Yellow Submarine?

I caught these big yellow beasts turning West off of the Brady highway heading towards Coleman Wednesday evening around 6:00 PM. They pulled over just passed the Dairy Queen near Morgan Time Machines where the old Truck Harbor used to be. I think they parked there for the night. I didn't have time to talk with any of them but I think they are the arms for a crane as we saw a sign that said maybe Houston Crane.

Final Do Well Be Well Class

by Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS
The Do Well Be Well with Diabetes classes, sponsored by Texas Cooperative Extension, Coleman Medical Associates, and Hensley Family Health Clinic, is coming to an end. The last class will be Saturday, March 24, at 10:00 a.m., at the Santa Anna Fire Station Community Room. It will be a great opportunity to hear two area medical professionals present information about some of the complications of diabetes.

Jenny Carnes, Physical Therapist for Coleman County Medical Center, will give a lesson on Diabetes and Exercise, and Dr. Stewart Robbins, OD, will present information on Eye Care. We really appreciate all the professionals who have participated in this diabetes education series. In addition to the presenters listed above, we have also heard lessons from Denise Rogers, FNP, Margaret “Peggy” Hensley, FNP, and Dr. Darren Atwood.

We will also fill out Wrap Up Forms, so that we can evaluate the Do Well Be Well series. Join us Saturday morning for more valuable information on Diabetes Care. For more information, call Debbie Hailey, County Extension Agent-FCS, at 325-625-4519.

Santa Anna One Act Play

This year's Santa Anna One Act Play "The Women of Lockerbie" by Deborah Brevoort will be performed in the Zone contest on Thursday around 5:00 PM at the High School auditorium. The contest is open to the public, however contest rules apply. No one may enter or leave the auditorium during the performance so be sure and go early. No small children, cameras, and no cell phones are usually allowed in the auditorium during the performances.

The play is set on December 21, 1995, the 7th anniversary of the Pan Am Flight 103 crash. Members of the cast are Jarod Jones, Leeanda Bennett, Molly Pritchard, Becca Fellers, Heather McMillan, Adelaida Dean, Caylie Robinett, and Terrence Jackson. The Crew is made up of: Sierra Herrod, Brittany Morris, Michelle Wetsel, Monica Cortez, and Kendra Coleman. The play is directed by Kathy Walker.

The play was presented to the public a couple of weeks ago and Cindy and I went and watched them. They did a great job. I almost forgot that I took a bunch of photos so here are a few scenes from "The Women of Lockerbie".

MANAGING DIABETES BY CONTROLLING BLOOD SUGAR

Submitted by Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS
Denise Rogers, Family Nurse Practitioner at Coleman Medical Associates, continued the Diabetes classes Saturday, March 17 by present a comprehensive lesson on Managing your Blood Glucose. The following is some helpful information on this topic.

People who don’t have diabetes have no need to keep a close watch on their blood sugar, since their bodies automatically do that for them. But for people with diabetes, it’s not that easy. A person with diabetes must regularly check blood sugar to make sure it is being maintained at a healthy level. Blood sugar – or glucose – levels are affected by food, exercise and medications, and people with diabetes can control these levels by eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise and taking medication as prescribed by their health care providers.

Eating the right kinds of foods at the right times and in the right amounts is the first step in maintaining a healthy glucose level. The next step is daily exercise, which not only helps with weight control, but helps move glucose out of the blood and into cells.

Some people with type 2 diabetes are prescribed oral medications to help control their diabetes, but these pills only work in people whose bodies still make some insulin. A health care provider will decide if these medications are necessary. Unfortunately, some factors affect blood sugar levels in a negative way, including excess weight, stress, illness and infections.

Too much body fat, especially in the abdomen, can have a negative impact on blood sugar levels. Losing even a small amount of weight – as little as 7 percent of total body weight – can produce an improvement. Stress affects blood sugar levels too. While controlling stress might be a little difficult, it needs to be addressed for the sake of overall health. Stress can cause hormones that elevate glucose levels above the desired range. When that happens, try these calming activities:
- Exercise regularly if your doctor gives the OK.
- Do relaxation exercises.
- Talk to someone – air your frustrations
- Read a good book.
- Write down thoughts and feelings.
- Focus on things that are most important in your life, perhaps family or loved ones.
- Have a sense of humor.
- Maintain or seek spiritual guidance.
- Think positive thoughts.

If you have trouble handling stress on your own, talk to your doctor. Stress is a normal part of daily living, but when it gets to be too much, ask for help.

Illnesses and infections are a normal part of life too, but they can make controlling blood glucose harder. Talk with your doctor to find out how to deal with an infection or illness, before it happens. Testing your blood will enable you to find out its glucose levels. Recommended blood glucose levels before meals are 90 to 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), and less than 180 mg/dL at bedtime. Your doctor will determine what is the best range for you. Staying as close as possible to your ideal range will lessen your chances of developing complications of diabetes. Higher than recommended glucose levels have been linked to eye disease, kidney disease, nerve disease and infections that do not heal.

Some experts also believe higher glucose levels can lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and stroke.

Your doctor will give you a schedule for testing your blood sugar level. Often this means testing before a meal or a big snack, before bed, one or two hours after a meal or a large snack and/or at 2 a.m or 3 a.m. Blood glucose levels will be different at various times of the day. Make a note of what it is each time you check it, and bring this information with you when you visit your doctor. Some experts recommend checking blood glucose levels at least three times a week if you control your diabetes through diet and exercise only; if you use diet, exercise and diabetes pills, you should check your blood glucose two or three times a day. People who have diabetes and use insulin should test their blood glucose at least four times a day, once their glucose levels become stable.

Testing at recommended intervals is very important. Research has shown that accurately guessing your own blood sugar level is unlikely – even dangerous. The most accurate testing is done with a blood glucose meter. Place a drop of blood on the end of a test strip and insert it into the meter, which will then give you a reading of the amount of glucose in your blood. Because many different brands of meters are on the market, following the manufacturer’s instructions is very important. If you need help affording a glucometer or the test strips for the glucometer, discuss the situation with your health care provider. In some cases, benefit programs available through Medicare, Medicaid, the Texas Commission for the Blind and some pharmaceutical and medical equipment companies can help with the costs.

