Rain

Tex Wright reports, "When the rain was over about 6:30P, I had 1.00 inch in my rain guage."

I also had an inch today and had poured out a tenth a couple of days ago.

Found!

Well the pugs have been found and returned...

From Dana:
Mr. Pelton,
First, I would like to thank you for putting my "lost" ad on the front page of your web-site. It definitely worked because the City of S.A. contacted my co-worker yesterday and said they had my little babies in "jail", lol. I would like to thank them for taking such good care of Oliver and Lili (bad dogs!) but I would like to find out who picked them up and took them to the City! If you could please help me find out who picked them up on the highway, I'd like to thank them personally.
Thank you Santa Anna,
Dana, Zeke, and Zoe
Oliver and Lili

Original - Still Lost!

Lost Tuesday morning, May 22 between 7am-8am. Two fawn pugs. One grown male that answers to Oliver and a female puppy that answers to Lili! Lost at 400 Bruce St. up on the west side of the mountain. Both had their collars off! They are friendly and loveable and will not bite. Please please, please if you see them or have seen them call Dana Adams at 625-5218 (W), or 348-3621 (H) or leave a message. I am sooooo worried and heartbroken!!!! They've never ran away before!

Order of the Rose

Santa Anna High School will host the Order of the Rose – Senior Recognition Assembly Friday, May 25, at 10:30 A.M.in the high school auditorium. All family and friends of the Class of 2007 are invited.

May 24, 2007

Aggressive Termites Found in North Texas Community

Writer: Mike Jackson, 972-952-9232,mcjackson@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Mike Merchant, 972-231-5362,m-merchant@tamu.edu

Photos and Graphics Click for larger images

WYLIE – Entomologists with Texas Cooperative Extension are helping a Dallas-area community hunt Formosan subterranean termites, one of the most aggressive and destructive species in the world.

"They're like termites on steroids," said Extension entomologist Mike Merchant, who is based in Dallas.

Formosans were recently discovered by a pest control company working in Wylie, a suburb of Dallas in Collin County, he said. They were found in several homes clustered in the same neighborhood.

Their presence raises concerns because they destroy more wood than common termites, Merchant said. The area's most common species, the Eastern subterranean, for example, would eat only a section of a wooden beam and move on. Formosans would hollow it out completely.

"We hate to see these guys spread," he said. "We want them stopped."

The Formosan is an Asian species that was transported to the United States aboard trade ships, according to Extension literature on the insect. They were first reported in Houston in 1956. They are named after Formosa, the large island of Taiwan.

They were probably brought to the Dallas-Fort Worth area in railroad ties used to support backyard walls and as borders in landscaping, Merchant said. Since the 1990s, communities in Aledo, Grapevine, Flower Mound and Rockwall have reported having them. Formosan termites have also been found in nine other states with temperate climates.

"People think the ties are insect-proof because they've been soaked in creosote," he said. "But the creosote only soaks in so far."

Merchant advised homeowners to watch for signs of termites.

Formosans swarm at night, often around artificial light, he said. Eastern subterraneans swarm during the day.

Formosans are honey-colored and a bit larger than the Eastern subterraneans, which are black, he said.

Neighbors should share information and band together to get rid of the termites, said Wendell Daniel, the owner of All Pest Solutions who reported the Formosans to Extension.

"You talk to your neighbor about a lot of things, but you don't talk about roaches, you don't talk about termites," said Daniel, a Wylie resident. "In this case you should."

Property owners who find them should call a pest control company to have them exterminated, Merchant said. They should also notify Extension entomologists, 972-231-5362, who keep track of the insects' whereabouts. Merchant said he hoped that local governments, or perhaps the state, would eventually initiate Formosan eradication programs.

"If you can get in early on an infestation, I think it's possible to eradicate them in an area," he said. "It's an issue that has been bothering me for a number of years and nobody's doing anything about it. It's pretty much left up to the homeowner."

For additional information about the pests, go to http://termites.tamu.edu .

