Candace Beal
The Front Page
Santa Anna Elementary Student Receives Treatment for Encephilitis
Ethan Mendoza, age 8 and a student at Santa Anna Elementary is currently hospitalized at Cooks Children's Medical Center in Ft. Worth due to a diagnosis of Encephilitis. He has been there since early June and will likely remain there for several weeks due to physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Ethan is the son of Sandi Watson of Santa Anna. Send any well wishes to Ethan Mendoza, Room 2816, Cooks Children's Medical Center, 801 7th Avenue, Ft. Worth, Texas 76104. If he changes rooms, his mail will follow him.
Please remember Ethan and his family during his recovery.
Candace Beal to Assist County Agents
Candace Beal, senior Agricultural Services & Development major from Tarleton State University, has begun her student internship with Texas Cooperative Extension in Coleman County. She is under the supervision of Lance Rasch and Debbie Hailey, local County Extension Agent’s in Coleman County.
Candace will be in the community for ten weeks for the purpose of receiving training in Ag / Natural Resources and 4-H & Youth Development activities. This arrangement has been made by mutal agreement between Texas Cooperative Extension and Tarleton State University. The intern will assist with all activities concerning the local Extension program.
Candace is the daughter of Steve and Sarah Beal, and Grandaughter of Dick and Virginia Jamison and Frances Richardson. Upon completion of this training period, Candace will receive the Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Services & Development with a minor in Animal Science from Tarleton State University.
4-H Multi-County Camp
There are some available spots open to attend the annual 4-H Multi-County Camp on June 27, 28, & 30th. The camp will be held at the Heart of Texas Bible Camp in Brady, TX. 4-Hers from several surrounding counties will be participating (Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Concho and McCulloch).
Cost is $35 per person (or family cost of $30/person with 2 or more coming from the same household). Note:There are two forms that must be filled out before we leave (Minor' Release & Health History , and NRA Sports Camp Application / Photo Release).
If you are interested in attending or have any questions, PLEASE CALL THE COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE AT 325-625-4519 A.S.A.P.
ATTORNEY GENERAL ABBOTT SUES OWNER OF FRAUDULENT AUTO AUCTION
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| HOUSTON - Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today announced an asset freeze and temporary restraining order against the owner of a Houston auto auction, seeking an accounting for millions of dollars in fees fraudulently assessed against those who participated in auctions to purchase vehicles. Arie (Eric) Shalev’s auction at 8335 North Freeway uses several business names, including A&R Distributors Inc., E.S. Auto Sales Inc., Best Buy Motors Inc., Giant Mart Inc. and Golden Aribah Investments, L.L.C.
“Our investigators secured this asset freeze because we had reason to believe this individual would likely abscond with money owed to numerous consumers,” said Attorney General Abbott. “The defendant’s mode of operation is to skim lots of cash up front and impose a strict no-refund policy. This kind of operation cannot be tolerated.” Shalev required auction participants to pay a $10 entry fee, and what he described as a refundable $200 deposit before bidding on a vehicle. If a bid was accepted, Shalev represented that this money would be applied to the total cost of the vehicle. Consumers, many of whom spoke little or no English, were hurried into signing a “terms and conditions” form after paying deposits. This instrument, written in English, supposedly set the ground rules for the auction, but in reality it set a trap enabling Shalev to withhold much more money from consumers. A consumer who won a bid would be required to pay up to 50 percent down in cash the first day, then Shalev or his staff insisted the consumer return the next day to pay in full. When a consumer asked about the balance owed, Shalev or his employees would give vague answers or tell the consumer they should discuss it the following day. Upon returning to pay in full, the consumer would often find he or she owed much more money than expected, and Shalev also assessed several fees that were not previously disclosed. When customers became irate or refuse to pay, Shalev would summon his “security detail” to the site to escort them away, resulting in the loss of all money paid up front. Those who did pay the exorbitant prices and fees sometimes discovered that the vehicles they purchased were not even in working condition, as promised, and should not have been auctioned. Shalev also often shredded consumers’ paperwork, sometimes in their presence, to evade records of sales. The Attorney General’s investigation into Shalev’s bank accounts indicates he only accepts cash or cashier’s checks and his profits have soared into the millions of dollars. The lawsuit requests that penalties be assessed against Shalev and his businesses of up to $20,000 per violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The suit also asks that Shalev relinquish all funds wrongly taken from consumers and that restitution be ordered. Consumers who believe they may have been defrauded by such businesses may file a complaint with the Attorney General by calling (800) 252-8011 or file complaints online at www.oag.state.tx.us |
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Bill of Rights
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Bill of Rights
World Cup, Stanley Cup, NBA Finals, US Open, Wimbledon, Etc. - Part II
Well the Miami Heat defeated the Dallas Mavericks in game six of the NBA Championships. It was a pretty close game with Dallas getting several breaks in the final minutes. The MVP was Miami's Dwayne Wade. He is a real classy young player and I expect he will be good for a long time.