For more information on living with diabetes, plan to attend the Do Well, Be Well With Diabetes program, at Santa Anna Fire Station, Saturday , March 24, at 10 a.m. For more information contact Debbie Hailey, County Extension Agent-FCS at 325-625-4519.

Santa Anna Organizations Join Forces

The Santa Anna Ex-Students Association and the Santa Anna Foundation have joined forces for the benefit of Santa Anna and the surrounding area. While the Ex-Students Association has long served Mountaineers and former Mountaineers alike, sponsoring one of Texas’ longest running annual Homecomings since 1953, it only began giving scholarships to SAHS graduates about ten years ago. Similarly, the Santa Anna Foundation has made charitable grants to community projects—most notably our civic center and city park-- as well as giving scholarships to graduates from Panther Creek, Santa Anna, and CAP High schools for about the same amount of time. It was a natural fit for the two groups to unite in their efforts to support the growth and prosperity of our community.

The coming together of these two organizations necessitated some reworking of the by-laws of the Foundation to enhance the scope of its scholarship giving. The by-laws now state that the purposes of the Santa Anna Foundation are:
• to support the Santa Anna Historical Development Organization in preserving local history,
• to assist the Santa Anna Ex-Students Association in their scholarship program and other educational programs,
• to promote economic and community development in the town of Santa Anna,
• other special projects as needed.

As a 501(c)(3) organization, the foundation is an independent public charity. All donations qualify for the maximum deduction for charitable contributions under IRS Regulations. Foundations like The Santa Anna Foundation enable donors to set up a charitable fund that supports specific causes they care about. A cash gift by check is the usual method for making a charitable contribution. For gifts of $250 and more, givers must have written confirmation from the Foundation because canceled checks are no longer proof of a deductible gift. Cancelled checks are acceptable for gifts of less than $250.

If you want to make a gift as a memorial in the name of a deceased Mountaineer, or if your class wants to make a special scholarship, if you want to set up a family endowment, or if you are thinking about having the work you have done here go on after you are gone, you may take your contributions at Santa Anna National Bank and deposit them into the Santa Anna Foundation account. Together we will make Santa Anna better.

COMMITTEE CONSIDERS ENDING TAKS TEST

Senator Florence Shapiro of Plano discusses her bill that would replace the TAKS test with end-of-course exams.

(AUSTIN) -- The Senate Education Committee looked at a bill Tuesday that would replace the current standardized testing system with end-of-course exams. The state's Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test has been criticized for its limitations, such as failing to prepare students for college, and forcing instructors to teach to the test rather than focusing on content. Senate Bill 1031 would phase out the TAKS test, replacing it with four end-of-course exams, beginning in the 2009 school year. Bill Sponsor and Committee Chair Florence Shapiro says these kinds of tests serve students and teachers better than the current system of standardized tests. "End of course assessments, I believe, will provide a better way for students, for schools and for the state to measure and test our students," she said.

The first class to take these exams would be the 2009 incoming freshmen class. These tests would be offered for the four core curriculum areas, Math, Science, English and Social Studies, and would make up 15 percent of a student's final grade. In order to graduate from high school, students would need to score at least 70 points out of 100 on all 16 of the end-of-course exams taken over the course of their high school careers.

The TAKS test has also been criticized for an increase in "testing irregularities" that may indicate cheating. SB 1031 includes provisions for increased security surrounding these end-of-course exams, directing the Education Agency Commissioner to develop new security standards, and authorizing random audits of school districts to ensure compliance. It would also make leaking test information a class-C misdemeanor.

The Senate passed a bill Tuesday that seeks to increase international pressure on the current regime in the Sudan to end the genocide taking place in the Darfur region of that country. Senate Bill 247, by Houston Senator Rodney Ellis and Plano Senator Florence Shapiro, would direct the Employee and Teacher Retirement System of Texas to divest holdings in certain companies that do business in Sudan. Companies that substantially aid the government of Sudan or don't significantly benefit the people of Sudan are eligible for divestment. This represents a few companies, mostly oil and gas, that would require divestment of about $500 million in investments, or less than one percent of the total fund balance, said Ellis.

Ellis said that Texas' role in ending genocide in Sudan is more than just placing economic pressure, but is also serving as a model for other states to follow. He said Tuesday's measure, along with a measure recently passed by Colorado, could bring this issue to the federal government. "I think those two states in particular, will be a signal to other states in the country," he said. "I would make a prediction that when another seven or eight states pass legislation along these lines, you may see this debate go on in the United States Congress."

The Senate will reconvene Wednesday, March 21, at 11 a.m.

Session video and all other webcast recordings can be accessed from the Senate website's audio and video archive pages.

Long-Term Care Insurance Can Relieve Financial Burdens

March 21, 2007

Writer: Linda Anderson, 979-862-1460,lw-anderson@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Joyce Cavanagh, 979-845-3850,jacavanagh@ag.tamu.edu
Nancy Granovsky, 979-845-3850,n-granovsky@tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION – Long-term care insurance can be just what the doctor ordered, said experts from Texas Cooperative Extension.

And long-term care isn't just for older adults, said Dr. Joyce Cavanagh, Extension family economics specialist.

"People normally associate the need for long-term care with the older population but that doesn't mean someone young won't need it at some point," she said.

The need for long-term care can happen to anyone of any age at any time, added Nancy Granovsky, Extension family economics specialist. And that might include victims of vehicular crashes, unexpected illnesses or debilitating conditions.

"Anybody of any age with a physical or cognitive disability, or someone who needs ... help with daily living" might need long-term care, Cavanagh said.

The Texas Department of Insurance booklet, "Long-Term Care Insurance," lists six activities of daily living. In Texas, companies must offer policies that provide coverage when a policyholder cannot do at least two of these activities for him- or herself for at least 90 days "because of a loss of functional capacity". The daily activities are: bathing, dressing, attending to bodily elimination, transferring (from bed to chair, for example), eating and maintaining continence.