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Attorney General Abbott Takes Action Against Nationwide Lender for Exposing Customer Records

Check ‘n Go case is latest ID theft enforcement action by Attorney General in recent weeks

EL PASO – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott took legal action Thursday against CNG Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries, Check ‘n Go of Texas, Inc. and Southwestern & Pacific Specialty Finance, Inc., for systematically exposing its customers to the risk of identity theft. According to documents filed by the Attorney General, Check ‘n Go violated the law by repeatedly failing to protect customer records that contain sensitive personal information.

Investigators with the Office of the Attorney General discovered that Check ‘n Go stores across Texas exposed customers’ personal identifying information by discarding business records in easily accessible trash cans behind the stores. According to investigators, the records included numerous documents containing customers’ names, addresses, Social Security and loan information, including several federal truth-in-lending disclosure statements.

“Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States,” Attorney General Abbott said. “Texans expect their personal information to remain confidential. The Office of the Attorney General will take all necessary steps to protect consumers from identity thieves.”

The defendants are accused of violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) and the 2005 Identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Act, which requires the safeguarding and proper destruction of clients’ sensitive personal information. Under the law, the Office of the Attorney General has the authority to seek penalties of up to $20,000 per violation of the DTPA and $50,000 per violation of the Identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Act.

The Attorney General also charged Check ‘n Go with violating Chapter 35 of the Business and Commerce Code, which requires businesses to develop retention and disposal procedures for their clients’ personal information. The law provides for civil penalties of up to $500 for each abandoned record.

The Office of the Attorney General is investigating whether any exposed data has been used illegally. Consumers who interacted with Check ‘n Go should carefully monitor bank, credit card and any similar statements for evidence of suspicious activity. Customers should also obtain free copies of their credit reports.

Consumers who wish to file a complaint may contact the Office of the Attorney General at (800) 252-8011 or do so online at www.oag.state.tx.us, where they can also obtain information on identity theft detection and prevention.

Today’s legal action against Check ‘n Go is the sixth identity theft enforcement action announced by Attorney General Abbott in recent weeks. On May 8, Attorney General Abbott filed an enforcement action against EZPAWN for improperly dumping customer records, including promissory notes and bank statements. In April, Attorney General Abbott took legal action against CVS/pharmacy and RadioShack Corporation for exposing hundreds of customers to identity theft by failing to properly dispose of records that contained sensitive information. In March, the Attorney General filed an enforcement action against Jones Beauty College in Dallas for improperly discarding student financial aid forms with Social Security numbers and other personal information. Also in March, Attorney General Abbott took legal action against On Track Modeling, a North Carolina-based talent agency that abruptly shut down its Grand Prairie office and abandoned more than 60 boxes containing hundreds of confidential client records.

May 23, 2007

Brown County Sets Pesticide Applicator Training and Testing Day

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576,s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Scott Anderson, 325-646-0386,sa-anderson@tamu.edu

BROWNWOOD – Texas Cooperative Extension in Brown County has scheduled a pesticide applicator training and testing day. The event will take place at 8 a.m. June 13 at the Brown County Fairgrounds on U.S. Highway 377 South.

"There hasn't been a pesticide applicator training in Brown County in several years," said Scott Anderson, Extension agent in Brown County. "This is a good opportunity for those without a Texas Department of Agriculture Private Pesticide Applicator's License to get one."

The license allows individuals to purchase and use state limited-use and restricted-use products on their personal properties, he said.

Those who successfully pass the required tests will be issued an application for a pesticide license. In order for the license to be issued, the Texas Department of Agriculture requires an application and a $60 fee.

The training will also allow those with current commercial or non-commercial pesticide licenses to add additional license categories. These individuals should contact Anderson prior to the meeting date to set up the proper tests.

Pre-registration for the meeting is required by June 11. Individual pre-registration is $35 and covers a meal and a pesticide applicators manual. A Laws and Regulations Manual is available for $10 per copy.

To pre-register or more information, call Anderson at 325-646-0386.

