More Rain

Tex Wright reports getting another 8/10ths or rain below the Mountain. I had 6/10ths in my Coleman County Telephone Coop gauge and 8/10ths in my "Rob Cheaney special edition" Santa Anna National Bank gauge. It is like ole Rob it reads on the optimistic side!

Just kiddin' Little Six. Rob has been a faithful reader and frequent source of encouragment for me and the News. Have a good weekend!

SENATE APPROVES KIMBROUGH AS TYC CONSERVATOR

Jay Kimbrough answers Senator's questions during his confirmation hearing for conservator of the Texas Youth Commission.

(AUSTIN) -- The Senate voted Thursday to approve the elevation of Texas Youth Commission Special Master Jay Kimbrough to the conservatorship of the state agency charged with dealing with youth criminal defenders. Kimbrough was nominated Wednesday by Governor Perry to the position that grants him more statutory authority to make changes and remove and replace personnel within the TYC. Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, who is sponsoring a bill to codify reforms at the TYC, said Kimbrough is the right man for the job. "He's a take-charge, no-nonsense kind of guy," said Hinojosa. "He's accessible, focused, and he's aggressive."

The Senate originally requested that the TYC be placed under conservatorship on March 1 with the passage of a resolution, but Governor Perry chose to appoint Kimbrough as special master. Senate leadership had continued to call for a conservator, a position that has more authority and can act more quickly and with fewer bureaucratic obstacles. Perry agreed to submit Kimbrough's nomination as conservator late Wednesday afternoon, and the Senate met as a Committee of the Whole Thursday to confirm his nomination.

Kimbrough said he is prepared to move quickly on reforms at the TYC. "I clearly have the statutory authority now to make all moves myself individually without checking with anyone in the bureaucracy in state government," he said. When asked how that will help his efforts, Kimbrough said it will allow him to "march faster." "Speed is a factor," he said, referring to implementing new reforms.

Some of those new reforms include dismissing more than 100 TYC employees with felony convictions in their history, and requiring all superintendents and assistant superintendents to re-apply for their current jobs within seven days.

Finance Committee Chair Senator Steve Ogden said the Finance Committee has increased the TYC's budget by $50 million in order to prepare for additional money the agency might need to implement reforms. He added that any resources the conservator needs to fix the TYC will be made available.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst sits at Senator John Whitmire's desk while Whitmire presides over the Committee of Whole Senate.

At a Tuesday meeting of the joint committee charged with fixing the TYC, Senate Chair John Whitmire of Houston expressed impatience with the speed of some of the reforms at TYC. After Acting Director Ed Owens said his management team was studying many of the proposed reforms, Whitmire said the agency needed action. "We're not seeing the radical changes that we expected in terms of reform, protection of the youth, and the good employees," he said. "We're studying this to death." Whitmire said Thursday that the agency was now "in good hands" with Jay Kimbrough.

Also this week, the Senate approved a bill that seeks to prepare the state for increasing water demand in the future. Senate Bill 3, approved Tuesday, would implement increased environmental regulations on rivers and streams that impact ecologically fragile bays and estuaries along the Texas coast. It would also give those that live downstream more input on what happens with water resources upstream, and would direct utilities to increase conservation efforts. One provision of the bill that designates 19 potential reservoir sites, controversial because some lawmakers believe the designation could hurt property rights, was tempered with an amendment that creates a study commission to look at methods for increasing water supply in some areas of the state without building new reservoirs. Bill author Senator Kip Averitt of Waco said this bill approaches water supply from many directions. "We stress conservation, we provide for future sources of water, and we're maintaining the ecological balances in our state," he said.

The Senate will reconvene Monday, April 2, at 1:30 p.m.

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

Santa Anna One Act Play Advances Again!

One more time the Santa Anna One Act Play, "The Women of Lockerbie" by Deborah Brevoort, advanced in the District One Act Play contest along with the play from Eden. The Contest also included plays from Panther Creek, Sidney, May, and Veribest. The Area Contest will be held next Saturday April 7th at the Santa Anna High School Auditorium.

LeeAnda Bennett and Jarod Jones were named Best Actress and Best Actor again as well. Caylie Robinett was also named to the All Star Cast again and Molly Pritchard was named to the Honorable Mention Cast.

The District Contest Director was SAISD Superintendant, Roger Walker, and the Critic Judge was Charles Hukill who is a Professor of Theatre at McMurry University.

I can't say enough about the great job that Mrs. Walker and the casts and crews of her plays do. She has a way of bringing out the best of them and this year they are exceptionally good.