Long-term care doesn't come cheap, either. According to the Texas insurance department's booklet: "The cost of a nursing home stay could range from $30,000 to more than $50,000 per year. Depending on the services needed and the costs in your area, average daily rates might range from $90 to more than $150 a day."

But don't expect Medicare or traditional health insurance to pay for long-term care coverage, because it won't, the Extension experts warned.

"Medicare only pays skilled nursing and rehabilitative care – care required after being in the hospital," Cavanagh said. And regular health care policies don't cover long-term care at all.

Medicaid does pay for long-term care when the recipients have low incomes, the insurance department information stated. Patients who are not eligible for Medicaid must pay for the care themselves or through long-term care insurance.

The insurance isn't cheap, Cavanagh warned, and payments continue even after the policyholder retires.

"And the premiums are based on your age when you first purchase the policy, so the older you are when you buy, the higher your premium will be," Granovsky added. "If you wait too long (to purchase it), it's very expensive. But what would your cost be if you didn't have it and needed long-term care? Your monthly premium is likely to be much less than (the cost of) one day of care."

Not everyone will need long-term care coverage, but that doesn't mean the possibility of need should be ignored.

Insurance of any kind is designed to protect the policyholder in case of some kind of catastrophe, Cavanagh said.

"It's like with auto insurance," Granovsky said. "You hope you never need it but if you do, you'd better hope you have coverage. As we pool the risk across many people, we know not everyone is going to need it, but that makes it possible to help those who do need it. We're all vulnerable."

And like other forms of insurance, long-term care coverage is available in different policies to cover differing life needs. Some financial planners can help their clients personalize long-term care coverage, she said.

"Some policies might cover ... assisted living at a lower coverage level than for a nursing home," Granovsky said, adding that care at a nursing home is the costliest. "Each company's terms and conditions vary."

Long-term care coverage is available through some group policies and through individual policies.

"If you are employed, find out about what your employer offers in a group plan that you can purchase," she said. If joining a group plan is not possible, "look at individual policies available in your state by various companies. A third opportunity is you may belong to an organization that might have long-term care policies available (to members)."

Both experts recommended visiting the insurance department's Web site at http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/ for information on insurance companies that can sell policies within the state as well as the terms and conditions of policies and the costs of coverage.

They also recommended getting a copy of the department's publication, "Long-Term Care Insurance," by calling 800-599-7467 or at the Web site.

HOUSE PASSES BILL BY STRAUS TO REPEAL OBSOLETE TELECOMMUNICATIONS TAX

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

~ TIF once helped connect Texas schools, libraries, hospitals to the Internet;
fund fulfilled its intent and is no longer necessary today ~


AUSTIN – Today the House of Representatives passed House Bill 735 by Representative Joe Straus (San Antonio) to repeal the obsolete Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund (TIF) tax. The bill passed the House 143 - 0.

The TIF was created by the Legislature in 1995 to provide funding to schools, libraries, universities and public hospitals for computers, telecommunications networks, training and other technology-related projects. By 2003, the TIF had served its purpose and was no longer used to fund these technology projects.

“The TIF was an excellent tool that has helped bring modern technology to countless schools, libraries and hospitals across Texas,” Straus said. “The fund has accomplished the mission the Legislature intended back in 1995 and it is time to stop collecting this tax from Texans.”

The TIF is assessed on monthly wireless, long-distance, local telephone and paging bills generating close to $400 million from Texas telephone consumers bi-annually. In 2003, the TIF reached its $1.5 billion cap. That year Texas faced a significant budget crisis. As a result, the TIF was extended and the funds were directed into the state’s General Revenue, a move that allowed lawmakers to manage the budget shortfall.

Upon final passage of HB 735, Straus said, "Before we create any new government spending programs, don't we at least owe the dead ones – like the TIF – a proper burial?" The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. It is being carried in the Senate by Senator Tommy Williams (The Woodlands). If the measure becomes law, consumers can expect the TIF tax to be removed from bills as early as this July.

Straus also expressed his appreciation to his joint authors, Rep. Phil King (Weatherford), who chairs the Regulated Industries Committee, Rep. Senfronia Thompson (Houston), Rep. Jim Keffer (Eastland), and Rep. Carl Isett (Lubbock).

Straus represents northeastern Bexar County including Alamo Heights, Olmos Park, Terrell Hills, Windcrest, and part of San Antonio. He was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in February 2005 in a special election. Straus serves on the Committee on Regulated Industries, Local and Consent Calendars, and as the Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Economic Development.

Tapping into The Trinity River from Headwaters to the Bay

March 20, 2007

Writer: Kathleen Phillips, 979-324-4302,ka-phillips@tamu.edu

What: The Trinity River is not the longest in Texas, but it supplies water to millions of people. It also supports a substantial portion of the state's ecology. How long will the water last? How long can the quality be sustained?

A team of researchers and ecologists this week will be traveling the course of the river from the headwaters near Bowie to the mouth at the bay near Baytown. They will stop along the way to examine efforts being made by landowners to improve the river.

When/Where:

* March 21

10 a.m. – Headwaters at Denton Creek, State Highway 59, Farm to Market Roads 1749 and 1655.

2:30 p.m. – Rosewood Seagoville Ranch, East Fork of the Trinity. (Call one of the contacts below for directions.)

* March 22

8:30 a.m. – Reed Wildlife Ranch, Kerens, Texas. (Call one of the contacts below for directions.)

1:30 p.m. – Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area, 1670 Farm to Market Road 488, Streetman, Texas.

* March 23

8:30 a.m. – Big Woods Hunting Resort, 14809 West Farm to Market Road 321, Tennessee Colony, Texas.

2:30 p.m.– 7-J Stock Farm Ranch. (Call one of the contacts below for directions.)