HOUSE PASSES REP. VILLARREAL'S " FREEDOM TO PLAY AND LEARN ACT "

Wednesday, May 23, 2007
~ Legislation Encourages Recess for Elementary School Children ~


Austin – Today the House passed Representative Mike Villarreal's elementary school recess proposal as part of Senate Bill 530, legislation to improve the physical activity requirements and physical fitness assessment for public school students. The section of the bill mirrors Rep. Villarreal's House Bill 366, which directs school districts to consider the documented benefits of recess and establish a recess policy.

"This is a victory for parents, children and teachers," explained Rep. Villarreal. "We had to put a stop to the slow disappearance of recess from our elementary schools."

Rep. Villarreal has pursued the recess policy after listening to local parents who were concerned about their young children losing recess and reviewing research demonstrating the importance of unstructured play for academic achievement, social and cognitive development, and physical health.

A report issued earlier this year by the New York-based Strong National Museum of Play confirmed the need for this legislation. Research conducted in San Antonio, Texas found that students who were denied recess demonstrated greater health problems, lower self-confidence, and worse academic performance. The report notes that 60 percent of Texas elementary schools have reduced or eliminated recess in favor of increased instructional time, compared to 40 percent nationally. Rep. Villarreal's measure would help to reverse this trend.

"As parents, many of us understand the importance of recess for our children, and recent research has confirmed it," Rep. Villarreal noted. "Classroom instruction is obviously fundamental, but kids also learn a lot on the playground."

CANCER RESEARCH FUND, CHIP EXPANSION APPROVED

Senator Kip Averitt of Waco (left) talks with Horseshoe Bay Senator Troy Fraser about Averitt's bill to increase coverage under the Children's Health Insurance Program.

(AUSTIN) -- The Senate overwhelmingly approved two measures Tuesday which were aimed at improving health care for children and cancer patients. These two issues have risen to the forefront in the waning days of the session as proponents of the bills wondered if looming deadlines would doom their passage. Both bills were passed as part of a marathon 15 hour Tuesday session that saw approval of more than 120 bills and resolutions.

Expansion of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) has been a top priority of Senate leadership throughout the session. The bill passed Tuesday will add more than 100,000 children to the CHIP rolls, according to Lt. Governor David Dewhurst. "I am committed that any child that's eligible ought to be on the CHIP roll," he said. HB 109, sponsored by Waco Senator Kip Averitt, moves from six to twelve month eligibility, meaning that parents will have to re-enroll their kids in the program only once a year, rather than twice per year as required by current law. It also creates an electronic eligibility monitoring system, where families that are close to the upper income requirements are checked to see if they remain eligible.

Senator Jane Nelson is congratulated by Senator Royce West (left) and Senator Robert Deuell after passage of her bill to create a $3 billion cancer research initiative in Texas.

Also passed Tuesday is a package that would create a $3 billion cancer research fund, intended to bring top scientists from around the world to Texas to work on a cure. Senate sponsor Senator Jane Nelson of Lewisville said this is one measure lawmakers can be proud they supported.

Two measures, HJR 90 and HB 14, work together to set up the funding mechanism for cancer research. HJR 90 would allow voters to decide whether to grant bonding authority, $300 million per year for 10 years, to the Legislature to fund the center, though lawmakers could choose to instead appropriate the money from state revenue. When asked why the state should sell bonds to raise this money, rather than simply take it from general revenue, Nelson replied that the state must show its determination to fund this program in the long term. "It creates a reliable funding stream and demonstrates a long-term commitment to making Texas a world leader in cancer research," she said.

HB 14 would create the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas, which would be governed by an appointed oversight committee. This committee would decide which research projects in Texas would merit grants out of the $3 billion fund. The state would be entitled to part of royalties on patents for any cures or treatments discovered in Texas.

The Senate will reconvene Wednesday, May 23, at 10:30 a.m.

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

May. 23, 2007

Gov. Perry: Presidential Disaster Declaration Approved for Atascosa County

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry today announced that a federal disaster declaration for Atascosa County has been approved by President George W. Bush as a result of severe storms in the county on April 24.

“This disaster declaration is welcome news to the residents of Atascosa County,” Perry said. “The communities devastated by these storms can now begin rebuilding their homes, businesses and communities.”