See "Santa Anna One Act Play Advances" below for more.

SENATORS ANNOUNCE LEGISLATION TO ADDRESS HUMAN TRAFFICKING, RACIAL PROFILING

Senator Leticia Van de Putte announces legislation aimed at combating the illegal trafficking of human beings across the Texas border.

(AUSTIN) -- State and local police forces could get additional tools to help combat human trafficking in Texas under a series of bills announced Wednesday by San Antonio Senator Leticia Van de Putte. The U.S. State Department released a report in 2005 that estimates 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders every year, and are sold as slaves for labor or the sex industry. Van de Putte said that her bills will target these criminal traffickers but also aid the victims and will bring together all elements of the community in the battle against trafficking. "Together with the coordinated efforts of our law enforcement, our social service providers, and local charities, we can put and end to this wretched underground world of sex slavery and indentured servitude."

Dr. Robert Sandborn of the anti-trafficking activist group Children at Risk estimated that between 15 and 30 thousand people cross the Texas border every year on their way to indentured servitude. Many of these victims are young girls and boys. Van de Putte's legislation is aimed at increased training for law enforcement about national and state laws regarding human trafficking. The bills would make forcing minors to commit prostitution a uniform first-degree felony, and increases the age of victims considered minors in these cases to 18. Grants would also be provided for district attorneys to hire special staff and prosecutors to aid in the prosecution of these complicated cases.

Senator Judith Zaffirini (center) of Laredo welcomed players and coaches from Poth High School to honor the school's Class 2A girls basketball state championship.

Dallas Senator Royce West held a press conference Wednesday to announce legislation that would tighten the state's racial profiling ban for traffic stops. The Legislature approved a measure in 2001 that made it illegal for a person to be stopped by a police officer simply due to race or ethnicity. West says while the numbers look better, data from his area shows that African-Americans and Latinos are much more likely to have their vehicles searched than Anglos. He added that the state must find out where this disparity comes from. "To determine the reason each year that reports continue to show that a disproportionate number of stops, we need to determine whether that's because of good policing, racial profiling or some other reason," he said.

Senate Bill 1448 would create a centralized database that will collect data from state and local agencies regarding race and traffic stops. It will also require that law enforcement agencies record race data on pedestrians and passengers in stopped vehicles, and would require data collection whether a citation is issued or not.

Also Wednesday, Governor Rick Perry elevated Jay Kimbrough from his position as special master to the Texas Youth Commission to conservator. This is the position requested by the Senate when it passed its resolution asking the Governor to take action to deal with allegations of abuse and misconduct at the TYC. A conservator has a freer hand to act under the law than a special master, including broader authority to dismiss agency employees.

The Senate will reconvene Thursday, March 29, at 10 a.m.

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

USS John C. Stennis Now Operating in Persian Gulf

Santa Anna's own James Culpepper is on the Stennis. Please pray for his family, his and others safe return home.

Story Number: NNS070327-05
Release Date: 3/27/2007 8:16:00 AM

From USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs

USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) entered the Persian Gulf on March 27, escorted by the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54).

While in the Gulf, the flagship of the USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG) and its air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, will conduct a dual-carrier exercise with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG). This marks the first time the Stennis and Eisenhower strike groups have operated together in a joint exercise while deployed to the U.S. Fifth Fleet area of responsibility.

This exercise demonstrates the importance of both strike groups’ ability to plan and conduct dual task force operations as part of the U. S. long-standing commitment to maintaining maritime security and stability in this region.

Two air wings from the aircraft carriers will conduct air warfare exercises while the surface components will conduct exercises in three general disciplines: anti-submarine, anti-surface and mine warfare.

John C. Stennis left its homeport of Bremerton, Wash., Jan. 16 for deployment and began operating alongside coalition maritime forces in the region Feb. 19. After arriving, JCSSG began conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) and providing direct support to coalition ground forces participating in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. During the 33 days of operations over Afghanistan, CVW 9 provided close-air support and reconnaissance to International Security Assistance Force troops on the ground.

MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

The CVW 9 squadrons include the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, “Blue Diamonds” of VFA 146, “Argonauts” of VFA 147, “Death Rattlers” of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron 323, “Yellowjackets” of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 138, “Golden Hawks” of Carrier Early Warning Squadron 112, “Topcats” of Sea Control Squadron 31, “Eightballers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 8 and “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30.