4 p.m. – Wallisville Lake Project, (See directions at http://www.swg.usace.army.mil/Wallis/nIntro.asp and a map at http://www.swg.usace.army.mil/Wallis/images/Wallisville-map.pdf)

Who:

Texas Cooperative Extension and the Texas A&M Institute for Renewable Natural Resources have arranged this trip. Other state and federal agencies, associations and individual landowners will be available at the locations including Texas Wildlife Association, Trinity Basin Conservation Foundation Habitat Project Committee, Holistic Resource Management, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge, and the U S. Army Corps of Engineers Upper Trinity

Contacts en route:

Dr. Jim Cathey, Texas Cooperative Extension wildlife ecologist, 979-575-6730

Kathleen Phillips, Texas A&M Agriculture State News Bureau Chief, 979-324-4302

Mike Jackson, Texas Cooperative Extension, East Texas News Bureau, 469-223-8558

Gov. Perry Awards $2 Million in Emerging Tech Funds to Xtreme Power

Mar. 20, 2007

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry awarded $2 million to Xtreme Power Inc. of Kyle to develop a large scale energy load leveling system capable of efficiently and more cost effectively storing and delivering large quantities of electric power. The grants are awarded through the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF), a $200 million initiative created by the Texas Legislature in 2005 at the governor’s request.

“These funds allow Texas to invest in technologically innovative companies which are key to driving competition and advancement not only in our state’s robust economy, but also the global marketplace,” Perry said. “Continued investment in emerging technology creates more jobs and generates substantial capital investments, diversifying and enriching our economy.”

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

To date, the TETF has allocated $73.4 million in grant funds to Texas companies and universities in areas promoting:

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

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

SENATE APPROVES DEFIBRILLATOR BILL

(AUSTIN) -- Every public and private school in Texas would have to have an automated defibrillator on campus if a bill approved Monday by the Senate becomes law. Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, would require that at least one automatic external defibrillator (AED) device be on every school's campus in Texas. It would also mandate at least one school official or employee be trained in its use. These devices are designed for use by laymen, and can detect heart function anomalies and administer the appropriate amount of electric shock to restore normal heart functions.

Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa (left) and Senator Jane Nelson debate a measure that would require all schools in Texas to keep an automatic defibrillation device on campus.

Senator Jane Nelson of Lewisville, who chairs the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, said it's about time Texas passed this law. "We have become more and more aware of the necessity to have these devices in every high school," she said. "We have so many lives unnecessarily lost because we didn't have a readily available AED. That's inexcusable."

The bill was amended on the floor to include private schools in the requirements. The bill will permit the Texas Education Agency to accept private donations to offset the cost of these devices.

The Senate also approved a House measure that seeks to reduce the burden on county clerk's offices with respect to information privacy. A recent Attorney General's opinion stated that county clerk's offices could be liable in the event certain uncensored social security information became public. The burden of redacting all those documents caused an uproar among many Texas county clerks' offices, resulting in some offices closing to reduce liability.

The measure approved today, House Bill 2061, sponsored by Senator Tommy Williams of the Woodlands, would put the burden of redacting Social Security numbers upon the entity that files a document with the county clerk, rather than the clerk's office. The bill also permits Texans to request from a county clerk's office that all documents containing their Social Security numbers be blacked out except for the last four numbers.

The Senate will reconvene Tuesday, March 20, at 11 a.m.

Session video and all other webcast recordings can be accessed from the Senate website's audio and video archive pages.

Mar. 19, 2007

Statement by Robert Black, Press Secretary for Gov. Rick Perry on House Passage of HB 735

“Gov. Perry applauds the members of the Texas House of Representatives who voted today to end the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund (TIF) and its accompanying tax. Since the fund has already accomplished its intended purpose, the governor also recommended the elimination of this fund in his budget proposal. By eliminating this unnecessary tax, House members scored a significant victory for transparency and truth-in-budgeting principles.”

Houston Teens Selected as Delegates to 2007 National 4-H Conference

March 19, 2007
Writer: Lorri Jones, 281-855-5620,LJones@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Kelli Lehman, 281-855-5600,KLehman@ag.tamu.edu

HOUSTON — Two local high school juniors have been selected to represent Texas and Harris County 4-H at the 2007 National Conference. The event, titled "Our Changing World," is scheduled for March 24-29 in Washington, D.C.

Barbara Jordon High School's Shameka Matthews and Yaa Boateng from Carl Wuensche Senior High School were selected because of their demonstrated leadership, said Kelli Lehman, Texas Cooperative Extension agent for urban youth development. Both are members of the Empowering Teen Leaders 4-H Club at their high schools.

"Yaa's hard work and leadership qualities have made her an invaluable asset to our leadership program," Lehman said. "Shameka has said that life is about choices, and she is choosing to make a difference."

Delegates from around the country attend this annual event to help develop recommendations for local and national 4-H youth development programs. On March 28, delegates will meet their U.S. representatives during "Capitol Hill Day," and present local and statewide 4-H program results to representatives and their staffs.

Empowering Teen Leaders is a special interest, school-based 4-H program that focuses on developing leadership skills. Participants complete course work in resource development, issue identification and coalition management. The program also requires community service, in which members identify an issue and develop a project in their neighborhoods.

Last winter, Matthews recruited friends and family to help with the Elves and More program that collects, builds and delivers bicycles for limited-resource families. Boateng participated in several community service projects with her Empowering Teen Leaders club, such as a "Reading with Children" program and assisting with after-school tutorials.

Criteria for selecting Texas delegates are set by each local 4-H program and include leadership, community service and dedication to the 4-H program.

"Being involved in Empowering Teen Leaders has helped me be better able to lead others to reach a common goal through planning, teamwork and guidance," Matthews said.

Boateng said, "The Harris County 4-H program has given me the opportunity to develop stronger leadership skills that will help me to reach both personal and professional goals I set for myself."

Mathews plans to attend Texas Southern University and major in pharmacology. Boateng will attend Baylor University to pursue a degree in medicine.