The federal Stafford Act allows eligible Texans in Atascosa County whose homes and properties were destroyed or damaged by the storms to receive individual assistance. Individual Assistance programs, which help individuals and families who are not covered by insurance, can include financial assistance, temporary housing, tax relief, legal services, crisis counseling and Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

President Bush declared four Texas counties federal disaster areas, following a widespread series of severe storms that struck the state beginning in April. Today's action includes Atascosa County in the original disaster declaration, which President Bush issued on May 1.

The declaration covers damages following the storms and tornadoes that struck the City of Cactus in Moore County, and the Tulia area in Swisher County on April 21, in addition to the tornadoes that devastated areas around Eagle Pass in Maverick County on April 24. Denton County, which suffered severe flooding on April 24, was also included in the presidential declaration.

Other assistance programs made available with a Presidential Disaster Declaration include:

• Disaster Housing Assistance may include funds for repairs, providing temporary housing, rental assistance or reimbursement for hotel/motel lodging costs for residents who lost their homes.
• The Individual and Households Program may provide for necessary expenses and serious needs not met by insurance, loans or other forms of assistance, which may include medical, dental and funeral expenses.
• The Small Business Administration provides low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses affected by the disaster.
• Crisis counseling is available to anyone in the designated disaster area.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance is administered by the Texas Workforce Commission and provides benefits for up to 26 weeks after a disaster declaration to persons who lost their jobs directly due to the disaster.

CALLEGARI, NICHOLS PASS LANDOWNER'S BILL OF RIGHTS ACT INTO LAW

Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Last night the Senate unanimously passed House Bill 1495 to require governments that condemn private property to provide landowners a clear, timely notification of their rights. Authored by Representative Bill Callegari (Houston) and sponsored by Senator Robert Nichols (Jacksonville), the bill passed the House of Representatives earlier this month without opposition.

"This bill implements a significant reform to the condemnation process," said Representative Callegari. "Before this bill was passed, landowners facing the prospect of having their land condemned received nothing when it came to explaining their rights and the condemnation process. This bill changes that, and empowers landowners to defend their homes with knowledge of their rights, options, and the condemnation process."

Under this legislation, a government entity must send a landowner the "Landowner's Bill of Rights" before that entity may begin negotiations to take the property. The document must explain the process of eminent domain and inform the owner of available options to stop or appeal the process. H.B. 1495 specifies the state attorney general shall prepare the list of rights using language "easily understood by the average property owner."

"All Texas landowners deserve to know their rights, not just the ones who can afford a lawyer," said Nichols. "This bill provides a plain-English explanation of Texas' protections for landowners facing the threat of eminent domain."

Additionally, the measure requires that the bill of rights document be in a clear font and in an easy-to-read type size.

"I believe the issue of condemnation is too important to put into small print," Nichols continued.

H.B. 1495 also requires that the Landowner's Bill of Rights be made available to the general public through the Texas Attorney General's Web site.

"This is an important step in preserving the rights of landowners," said Nichols. "It helps cut a clear path through a complex legal maze to defend that place they call 'home'."

Callegari concluded, "I thank Senator Nichols for his leadership in guiding this measure through the Senate. His stewardship and concern for private property rights has helped pass a bill that will provide meaningful protections to landowners affected by a proposed condemnation."

If signed by Gov. Rick Perry, the law will take effect on September 1, 2007.

FOSTER CARE LEGISLATION PASSES AND AWAITS GOVERNOR'S APPROVAL

Wednesday, May 23, 2007
~ Rep. Giddings passes meaningful reform ~


AUSTIN - In December of 2006, a 6 year-old girl died after being repeatedly body-slammed by her foster parent's 14 year-old son. The police where called a number of times to investigate disturbance calls to the DeSoto home where the young child lived according to reports yet nothing done to protect this little girl. Today, when the Senate voted to concur with house amendments to SB 723, State Representative Helen Giddings succeeded in passing an amendment that will protect children like this little girl. Giddings began her efforts with House Bill 2670, after it died in committed Giddings artfully amended Senate Bill 723.