JCSSG includes John C. Stennis, CVW 9, Destroyer Squadron 21, USS Antietam (CG 54), the guided-missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG-77) and USS Preble (DDG 88) and the fast combat-support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10). More than 6,500 Sailors and Marines are assigned to JCSSG.

For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet visit www.news.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.

SENATE MOVES AHEAD ON STATE WATER PLAN

Sen. Kip Averitt of Waco discusses his bill that would move the state toward a comprehensive water plan.

(AUSTIN) -- The Senate passed a bill Tuesday aimed at preparing the state for increased water demand as the Texas population continues to grow. Lt. Governor David Dewhurst has said that if the state doesn't prepare, it could be left without adequate water resources when the state population doubles in a few decades. Senate Bill 3 begins the process of that preparation. Bill author Senator Kip Averitt of Waco says this bill is a comprehensive approach to water policy in the state. "We stress conservation, we provide for future sources of water, and we're maintaining the ecological balances in our state," he said.

SB 3 seeks to increase water supply by addressing conservation as well as new supplies of water in the form of reservoirs. The bill designates 18 locales as future reservoir sites. While the bill does not permit licensing or construction at these sites, some lawmakers have expressed reservations about the effect these designations could have on private property owners. Senator Kevin Eltife, who has shown concern that the designation process could drive down property values, amended the bill to create a study commission to look at the problem of water demand in some areas of the state, primarily north and east Texas. This commission would look at other ways, besides creating a reservoir, that these areas could plan for increasing water demand, including conservation efforts, as well as determining exactly whose property would be affected by the proposed sites.

The bill also contains provisions for environmental concerns. It would create a science-based approach to freshwater flows, which are a vital component of the state's bays and estuaries. It would also stress conservation, requiring water utility providers to formulate and submit plans to decrease water use through conservation. It would also enhance conservation education for the public. Averitt said that most people want to conserve water, they just don't know the best way to do it. "I believe the mood of the public is green these days, and I think people are ready, willing and able to conserve if they just knew how."

Arlington Sen. Chris Harris listens to testimony from TYC acting director Ed Owens at today's meeting of the Joint Committee on the Operation and Management of the TYC.

The Joint Committee on Management and Operation of the Texas Youth Commission, the committee tasked with fixing problems at the TYC, held a meeting Tuesday to hear from Acting Director Ed Owens on the progress of reforms at his agency. Owens testified that he and his team are still looking at many problems to try and find out the best way to proceed. Senate Chairman John Whitmire said that agency heads need to stop studying the issues and start acting. "We're not seeing the radical changes that we expected in terms of reform, protection of the youth, and the good employees," he said. "We're studying this to death." Committee members told Owens that they expect to see at least some action in terms of implementing reforms in time for the committee's scheduled Thursday meeting.

The Senate will reconvene Wednesday, March 28, at 11 a.m.

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

Gov. Perry Signs Law Allowing Texans to Protect Themselves

Mar. 27, 2007

SB 378 Permits Texans to Use Deadly Force in Self Defense

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today signed into law Senate Bill 378, extending Texans’ rights to use deadly force for means of self-defense, without retreat, in their home, vehicle or workplace. The law takes effect Sept. 1, 2007.

“The right to defend oneself from an imminent act of harm should not only be clearly defined in Texas law, but is intuitive to human nature,” said Gov. Perry. “Today, I am proud to sign the Castle Law which allows Texans to not only protect themselves from criminals, but to receive the protection of state law when circumstances dictate that they use deadly force.

“I thank Senator Jeff Wentworth, Representative Joe Driver and the Texas Legislature for their dedication to ensuring Texans’ rights to self-defense.”

In 1995, the Texas Legislature created an exception to a 1973 statute, which required a person to retreat in the face of a criminal attack. The exception allowed a person to use force without retreat when an intruder unlawfully entered their home. Senate Bill 378 extends a person’s right to stand their ground beyond the home to vehicles and workplaces, allowing the reasonable use of deadly force when an intruder is:

• Committing certain violent crimes, such as murder or sexual assault, or is attempting to commit such crimes;
• Unlawfully trying to enter a protected place; or
• Unlawfully trying to remove a person from a protected place.

The law also provides civil immunity for a person who lawfully uses deadly force in the above circumstances. The use of deadly force is not lawful when it is used to provoke or if a crime other than a Class C misdemeanor is committed by the victim.

SENATE OKAYS TWO CHILD SAFETY MEASURES

Senator Florence Shapiro listens to questions about her bill to require background checks for all public school employees.