For more information on the Harris County 4-H program http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/4h/index.htm

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY – CENTRAL TEXAS WOULD BE GOOD FOR THE TROOPS AND GOOD FOR TEXAS

Monday, March 19, 2007

~ Supporters Urge Lawmakers To Back Legislation To Establish New School ~


AUSTIN – Supporters of a package of bills designed to establish Texas A&M University – Central Texas (TAMUCT) in Killeen told state lawmakers today that the new university was desperately needed to provide educational opportunities for U.S. troops and help the state reach its higher education goals.

Members of the House Higher Education Committee heard testimony on HB 589, HB 317 and HB 1668 and were read a letter in which establishing the university was listed as one of Fort Hood’s “highest priorities.”

One of the bills would change the method by which full time equivalency is counted for the Pathway Center currently operating in Killeen as Tarleton State University – Central Texas. The others would help provide funding for infrastructure costs that would be added to millions of dollars area residents, businesses and industries have already invested in the project. Pathway is the term used for education centers tied to other schools that are eventually expected to become stand alone universities.

Representative Jimmie Don Aycock (Killeen), and Representative Sid Miller (Stephenville), authored different pieces of the legislative package. They said establishing Texas A&M University – Central Texas could mean millions of dollars in economic development and research opportunities for Central Texas. The two bill sponsors also said the university would bring greater access to higher education for all residents of the area.

"Limited resources within a 100 mile radius seriously restrict Higher Education for almost 1 million Central Texans,” Rep. Aycock said. “It is time to bring Texas A&M-Central Texas to reality. It is time to provide much needed service to the largest employer in the state - Ft. Hood. It is time to address the need for Higher Education in Central Texas."

Tarleton State University – Central Texas was established in 1999 as a University System Center with the express purpose of eventually becoming a stand alone public university. Enrollment has consistently exceeded projections despite the fact that most classes are held in classrooms at different locations. Supporters of legislation filed by Reps. Aycock and Miller say the need for a stand alone, upper level university in Central Texas continues to increase at a fast pace. More than 12,000 students are currently enrolled in community colleges in Bell and Coryell counties with an additional 9,000 in surrounding counties. Yet, there is not a public, upper level university without a capped enrollment within 100 miles of the Fort Hood/Killeen area.

Menu Foods Income Fund Announces Precautionary Dog and Cat Food Recall

March 16, 2007
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - March 16, 2007) - Menu Foods Income Fund (the "Fund") (TSX:MEW.UN) today announced the precautionary recall of a portion of the dog and cat food it manufactured between December 3, 2006 and March 6, 2007. The recall is limited to "cuts and gravy" style pet food in cans and pouches manufactured at two of the Fund's United States facilities. These products are both manufactured and sold under private-label and are contract-manufactured for some national brands.

Over the past several days, the Fund has received feedback in the United States (none in Canada) raising concerns about pet food manufactured since early December, and its impact on the renal health of the pets consuming the products. Shortly after receipt of the first complaint, the Fund initiated a substantial battery of technical tests, conducted by both internal and external specialists, but has failed to identify any issues with the products in question. The Fund has, however, discovered that timing of the production associated with these complaints, coincides with the introduction of an ingredient from a new supplier. The Fund stopped using this ingredient shortly after this discovery and production since then has been undertaken using ingredients from another source.

At the same time, the Fund's largest customer, for which it manufactures on a contract basis, received a small number of consumer complaints and has initiated its own recall. Furthermore, for the time being, the customer has put future orders for cuts and gravy products on hold. This customer's cuts and gravy purchases in 2006 represented approximately 11% of the Fund's annual revenue.

"We take these complaints very seriously and, while we are still looking for a specific cause, we are acting to err on the side of caution" said Paul K. Henderson, President and CEO, Menu Foods. "We will do whatever is necessary to ensure that our products maintain the very highest quality standards."

While the number of complaints has been relatively small, Menu is taking this proactive step out of an abundance of caution, because the health and well-being of pets is paramount to the Fund.

In addition to changing suppliers, for production after March 6, the Fund has increased testing of all raw materials and finished goods. It is also working closely with regulatory authorities and its customers to learn more and will take whatever additional actions are appropriate. The Fund estimates that based on currently available information, this recall could cost between $30 million and $40 million, which will be financed from a combination of internally generated cash flow and bank credit facilities. Furthermore, the Fund is aggressively producing product, utilizing a different supplier for the ingredient in question, to replenish customers as quickly as possible.

In order to determine whether cat and dog food in their possession is subject to recall, consumers should refer to the list of brand names ("listed products") at www.menufoods.com/recall. This will be available by 6 a.m. Saturday March 17, 2007. Products not identified on the website can continue to be used.

Menu is the leading North American private-label/contract manufacturer of wet pet food products sold by supermarket retailers, mass merchandisers, pet specialty retailers and other retail and wholesale outlets. In 2006, the Fund produced more than one billion containers.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Menu Foods Income Fund
Consumers 1-866-895-2708
Website: www.menufoods.com

REP. MIKE VILLARREAL PRESENTS RAL BILL TO HOUSE COMMITTEE

Monday, March 19, 2007

~ HB 1344 Would Keep Earnings in Families' Pockets ~


Austin - With less than one month left before the federal income tax filing deadline, many working class consumers are being steered toward high cost loans by their tax preparers. Today, the House Committee on Financial Institutions will consider Rep. Mike Villarreal’s (San Antonio) Refund Anticipation Loans (RAL) legislation, a measure aimed at allowing consumers to make informed choices about these loans.


"We need to help low-income working families keep more of their hard-earned money," explained Rep. Villarreal. "My bill will give families the financial information they need to become more self-sufficient."


Many low-income Texans pay high fees and triple-digit interest rates to receive their anticipated income tax refund just one week earlier than they could receive it through a free online filing service. These loans, known as RALs, would be regulated under Rep. Villarreal's bill, HB 1344.


The bill would require RAL providers to inform customers that a RAL is a loan, explain that the provider also offers tax filing services without a RAL, and state the interest and fees associated with the RAL. It also requires them to possess an IRS e-file authorization and register with the Consumer Credit Commissioner.