Now, a shared database will be created and maintained by the Department of Family and Protective Services, child-placing agencies and law enforcement. The database will identify each licensed or verified foster home that provides services to a foster child. From now on, law enforcement will be able to know if they are responding to disturbance call at a verified or licensed foster home by running the address through the database. If the peace officer discovers that he or she is responding to a call at a foster home that is listed in the database, that officer is required to notify the department within 24 hours of responding to that call. The department will then notify the child- placing agency of each family violence report they receive. This bill also puts in place an added measure to have the department ask prospective foster care applicants during their verification and licensing process, whether or not any family violence or domestic disturbance calls have occurred at their home in the last 12 months.


Because of these actions DFPS will be able to ascertain the safety of a home before placing a child as well as being better equipted to rescue children from dangerous placements.


"Had this measure been in place a year ago, we would have known that this 6 year old girl was in an abusive situation. Even better, prior to her placement DFPS would have known that because of past incidents of violence in this home that this was an unsafe environment. This little girl might still be alive. It is my belief that this bill will prevent injury and save the lives of many foster children," explains Rep. Giddings.


Because of the passage of Senate Bill 723 with Giddings' amendment, the communication gap will be closed that currently exists between the department, the child- placing agencies, and law enforcement.


"It is my goal to ensure that no more innocent children will be endangered or neglected while in foster care. Unnecessary injuries and deaths can be prevented with this simple measure of implementing basic communication between the agency and law enforcement," Giddings states.

May 23, 2007

Cleaner Manure Burns Hotter in Ethanol Processing

Writer: Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5608,skledbetter@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Brent Auvermann, 806-677-5600,bauverma@ag.tamu.edu

Photos and Graphics Click for larger images

HEREFORD – Clean manure may sound like an oxymoron, but Dr. Brent Auvermann is working with feedyard owners to help them get the most "spark" from it as a fuel source.

Auvermann, a Texas Cooperative Extension engineering specialist, hosted "Producing High-Value Manure for BioFuels and Fertilizer" recently in Hereford. The meeting outlined work by Texas Agricultural Experiment Station researchers to determine best management practices for scraping manure from the feed pens.

"We're doing something that has never been done before," said Arles "Bugs" Graham, Panda Energy International's general manager for the Hereford plant. Graham spoke at the meeting.

"We're using your manure as an energy source," he said. "It's a very complex process."

After starting up the plant with natural gas as the boiler fuel, Panda Energy will eventually use manure as a fuel source when producing ethanol for an E10 fuel blend, Graham said.

The plant will initially process corn for ethanol, although the company is looking at alternative sources of starch to make the ethanol, and it will produce distiller's grains as a by-product.

"But manure is our future," Graham said, estimating each plant will use 1,500 tons a day.

Jim Adams, Panda Energy vice president-fuels, said the plant will begin asking yards in June to sign up for a percentage of their manure.

The past winter was a wake-up call, Adams said. Sometimes when the weather is too wet, manure can't be harvested from the pens. Manure will be used by this fall, so "we have to start stockpiling now" to ensure a steady supply.

Adams said the plant will use manure on a six-day basis, requiring 70 to 80 truckloads per day. Panda's contractor will collect from the pens when they are dry enough, but will need to pull from stockpiles when pen surfaces are too wet.

Quality is the biggest issue, Auvermann said. The manure needs to burn at a minimum rate of 2,758 British thermal units per pound of manure. That number changes according to the amount of pollutants – moisture and dirt – included when the pen is scraped.

If all the water and contaminants were removed from the manure, the highest quality would be 8,500 Btu, "but we can't do that, because we can't take the ash out completely," he said.

Manure from soil-surfaced pens may not always meet the minimum heating value on an as-received basis, Auvermann said. Feedyard operators will have to take some steps to improve it.

The timeliness of collection and depth of scraping will be key to keeping dirt content below 60 percent and moisture content below 20 percent, he said.

"Paving the pens with a crushed ash or a fly-ash material (from coal-fired power plants) will end up returning to you in the form of heating value – big time," Auvermann said.