(AUSTIN) -- The Senate approved Monday one measure that would implement background checks for all public school employees and another that would increase penalties for those who commit sex offenses against children on the Internet. These bills are part of Lt. Governor David Dewhurst's Texas Children First child safety and health initiative.

Senate Bill 9, by Plano Senator Florence Shapiro, would mandate background checks for all public school employees. While every teacher hired after September 1, 2003 has had a background check performed, Shapiro said it is estimated that upwards of 200,000 teachers, staff and other school employees have not been vetted. This bill, she says, gives the state the chance to increase security at Texas schools and protect students. "We can never let down our guard," she said. "We have to always make sure that when the opportunity appears, that we tighten these laws as much as possible. Background checks are absolutely essential in the classroom today."

The bill would also create a centralized database for background check information that all state agencies can access, to prevent employees with a violation in the past from moving from school to school or agency to agency.

The Senate also passed a bill that would toughen penalties against on-line sexual predation aimed at children. SB 6, by Laredo Senator Judith Zaffirini, would make explicit communication with a minor aged 14 to 16 a third-degree felony, and would make solicitation of a minor a second-degree felony. Sentences for these crimes could be set to run consecutively or concurrently.

The Senate will reconvene Tuesday, March 27, at 11 a.m.

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

Rain Continues

Rain continues to be the hot topic... other than city politics..

But I think I would rather talk about rain.

I dumped almost two and one half inches out of my gauges as it was starting to rain some more around 9:30 Monday night. That reaches almost three inches for the last three days.

Tex Wright reports, "Checked after rain stopped (approx 3:30PM) -- Total for Monday - 2 3/10 Two day Total -- 2 8/10 Hope to get more..."

Weekend Rain, er' Mist

Well I am taking at least partial credit for the half inch or so of rain over the weekend. My Brother-in-Law, Troy Pierce of Hewitt, and I re-roofed Grandma Pierce's front porch in Valera. When I took out the trash and fed the dogs late Sunday night my gauges showed about half an inch of rain for the weekend.

Cindy and I put out a few onions, pepper and tomato plants, and a few flowers this past week and they sure are going to like it. The grass and weeds are really starting to grow and all the trees are blooming out including the fruits, pecans, oak, and even the mesquites. With the time change and start of Spring I have noticed that those cows and goats are starting to get some grass to eat along with their rocks...

As you know, roofing is one of my favorite things to do! The little two square front porch is just a warm up for my eight square garage that I still have to put a roof on during the next couple of weeks. I will probably get done on it like I did last year... just in time for it to get hailed on again!

Anyhow we had to wait for the heavy mist to stop on Saturday before we could start. We finished just before dark except for loading the old shingles up. I needed a fork lift to get out of bed Sunday morning and was pretty useless after that. One of these days maybe I can retire from the roofing business. I have found it to be more painful than profitable!

Mountaineers Compete in Goldthwaite's Eagle Relays Track Meet

I am not sure about the meet results but one of my friends at work, Terry Thompson, a current Goldthwaite Eagle, sometimes Priddy Pirate, and forever Coleman Bluecat, was there on Saturday and shared some of his photos with me. Terry caught the camera fever and webmaster bug about the same time I did a few years ago. He started his own website, CentexPhotos.com where he posts his photos.

Santa Anna One Act Play Advances

This year's Santa Anna One Act Play, "The Women of Lockerbie" by Deborah Brevoort, advanced from the Zone Contest along with the play from Panther Creek. The District Contest will be held this Wednesday at the Santa Anna High School auditorium. The contest is open to the public, however contest rules will apply. No one may enter or leave the auditorium during the performances so be sure and go early. No small children, cameras, and no cell phones are usually allowed in the auditorium during the performances.

Several from Santa Anna's play were honored including Becca Fellers and Caylie Robinett to the All Star Cast, and LeeAnda Bennett - Best Actress, Jarod Jones - Best Actor.

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".

HAVE YOU PICKED UP YOUR YELLOW BOW YET?

The following was submitted by Raylene Watson:
I talked to Amy at the Chamber of Commerce, Thursday, and she said there was approximately 30 left.

These bows were made by the residents and staff of Holiday Hill Nursing Home. Also on display, at the Chamber, are Wooden Yellow Ribbons to hang in your yard. There has been a change on the prices. Two sizes were being sold. The small one (approx. 18 inches long and 11 1/2 inches wide) was $7.50 and the large one (approx. 22 inches long and 11 1/2 inches wide) was $15.00.

These ribbons are made in Comanche and the man that makes them will now be making one size. These ribbons will be approx. 20 inches long and one foot wide. They will be $10.00.