There have been several bad sportsmanship things that I have read about the Mavs this week. Mostly from the owner, but some from players and coaches. Most have been answered by the league with stiff fines especially to the Mavs owner.
World Cup, Stanley Cup, NBA Finals, US Open, Wimbledon, Etc.
There have been a lot of exciting sporting events going on and fixing to go on around the world.
I am not much of a soccer fan but I think the United States team is still in the running in World Cup soccer. Organized team soccer was just starting to get popular when we lived in Garland but when we first moved to Santa Anna in 1975 it was still a long way off.
The Carolina Hurricanes of Raleigh North Carolina took the Stanley Cup in game seven with the Edmonton Oilers of Alberta Canada. I caught the tail end of the game and trophy presentation. I started watching a lot more hockey the last few years since the Dallas Stars won it in 1999 and lost it in the finals in 2000. James Allen and I used to go to a game in San Angelo every once in a while and watch the San Angelo Outlaws play. We particularly liked to watch them and the Abilene Aviators go at it.
..And then there is the NBA Finals. I lost a little interest when the Spurs got knocked out. I guess I became a fair weather fan of the Spurs when they won last year. I liked the Pistons because they seemed to be a pretty clean playing team the few times I have watched them and it hasn't been that long since they were Champs. I liked their coach Larry Brown from a few years ago because he seemed like a pretty good guy. But they got knocked out as well. And then came the Dallas Mavericks. I don't know them all that well but they are obviusly pretty good to make it this far. They have a pretty good coach in Avery Johnson. They are playing the Miami Heat led by Shaquille O'neil who I have never been a big fan of really.
How about Phil Mickelson blowing the US Open. All he needed was a par on the eighteenth and I guess he got a little greedy trying for a birdie and ending up with a double-bogey when the bogey would have sent him to a playoff. I guess the good thing was Australian Geoff Ogilvy was the winner whoever he is...
Tuesday's Game Six of the NBA Finals is going to be a good game I suspect with the last one going into overtime and a win for Miami by a point. Then Wimbledon starts July 1st. I always liked watching the games played on grass courts. Jessica and Patrick have been playing a lot of tennis in the evenings. They say it is a pretty close match... I may have to watch them instead of the pros!
ATTORNEY GENERAL ABBOTT’S CYBER CRIMES UNIT ARRESTS TWO MEN FOR TARGETING TEENS ONLINE; OBTAINS INDICTMENT AGAINST ANOTHER MAN FOR CHILD PORN
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| AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Cyber Crimes Unit investigators continued their pursuit of child sex offenders, arresting two men who allegedly used the Internet to solicit sex from children and obtaining a 10-count indictment against a Brenham man for possessing sexually explicit images of children. Gary Wayne Bonorden, 50, of Hallettsville, was arrested when he showed up at a restaurant in Bastrop, bringing wine coolers to an alleged sexual rendezvous he had arranged with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. Christopher R. Kronshagen, 37, of Conroe, was arrested at a Sugar Land gas station when he allegedly showed up to meet what he thought would be a 13-year-old girl for sex. A Washington County grand jury indicted Michael Patrick Sutherland, 39, of Brenham, on 10 counts of possession of child pornography. Cyber Crimes Unit prosecutors presented the case. “Within minutes of logging online, sexual predators are on the prowl, downloading child pornography or luring young victims in Internet chatrooms,” said Attorney General Abbott. “These arrests send another signal to would-be child sex offenders that Texas law enforcement is online as well, protecting our communities and our children from sexual exploitation. I thank the Bastrop Sheriff’s Office, the Sugar Land Police Department, and Washington County District Attorney Renee Mueller for their work in assisting our Cyber Crimes Unit investigators and prosecutors to clean up the Internet for Texas families.” Bonorden drove over 60 miles from Hallettsville to Bastrop for the alleged meeting. He was arrested for attempted sexual assault of a child. Kronshagen was arrested for online solicitation of a minor. At the time of his arrest, Kronshagen was employed as a financial advisor for an investment corporation. Cyber Crimes investigators conducted a search at Sutherland’s residence on May 17 after a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Analysis of Sutherland’s computer revealed several images of child pornography. He was arrested May 19 and remains in the Washington County Jail in lieu of $500,000 bond. Online solicitation of a minor, attempted sexual assault of a child, and possession of child pornography are third-degree felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Attorney General Abbott has made pursuing sexual predators a top priority in his administration. The Cyber Crimes Unit, which targets online predators, has made 82 arrests since Abbott took office in December 2002. The Fugitive Unit, which locates convicted child sex offenders who have violated the terms of their parole and could be stalking children, has arrested more than 275 such offenders. His office also has obtained convictions against 42 men on child pornography charges. To find out more about Attorney General Abbott’s efforts to crack down on sexual predators, visit the Attorney General’s Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us or call (800) 252-8011. |
Juneteenth
On June 19th 1865, Union General Gordon Granger read the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston freeing an estimated 250,000 slaves in Texas.