"This is an opportunity to protect families from abuses and misinformation in the marketplace. It's an opportunity to ensure that working families can use these federal anti-poverty tax credits as they were intended, to save for a first home or for a college education. I urge the Legislature to seize this opportunity," stated Rep. Villarreal.

Tuesday Juice

When I read some of the News Monday at lunch, mainly the Funnies, I just knew I was going to have an e-mail from Mrs. Guthrie about my endless sentences and punctuation errors in the Monday Morning Juice. I think she has probably given up on me by now, especially since Jessica is off helping Patrick in Stephenville. I guess I am going to have to start using Microsoft Word to write this stuff up. I am at least thankful for spellcheck although some of you probably don't think I ever use it!

Monday Morning Juice

Well last week was a pretty long week for me and it seemed like the longer it went the worse it got.

Friday saw the News down for most of the day. It is only the second time since I started that the site has been down. Last time it was only down about four hours but this time it was down for almost a day and a half. They had some sort of server failure and being familiar with all that and considering they are one of the largest, if not the largest, web host I expected them to have it fixed a little faster, so I was surprised when it took so long. After several impatient phone calls and a couple of hours on hold, only to be answered by someone that couldn't tell me anything that I didn't already know, it started working again late Friday.

I was sort of hoping the weekend would last a little longer since it was the first full weekend of time change. But I think that it just went by faster. I am not sure what exactly happened but I sure am tired. It might be the grass mowing or the weed eating. It seemed like mostly weeds so far even with the lawnmower. I think I am going to start calling mine a weed mower! Oh well that first grass mowing usually is the worst... nothing a little 2-4D won't take care of...

While heading to the Shoppin' Baskit early Sunday morning Jessica and I figured out what caused the fire and smoke at the Dairy Queen late last week.

It must have been one of those Flame Kickin' Burgers or Flamethrower Chicken Sandwiches!

See their new Flamethrower Ad.

That's about it... time to get back to work or at least go to bed so I can get up and go to work like most of you on Monday. Have good week!
James

Central Texas Pecan Short Course

Submitted by: Tom Guthrie, CEA-Ag , Mills County
Contributed by: Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS , Coleman County

Central Texas Pecan Short Course
April 10, 2007
CEU's offered

It is once again time for the Central Texas Pecan Short Course. This year's program will be held on Tuesday, April 10 at the Mills County Civic Center in Goldthwaite. Registration will begin at 8:15 a.m. and the program portion will begin at 9:00 a.m. and run until approximately 3:00 p.m.

This is an annual event and always draws a considerable crowd of pecan producers and enthusiast. Cost for this program will be $10 if you pre-register to the Mills County Extension Office by Tuesday, April 3rd at 5:00 p.m. If you do not pre-register it will be $15 at the door. You do not have to pay your registration fee until you arrive at the program. The registration fee includes a noon catered lunch.

Four (4) Continuing Education Units have been requested for those participants holding a commercial or private applicators license. These will include two general, one IPM, and one law's and regulations.

This year's program promises to provide an excellent lineup of speakers. Dr. Jose Pena, Texas Cooperative Extension Economist - Uvalde, will be providing an update on pecan marketing and what to expect after five seasons of improved prices. Once again, Mr. Bill Ree, Texas Cooperative Extension Entomology Specialist out of College Station will be providing an update on " Pecan IPM Practices for 2007". Mr. Billy Kniffen, County Extension Agent " Menard County will be new to the program this year. He will be discussing "Native Pecan Management" for the many people of this area that have native pecans. Dr. Larry Stein, Texas Cooperative Extension Horticulture Specialist out of Uvalde will be back this year to speak on "Pecan Disease Management and Fertilization". Mr. Tom Guthrie, Texas Cooperative Extension " Mills County, will be on the program to provide an update on "Law's & Regulations".

To pre-register or if any individuals need auxiliary aid, service, or accommodations to participate in this program, please call the Mills County Extension Office at (325)-648-2650 or the Coleman County Extension Office at 325-625-4519.

Walk Across Texas! Time Again

By Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS

It’s time to get out those walking shoes and get back into shape, again! Actually, I have already seen many of you out there walking and exercising. Spring is a wonderful time to stretch those muscles, tone up, and slim down.

Walk Across Texas! will begin soon, as we have a big Kickoff on Tuesday, March 20 at the courthouse at 6:00 p.m. Come and find out just what to do to walk your way across Texas. Then we will plan to walk around the courthouse parking area 5 times to make our first mile. If you can’t make it to the Kick Off, you can still be on a team. Walk Across Texas will actually begin on Sunday, March 25, but the mile walked at the Kick-off is a bonus mile.

Walk Across Texas! Is a fun and flexible way to exercise. Just get on a team with seven other people – friends, neighbors, coworkers, or family member- and start walking, or jogging or even biking. You can walk together or individually, outside or on a treadmill or stationery bicycle, any way that fits your schedule and lifestyle. You keep track of your miles, to see if you and your teammates can walk the 800 miles “across Texas” in 8 weeks. Report your totals to your team captains and see how your team measures up! By the end of the 8-week Walk Across Texas! Program, you’ll have a healthy habit that will last a lifetime. Then we will celebrate with a picnic at the park.

Last year, we had 16 teams and walked a grand total of 17,568 miles. That’s nearly 22 times across Texas. Let’s see if we can beat that this year!

Many of you have already been walking for some time. You can still join a team and count the miles you walk, ride or jog. We have several teams already eager to compete.

For more information, call Debbie Hailey at the County Extension Office at 325-625-4519, or look up Walk Across Texas! on the internet at walkacrosstexas.tamu.edu . Educational programs of Texas Cooperative Extension are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners courts of Texas Cooperating.

Gov. Perry Announces $49 Million to Aid Defense Communities

Mar. 16, 2007

Low-Interest Loans for Road Improvement and Infrastructure Projects

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today announced the first allocation of funds under the Texas Military Value Revolving Loan Fund of more than $49 million in low-interest loans to the City of Corpus Christi and the Port of San Antonio for critical road improvements and infrastructure projects.