You can have anything you would like inscribed on them.

To place an order you can call 325-636-7850 or call Holiday Hill at 325-625-4157 and ask for Raylene from 6:30 A.M. until 2:30 P.M.

Let's do everything we possibly can to show our support for the Brave Men and Women who are defending our country and our way of life!

Please keep Shilo Harris, his family and all of our troops in your prayers! May God Bless Each and Everyone of Them and Hold Them Safely in the Palm of HIS GREAT HAND!!!
Thank you, Raylene Watson

Walk Across Texas Kick-Off a Success!

By Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS
Walk Across Texas 2007 (WAT) got off to a great start Tuesday evening at the Kick-Off in the courthouse with a guest speaker and door prizes. Actually, the 8-week Walk Across Texas campaign will begin this Sunday, March 25, and end May 19, but those who attended the Kick-Off walked a Bonus Mile around the courthouse, which will count toward their first week of WAT, next week. Guest Speaker, Linda Hyde, owner and manager of Curves of Coleman, gave a motivational talk about the benefits of physical activity. Now we’re all excited about joining a team and adding up our miles by walking, jogging, riding bicycles, and even gardening in our own neighborhoods, the equivalent of 800 miles across Texas. An added bonus is the opportunity to purchase a Walk Across Texas T-shirt for only $5.00. If you are interested, please call the Extension Office and let us know what size T-shirt you would like to order. We will place the orders Friday, March 30. Children at the Coleman schools and Coleman Head Start will also be participating in Walk Across Texas. You can help Coleman County to be a healthier community, by participating and encouraging your children to participate in Walk Across Texas! For more information of Walk Across Texas, call the Extension Office at 325-625-4519.

Mar. 23, 2007

Gov. Perry Honored as Texan of the Year

Cyber Crimes Unit Prosecutes Kerrville Veterinarian, Austin Community College Student for Child Sex Crimes

Friday, March 23, 2007

Two offenders traveled to Central Texas to meet children for sex

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Cyber Crimes Unit continued its aggressive crackdown on child predators this week as a Kerr County jury delivered a guilty verdict against a local veterinarian and, in Bastrop County, a 21-year-old former Austin college student pled guilty to using the Internet to solicit sex from children.

Jonathan Ward Brooke, 54, was convicted by a Kerr County jury Wednesday on one count of online solicitation of a minor, and he was sentenced to five years in prison.

Media links
Jonathan Brooke	Grant Peanick

“Texans will not tolerate criminals who prey upon our children,” Attorney General Abbott said. “The Cyber Crimes Unit will continue aggressively cracking down on cyber predators. Thanks to our dedicated Cyber Crimes Unit investigators and prosecutors, Texas is a safer place for our children.”

Attorney General Abbott added: “We are grateful to Kerr County District Attorney Bruce Curry and Bastrop County District Attorney Bryan Goertz for their cooperation and assistance with these two cases.”

Cyber Crimes Unit investigators arrested Brooke in July 2005 when he drove from Kerrville to Buda to meet and sexually assault a person he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. The “girl” was actually an undercover Cyber Crimes Unit investigator who Brooke sexually propositioned in an online chat room. A Kerr County grand jury indicted Brooke in March 2006. Assistant Attorney General Angela Goodwin prosecuted the case. In determining punishment, jurors considered sexually explicit images of young girls and videos of bestiality investigators found on Brooke’s computer after he was arrested.

In another case, Grant Matthew Peanick of Kyle pled guilty Wednesday in the 21st State District Court in Bastrop to one count of criminal solicitation of a minor, a third-degree felony. Peanick was sentenced to five years probation and he must register as a sex offender.

Peanick was arrested by the Cyber Crimes Unit in November 2005 after he drove to Bastrop to meet and sexually assault someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl he had met online. Peanick, who was attending Austin Community College at the time of his arrest, was indicted by a Bastrop grand jury in April 2006. Assistant Attorney General Sarah Wannarka prosecuted the case.

Attorney General Abbott has earned a national reputation for aggressively arresting and prosecuting online child predators. In 2002, he launched the Cyber Crimes Unit, which targets online predators by assuming the identities of young teenagers in Internet chat rooms, and the Fugitive Unit, which locates convicted child sex offenders who have violated the terms of their parole and could be stalking children. Attorney General Abbott's initiative has resulted in more than 500 arrests of such offenders. His office also has obtained convictions against 57 men on child pornography charges.

For more information, contact the Texas Attorney General's office at (800) 252-8011 or visit the Attorney General's Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us.

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.

4-H News

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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