bridge of his flagship USS Arizona on Dec. 7, 1941. Two granddaughters of Rear Adm. Kidd, Regina Kidd Wolbarsht and Mary Corrinne Kidd Plumer, brought the ship named for their grandfather to life. Congressman Ron Paul of Texas delivered the ceremony's principal address. USS Kidd is the 50th ship in the Arleigh Burke class of guided-missile destroyers. Cmdr. Richard E. Thomas of Westwood, N.J., is the ship’s first commanding officer, commanding a crew of 276 officers and Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Jane Campbell

June 8, 2007

Competition, Biofuel Corn, Labor Costs Topics at 2007 Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course

Contact: Dr. Jason Cleere, (979) 845-6931,jjcleere@tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION – "The Changing Dynamics of the Texas Beef Industry" is the theme for this year's Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course. The short course will be Aug. 6-8 at Texas A&M University in College Station.

The U.S. beef industry has experienced many changes in the past few years. "Rising fuel, fertilizer, equipment and labor costs are on the minds of most cow-calf producers and will be addressed at this year's short course," said Dr. Jason Cleere, Texas Cooperative Extension beef cattle specialist and conference coordinator. Input costs are not the only big change that cattle producers have faced. U.S. consumers increasingly want more information on the foods that they purchase, Cleere said.

Consumers are willing to pay a premium for beef that can be traced back to the ranch where the calf was born, he said. Natural, organic and grass-fed beef are also gaining interest among consumers because they are perceived as being more healthful.

"Some cattlemen question whether promotion of brands of beef from ‘specially raised' cattle is in the best interest of the industry," said Dr. Gary Smith, professor, department of animal sciences, Colorado State University. Smith will be addressing the issue during the general session of the short course.

"There are customers who will not purchase—and consumers who will not eat—conventionally grown beef," Smith said.

The beef industry should embrace production and marketing of certain kinds of beef that are perceived by consumers to be superior to conventionally raised beef because of methods of production, he said.

The demand for such products continues to grow, according to the 2005 National Beef Quality Audit. The audit projected domestic and international demand for natural beef would grow 2 percent to 4 percent each year for the next decade.

Cleere said many beef producers are asking: How will ethanol production and its impact on corn supplies affect feed costs and cattle prices? How long will current cattle prices hold? What about rising fuel and fertilizer costs? Randy Blach, executive vice president, Cattle-Fax, will address these questions among others at the short course.

The short course will also feature 16 other specialized workshops that are part of the Cattleman's College sessions. The Aug. 8 sessions will feature several live animal demonstrations and an opportunity for participants to obtain a pesticide applicators' license, Cleere said.

Short course registration costs $140 per participant. It will be $180 after July 30. The registration includes admission to the two-and-a-half-day conference, the Cattleman's College, a copy of the 300-page short course proceedings, trade show admittance, tickets to the "Famous Aggie Prime Rib" dinner, noon meals and morning and afternoon refreshment breaks.

Producers interested in attending may register online at http://beef.tamu.edu or by contacting Cleere's office at 979-845-6931. The short course is coordinated by Extension.

Jun. 08, 2007

Gov. Perry Signs Legislation to Clean Texas Air

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today signed Senate Bill 12 into law, which will further Texas’ efforts to support clean air incentive programs, including the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) and the Low-Income Vehicle Repair Assistance, Retrofit, and Accelerated Vehicle Retirement Program (LIRAP).

“Continued funding for clean air incentive programs and other efforts to reduce air pollution will ensure that future generations of Texans will inherit a beautiful state to call home,” Perry said. “Mobile sources contribute the majority of nitrogen oxide emissions in Texas, and these programs are essential in the effort to clean up dirty engines, reduce emissions and protect public health.”

Gov. Perry signed the original TERP bill into law in 2001 and has aggressively pursued adequate funding for the program to help reduce nitrogen oxide emissions across this state. TERP revenue is generated primarily through vehicle title transfer fees and surcharges on the purchase, lease or rental of heavy-duty equipment. Since mobile sources fall under federal control, the state must provide a mechanism for incentives to achieve reductions and meet the mandated standards at the earliest possible time.