In 2003, the legislature passed and the governor signed legislation creating the $250 million Texas Military Value Revolving Loan Fund (TMVRLF). These funds are distributed by the Texas Military Preparedness Commission.

The TMVRLF targets defense communities that seek to enhance the military value of the local installation; assists defense communities adversely impacted by a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) 2005 action through economic development projects to attract new industries and create new job opportunities; and assists defense communities positively impacted by a BRAC 2005 action by funding new infrastructure, utilities or transportation needs.

The awards include:

• $10.6 million to the City of Corpus Christi to alleviate Port Avenue’s bottleneck configuration for port access. Redevelopment of the roadway will enhance the port’s viability as a strategic military port; facilitate military deployments through the Port of Corpus Christi; and is critical to the development of property adjacent to the port. Funds will also be used to support the extension of the Navy’s Waldron Field Runway.
• $38.3 million to the Port of San Antonio to build a 90,000 square foot Air Cargo Terminal that will accommodate any size cargo plane, and construct two office and warehouse buildings.

The TMPC is accepting letters of interest for additional TMVRLF loans.

For more information on the TMVRLF, visit http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/tmpc/loan

NASA SPACE STATION MODULE IN PERFECT "HARMONY" WITH NEW NAME

Ever since it was designed for the International Space Station, it has been known as the Node 2 module. Now thanks to students from across the United States, Node 2 also will be known as "Harmony."

At an event Thursday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., NASA announced the new name. Harmony is being prepared at Kennedy for its space shuttle Atlantis flight, designated STS-120, targeted for launch in 2007. Members of the STS-120 crew and managers who are preparing Harmony for launch took part in the naming event.

The name was chosen from an academic competition involving more than 2,200 kindergarten through high school students from 32 states. The Node 2 Challenge required students to learn about the space station, build a scale model and write an essay explaining their proposed name for the module that will serve as a central hub for science labs.

"With this competition and similar ones, NASA continues its tradition of investing and engaging in the nation's education programs. These types of academic competitions involve students, educators, families and the general public and help them participate in our nation's space exploration program," said Joyce Winterton, assistant administrator for Education.

Six different schools submitted "Harmony." A panel of NASA educators, engineers, scientists and senior agency management selected "Harmony" because the name symbolizes the spirit of international cooperation embodied by the space station, as well as the module's specific role in connecting the international partner modules.

The winning schools are:
-- Paul Cummins' 8th Grade class at Browne Academy, Alexandria, Va.
-- Sue Wilson's 3rd grade class at Buchanan Elementary School, Baton Rouge, La.
-- Brigette Berry's 8th grade class at League City Intermediate School, League City, Texas
-- Bradley Neu's 9th grade science class at Lubbock High School, Lubbock, Texas
-- Yocum Russell's 3rd Grade class at West Navarre Intermediate School, Navarre, Fla.
-- David Dexheimer's students at the World Group Home School, Monona, Wis.

Harmony was built for NASA in Europe. It is approximately 21 feet long and 14 feet in diameter. The pressurized module will act as an internal connecting port and passageway to additional international science labs and cargo spacecraft. In addition to increasing the living and working space inside the station, it also will serve as a work platform outside for the station's robotic arm.

"This module will allow all international partner pieces of the station to connect together, so it's really wonderful that kids recognize that harmony is necessary for space cooperation," said Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations.

Harmony joins three other named U.S. modules on the station: the Destiny laboratory, the Quest airlock and the Unity node. This is the first U.S. piece of the space station named by people outside of NASA.

Using space shuttles to finish construction of the International Space Station is a key step in America's long-term exploration strategy, which includes plans to venture beyond Earth orbit for purposes of human exploration and scientific discovery. The space station is a crucial test bed for those future exploration missions.

Video of the name announcement event will air on NASA Television's Video File. For NASA TV downlink, streaming video and scheduling information, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For more information about the Node 2 Challenge, visit the NASA Exploring Space Challenges Web site:
http://esc.nasa.gov/

For more information on the station and the Harmony module, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/station

Be a Smart Shopper When Selecting Cotton Varieties

March 15, 2007
Writer: Tim W. McAlavy, 806-746-6101, email:t-mcalavy@tamu.edu
Contact: Randy Boman, 806-746-6101, email:r-boman@tamu.edu

LUBBOCK – With planting time just around the corner, South Plains farmers are thinking about cotton seed or already booking it with suppliers. There is a dizzying array of genetics and varieties available today, but picking seed doesn't have to be difficult, said a Texas Cooperative Extension cotton agronomist.

"Be a smart shopper," advised Dr. Randy Boman, Extension cotton agronomist based at Lubbock. "Keep it simple. Compare several characteristics among many varieties and then match those to typical growing conditions on your farm."

Producers can't control growing conditions or climate, but they can choose "smart genetics" with good potential for yield and lint quality. Genetic traits such as herbicide tolerance and insect and disease resistance are valuable too, but they should be evaluated using data from local field trials, he said.

"In some cases, it's wise to select varieties based on individual field conditions," he said. "Fields with high disease pressure should be matched to resistant varieties. On the other hand, disease-resistant varieties may not perform as well as other varieties in fields with zero disease pressure."

Boman recommended four publications when comparing cotton varieties nose-to-nose:

- 2006 Cotton Performance Tests in the Texas High Plains and Trans-Pecos by Dr. John Gannaway, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station cotton breeder.

- Extension's 2006 Systems Agronomic and Economic Evaluation of Transgenic and Conventional Varieties in the Texas High Plains.

- 2006 Texas High Plains Cotton Variety Ratings for Verticillium Wilt and 2006 Texas High Plains Cotton Variety Ratings for Bacterial Blight, both by Dr. Terry Wheeler, Experiment Station plant pathologist.

These publications and crop production guides pertinent to High Plains growing conditions are available online at: http://lubbock.tamu.edu .