Today the holiday called Juneteenth is celebrated by many Texas African Americans, remembering the rich cultural heritage of their families. Santa Anna is no different with many names of these families like Collins, Barton, Jackson, and Kirven.
See these web sites for more information about this holiday: Handbook of Texas Online and Juneteenth.com.
Rainfall and Storm Damage
There was wind and rain over the weekend.
I had three tenths and ladybug in my Coleman County Telephone Coop rain gauge Saturday morning and another seven tenths from Saturday night. I did have slightly more in my Santa Anna National Bank but I think the ladybug may have drank a little in the CTTC gauge!
Tex Wright reported, "Friday night ( Saturday Morning) we had some wind and 3/10ths inch of rain (Counting bugs and dust). Then on Saturday night, the weather man said "some hail, some rain and POSSIBLY DAMAGING WINDS". We had no hail that I saw, 9/10ths of rain (in a clean rain gauge), and some wind."
Storm Damage
Serving our Country - PFC Brandon Beloat
I recently received a couple of e-mails from PFC Brandon Beloat. Brandon is serving on a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo with Task Force Houston 4/112 AR 36 ID. Brandon is among more than 1,200 Texas Army National Guard 36th Infantry Division soldiers who are currently deployed to Kosovo in the Balkans. The Task Force is composed primarily of Texas soldiers, but also consist of soldiers from other states, a battalion of Greek soldiers, and a battalion of Polish and Ukrainian soldiers.
Brandon in Hohenfels, Germany (Note the church steeple, shutters on the windows, and video cameras on the building)
Brandon and an Albanian Girl (Note the water in the potholes of the paved street)
Brandon going for a ride in a Blackhawk Helicopter
Brandon and SPC Charles Bishop of San Angelo (Note the snow on the tents)
By: Lance Rasch, CEA-Agriculture Coleman County
4-H and FFA Steer Validation - June 26
The 2007 State 4-H and FFA Steer Validation date for Coleman County has been set for Monday, June 26, 2006 at the Coleman Livestock Auction. All steers competing during the 2005 - 2006 show season will be validated from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.
All exhibitors will need to have addresses, phone number, parent/guardian signatures, exhibitor signatures, and social security numbers in order to complete the validation forms. Cost will be $6.00 for each tag you ordered, payable during validation.
For more information, please call your advisor or the County Extension Office at 325-625-4519.
State Fair Validation Dates for Lambs, Pigs, and Goats - June 22
The State Fair validation dates for lambs, pigs, and goats will be on Thursday, June 22, 2006 at the Coleman Rodeo Grounds. Lamb and goat validation will begin at 5:00 P.M. and the pig validation will begin at 6:30 P.M.
All exhibitors will need to have addresses, phone number, parent/guardian signatures, exhibitor signatures, and social security numbers in order to complete the validation forms. Cost for lamb and goat tags will be $6.00 and pig tags will be $7.00 for each tag you ordered.
For more information, please call your advisor or the County Extension Office at 325-625-4519.
Food Manager Certification Training Course in June
Statistics indicate that foodborne illness continues to be a health issue in the United States. Each year, 1 in 4 Americans will become sick, 1 in 1,000 will become hospitalized, and 5,000 will die due to a foodborne illness.
During the past legislative session, a statute was amended that allowed the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to require each food establishment to have one certified food manager.
Recently, the Texas Board of Health adopted rules to implement this statute. Many of you have already received a letter from the Texas Department of State Health Services regarding this. Under these new rules, each food establishment permitted by the Texas Department of State Health Services must have one certified food manager. New food manager certificates will be valid for 5 years.
Texas Cooperative Extension, Coleman County, is offering a food manager certification training course. This program will be offered for $79 on June 19-20, 2006 at the Coleman Housing Authority High Rise Community Room. Cost includes training, materials, and the State Food Manager Certification Examination.
This program is designed to not only prepare foodservice managers to pass the certification examination; it will provide valuable education regarding the safe handling of food. Almost 50 cents of every dollar Americans spend on food is spent on meals prepared away from home. Therefore, careful attention to food safety will help keep customers safe and satisfied.
Foodborne illnesses are estimated to cost thousands of dollars in lost wages, insurance, and medical bills. With these statistics, knowledge of how to prevent foodborne illness is essential. The benefits of improved food safety include:
· Increased customer satisfaction
· Improved relationships with health officials
· Prevention of bad publicity and law suits due to foodborne illness
By attending the course, foodservice managers will learn about:
· identifying potentially hazardous foods and common errors in food handling
· preventing contamination and cross-contamination of food
· teaching and encouraging personal hygiene for employees
· complying with government regulations
· maintaining clean utensils, equipment and surroundings
· controlling pests
Foodborne illnesses can be prevented by following simple food safety practices. For more information about the Food Manager Certification Training course of Texas Cooperative Extension, called “Food Safety: It’s Our Business,” call Debbie Hailey at Coleman County Extension Office, 325-625-4519.
2006 Homecoming
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