SB 12 does the following:

• TERP is extended to 2013 and raises the cap on amount of grant dollars allowed per ton of nitrogen oxide emission reduction from $13,000 to $15,000 per ton to ensure larger projects qualify for grants.
• The LIRAP grant program is tiered to allow vehicles up to two years old to qualify as replacement vehicles. It also expands eligible participants to those who earn up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level.
• The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is required to notify local officials of air permit amendments and air permit applications in their area.

SB 12 takes effect immediately.

June 8, 2007

Sonora to Mark 70 Years of Wool and Mohair Contests

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576,s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contacts: Pascual Hernandez 325-387-3101,p-hernandez@tamu.edu or
Dr. Frank Craddock, 325-653-4576,b-craddock@tamu.edu

SONORA – This year marks the 70th annual Wool and Mohair Show and the 47th annual National 4-H Wool Judging Contest. Both will be held in conjunction with the seventh annual FFA Wool Judging Contest June 12-14 in Sonora.

All the events will take place at the Sonora Wool and Mohair Co. warehouse and the Sutton County 4-H Civic Center.

Pascual Hernandez, Texas Cooperative Extension agent in Sutton County, said the event features contests for sheep and goat exhibitors of all ages.

The show is still the premier event of its type in the world, he said.

"The show and the accompanying contests encourage the production of profitable livestock, knowledge of rangeland vegetation, and the correct production and preparation of wool and mohair," he said. "We try to offer a learning experience that's geared to ranching practices common in our range production area."

Show activities will include an All-Texas Show for 4-H Clubs and FFA Chapters, the National FFA Wool Judging Contest, an open show for all U.S. producers, and the featured event: the National 4-H Wool Judging Contest.

Wool and mohair fleeces and bag entries will be weighed and tagged starting at 10 a.m. on June 12 at the Sonora Wool and Mohair Co. All fleeces must be in by 3:30 p.m. that day.

Activities on June 13 will start at 7 a.m. with judging team registration at the Sutton County 4-H Civic Center. Livestock judging competition will begin at 8:15 a.m. Judging of the junior and open division wool and mohair entries will also be at 8:15 at the Sonora Wool and Mohair Company warehouse.

Range judging participants will depart from the Sutton County 4-H Civic Center at 10 a.m.

The wool and mohair judging contest will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Sutton County 4-H Civic Center. The judging of fleeces will be done at the warehouse.

Teams may register for the national 4-H and FFA wool judging contests until 5 p.m. June 13 at the civic center.

On June 14, activities will begin at 8 a.m. with the national 4-H and FFA wool judging contests at the Sutton County 4-H Civic Center .

The day will conclude with an 11:30 a.m. awards luncheon at the Sutton County 4-H Civic Center. The Sonora Lions Club and the Sonora Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the luncheon.

Sponsors for the event are the Sonora Lions Club, Sonora Chamber of Commerce, Sonora Wool and Mohair Company and Extension.

For more information contact the Extension office in Sutton County at 325-387-3101.

4-H Updates

By: Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS

Multi-County Camp
June 27-29 Brady, TX
Mark your calendar for this fun event ! More details coming soon !!!

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 .

District 4-H Horse Show

The District 7 4-H Horse Show will be held on Monday, June 11, 2007 in the Nolan County Coliseum in Sweetwater beginning at 8:00 a.m. State entries are also due on the date of the District Horse Show.

Entry Fees:
Regular Qualifying Show $25.00
*NEW THIS YEAR - There is no limit on the number of classes you can enter.

Invitational Events $7.50 per event

Roping Events : $5.00 per event / $5.00 one time cattle charge.

Stall Fee: If you use a stall for any length of time, you must pay a $12.00 stall fee.

Important Notes:
* The top of your district / state entry forms MUST BE TYPED.

* 2007 Texas Animal Health Commission regulations state that all horses must have a negative E.I.A. documentation (Coggins or other approved test) within 12 months of show date. This includes both the District 7 4-H Horse Show and the State 4-H Horse Show.