"They are a good start for comparing baseline performance," Boman said. "It's best to compare varieties and genetics based on multi-year and multi-site averages, when they are available. Yield potential is foremost in growers' minds, but lint quality is just as important. We sell pounds of lint, but its value is a function of fiber quality."

Last year was challenging for cotton producers on the South Plains. More than 1 million acres of dryland cotton failed due to drought that lingered into mid-August. Even so, producers harvested more than 4 million bales – the third largest crop ever. The crop also had record fiber length and strength, he said.

"But 2006 was also a low-micronaire year," Boman said. "Our micronaire averaged about 3.8 – the third lowest since 1992 and only marginally higher than 2005. Pounds of lint and fiber quality are profitability factors, but we also need to consider adaptability."

For example, longer-season picker varieties are adapted to areas with longer growing seasons than the High Plains. They can sometimes be a good choice for growers willing to invest in management but can be risky in the uncertain Plains climate, he said.

"Even with good weather, it's risky to leave open-boll cottons in the field hoping for a killing freeze to condition the plants for harvest," Boman said. "Terminating irrigation, applying defoliants and desiccants at the right time and getting the crop out of the field early is a better option."

Storm-proof varieties are more suitable for uncertain harvest conditions and are more likely to survive damaging weather without considerable lint loss. As a result, Boman advised growers to also check for storm resistance when evaluating varieties.

"One issue we often encounter is nearly all varieties tend to have less storm resistance when they are under significant moisture stress," he said. "The bottom line is picker varieties may have higher risk for pre-harvest storm losses when they are moisture stressed. These later maturing varieties may also be prone to low micronaire."

Transgenic varieties are another option, if the cost is competitive with traditional weed or insect control. Resistance to verticillium and fusarium wilt, bacterial blight and root-knot nematodes is another valuable trait for growers to consider, he said.

"All of this is food for thought when you are comparing cotton genetics and varieties," Boman said. "No matter how you size-up and choose varieties, don't plant the farm to only one variety. Diversify your planting list. Spread your production risk by matching varieties and genetics to specific fields. It's simply good management."

4-H News

4-H Club Meetings
Santa Anna - Monday, March 19, 5:00 p.m., Ag Class Room, Santa Anna High Sch.

Lamb & Goat Camp - Howard College
Goat Camp - June 3, 4, & 5th, 2007
Lamb Camp - June 17, 18, & 19th, 2007

Howard College in Big Spring, Texas offers camps for lamb & and goat exhibitors, parents, and leaders. Topics to be addressed are: Selection, health & management, feeding, exercising, washing and shearing, showmanship, and classifying. This camp is a hands-on type instruction and has proved to be very beneficial for young exhibitors.

There is a charge of $85.00 per person which covers lodging, meals and awards. Adult supervision is required. Entrants will receive a camp tee shirt or cap. Camp participants must be nine (9) years old or entering the third grade.

If you are interested in attending, you will want to send in your reservation ASAP. They only take the first 200 paid and complete applications. Come by the County Extension Office soon for an application and more details about the camp.

Horse Project Certification
If you have a horse(s) that you will be riding in the District 7 4-H Horse Show, you will need to certify your horse(s) by May 1st . Forms are available at the County Extension Office.

Livestock Judging
If you are interested in participating in 4-H Livestock Judging, contact us at the Extension Office at 625-4519 (or e-mail: coleman-tx@tamu.edu ) and put your name on the list. We will begin practice sessions SOON. Watch for updates and announcements. We look forward to your participation.

State Fair - Lamb & Goat Validation Tags
Please be thinking about the number of lamb and goat validation tags you will be needing for 2007 State Fair. Deadline to order is April 20th. Please have your numbers to me by April 18th .

District Roundup - Educational Presentations
It*s not too late to get an Educational Presentation together for the District 7 4-H Roundup event which is held in May each year. Educational Presentations (formerly called Method Demonstrations) can be a fun activity that can be presented individually or in teams of two or more. In presenting a demonstration, you *show and tell* how to do something. The subject matter can be a wide variety of topics: Examples: Horticulture, Food & Nutrition, Horse, Housing & Home Environment, Meat Science, Family Life, Promote 4-H, Public Speaking just to name a few. Ask to see the publication titled 2007 4-H Rock On ! Texas 4-H Roundup Guide for more topics and contest guidelines. If you think you might be interested, contact Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS at the County Extension Office.

District Rifle Contest
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Brown Co. Youth Fair Show Barn
Registration Due: by March 30, using 4-H Connect

The 2007 District 7 4-H Rifle Contest will be held at the Brown County Youth Fair Show Barn in Brownwood (Hwy. 377 South towards Brady). This is an indoor facility. This is a .22 rifle match only. Shooting will begin at 8:00 a.m. This year, participants must register by using the 4-H Connect - Version 2. On-line registration opens March 15 and will close March 30th ! Entry Fees are set at $7.50 per contestant. Payment must be made using the 4-H Connect system.

Counties are allowed the following number of entries: 3 Senior Teams, 3 Intermediate Teams, 3 Junior Teams, Individuals - Any number for all three age divisions(as many as you have).

Demonstration and Fun Shooting - Adults & youth may participate in Air Rifle Silhouette and Pistol Silhouette shooting for fun in an adjacent building. There will be other disciplines available if time permits. This is not part of the official District 7 Rifle Contest.

For further details, contact the Extension office located on the 2nd floor, County Courthouse, or call 325-625-4519.

4-H Calendar

MARCH
5-9 Houston Stock Show
TBA Santa Anna 4-H Club meeting
12 Consumer Decision Project meeting
12 4-Leaf Photography Club meeting
13 Coleman 4-H Club Meeting
13 4-H Council Meeting
16 Coleman Co. Electric Coop - Youth Tour ENTRY PAGE due
19 Santa Anna 4-H Club Meeting, 5:00 p.m., Santa Anna Ag Class Room
29 DISTRICT CONSUMER JUDGING CONTEST, Bill Franklin Center
30 DISTRICT RIFLE - Contest Entries DUE

APRIL
6 Electric Coop - ESSAY*S due
14 District Rifle Contest, Brownwood

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