* The 2007 State 4-H Horse Show Rules are available at: http://animalscience.tamu.edu/main/academics/equine/state_show/2007-rulebook.pdf

There are copies of the State Horse Show Rules at the Extension Office if you would like to have one.

If you have any questions, please contact the Coleman County Extension office at 625-4519.

The State 4-H Horse Show will take place the week of July 22-29 at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene.

WEST REGION 4-H JUNIOR HIGH LEADERSHIP LAB

June 14-16, 2007 - Texas 4-H Center

This lab is open to Intermediate 4-H age members who will be in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade in the Fall of 2007. Cost per participant is $130.00. Registration will be taken via the 4-H Connect program and will open April 23, 2007 and close May 11, 2007. Late registrations will be taken for a period of 5 days (May 12-16) with an additional charge of $15.

4-Hers will learn about Leadership & Character Building Activities, College Preparation, Team Building Games and other 4-H Opportunities . Recreational activities include volleyball, ping pong, softball, tennis, basketball, swimming and a variety of other games. The theme for this event is *4-H Treasure Hunt* !

For more information about this event, come by the County Extension Office and get a copy of the Schedule of Events. Minor*s Release & Health History forms must be turned in to the District 10 office by May 15th. Please have your health release forms turned in to the Coleman Extension Office by Monday, May 14th.

4-H LEADERSHIP LAB / DISTRICT OFFICER ELECTIONS
June 28-30, 2007 at the Texas 4-H Center
Registration via 4-H Connect Open May 14 through June 1 Office Applications due to the District Office by June 1
All other forms (Minors Release & Health History) due to District Office by June 15

District Leadership Lab will be held at the Texas 4-H Center in Brownwood on June 28-30 (Thursday through Saturday). Districts 7 and 10 will partner with us for lab and will participate together in the same activities. The cost will be $150.00 per delegate. (This includes all meals beginning with dinner on Thursday and ending with lunch on Saturday, insurance, activity fees, lodging and facility use fee.) All participants must be at least 13 years of age by the date of Leadership Lab. All other forms are due in the County Extension Office by June 12th so I can . Workshops will feature leadership development in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, and much more! Get your skills honed while having fun as we work together to *Make The Best Better!*

Callahan Co. Fun Shoot - Saturday, June 16, 2007

The twelfth annual Callahan County Fun Shoot will take place at the Callahan County Shooting Range on June 16, 2007. The goals of the coordinators of the Callahan County Fun Shoot are safety first, fun and the promotion of 4-H Shooting Sports.

Event Date: Saturday, June 16, 2007
Entry Deadline: June 1st ,2007 ( $10 late fee after June 2nd)

Registration: Pre-Registration is required. * Notification of cancellations or substitutions must be made by June 1, 2007. Registration Fee: $25 (this includes 3 events. Additional event fee is $10 with a limit of 4 total events per shooter. (No cross discipline shooting allowed. )

Round fees for shotgun events -
Paid day of shoot
$5.00 / round for American Trap & Skeet
$15.00 for 50 Whiz Bang targets

Eleven events will be offered: Smallbore Rifle Silhouette, Smallbore Hunter Pistol Silhouette, Light Rifle, 3-Position Rifle, Air Pistol Silhouette, 10 meter Air Pistol, Blackpowder Rifle Silhouette, Blackpowder Rifle Bowling Pin & Charcoal Briquets Match, American Skeet, American Trap and Whiz Bang. At the rifle range there will be an Open Event (adult / youth) *Free of Charge*. Sign up after you arrive.

Sign in will be from 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. June 16th with orientation at 8:30 a.m. and the match to start approximately at 9:00 a.m.

If you are interested in participating in this event, come by the County Extension Office and pick up a copy of the rules & regulations and event information.

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

June

14-16 Junior High 4-H Leadership Lab

16 Callahan County Shoot

18 District 4-H Horse Show - Sweetwater

26-28 Multi-County Camp -Brady

28-30 District 4-H Leadership Lab

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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