Partially composted manure from paved pens can have a heating value almost equivalent to that generated by burning Texas lignite coal, he said.

Feedyard owners should consider the process as "harvesting manure" rather than cleaning pens, Auvermann said. The ultimate goal is to have a hard, smooth, well-drained corral surface.

Implementing good practices will pay at the bottom line, he said. Conscientious manure harvesting can result in higher fuel and fertilizer values, reduced feed requirements for cattle, improved pen drainage, and reduced odor, dust and flies.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Attorney General Abbott Encourages Parents Who Receive Child Support to Join the Texas Debit Card Program

200,000 parents enrolled in card’s first year; saved taxpayers $1.4 million

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today encouraged parents who receive child support to enroll in the Texas Debit Card program, a year-old initiative that streamlines child support payments and saves taxpayer dollars. While many child support customers get a check in the mail, more than 200,000 Texas Debit Card participants benefit from an electronic funds transfer that deposits payments onto a VISA card. As a result, the parent can quickly access much needed funds for purchases at grocery stores and other merchant locations that accept VISA debit cards.

The Texas Debit Card is safer and more convenient than using cash or checks. Parents do not need a bank account to get the card. Equally important, Texas taxpayers save 51 cents with each electronic transfer to a debit card. To date, the card has saved taxpayers $1.4 million.

“The Office of the Attorney General is committed to efficiently and effectively delivering much-needed child support to Texas parents,” said Attorney General Abbott. “Thanks to the Texas Debit Card program, parents need not worry about lost or stolen checks or wonder if a deposit has cleared. We strongly encourage child support customers all across the state to enroll in this dynamic cost-saving program.”

Parents who receive child support through the Texas Child Support Disbursement Unit in San Antonio are eligible for the Texas Debit Card. To enroll in the program, check account balances or obtain transaction histories, parents should call toll-free at (866) 729-6159. Customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to speak to child support customers.

Rachelle Herrick, a mother and Texas Debit Card holder, was very pleased with the help she received from customer service representatives and encourages other parents to sign up for the card.

“I had a great experience with the Texas Debit card enrollment officers,” Taylor said. “They were very helpful, and I was excited that the enrollment was so easy to set up. I think the Texas Debit Card is a great idea.”

After parents receive their Texas Debit Card in the mail, they can activate it immediately by following instructions that detail how to select a personal identification number (PIN).

Although participants may have to pay a withdrawal fee under certain circumstances, parents can avoid those expenses by requesting cash back on a purchase. Additionally, parents can make up to two free cash withdrawals per month at any Wells Fargo automated teller machine. They can make two additional cash withdrawals without a fee from a teller at any bank displaying the VISA or PLUS brand mark.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Attorney General Abbott Secures More Refunds for Auto Credit Insurance Buyers

Settlement with American National Insurance Co. to benefit 17,000 Texas consumers

AUSTIN – Attorney General Greg Abbott today reached the second settlement this month that protects auto credit insurance purchasers. The $6.5 million settlement with American National Insurance Co. of Galveston provides an average of $313 in premium refunds to more than 17,000 Texas vehicle owners.

“Vendors who benefit from doing business in Texas must comply with Texas law,” Attorney General Abbott said. “Today’s settlement ensures that affected credit insurance purchasers receive the refunds they deserve. The Office of Attorney General will continue aggressively working to protect auto credit insurance purchasers in Texas.”

Policies sold by American National cover payments owed to financing institutions in the event the borrower dies or becomes disabled. American National customers bought policies through dealerships at the time they purchased their vehicles. The full cost of the credit insurance policy was bundled into the buyer’s vehicle loan. The coverage period lasted through the term of the loan, in some cases as long as six years.

Under the Texas Insurance Code, the company was obligated to refund the unearned portion of the insurance premiums to those customers who paid off their loans ahead of schedule. American National, however, retained the unearned premiums from customers who paid off their loans early between 2002 and 2006.

The Attorney General has taken legal action against several credit insurance companies. Earlier this month, Enterprise Life Insurance Co. of Irving was the first company to settle with the Attorney General and offer refunds to eligible customers.

American National Life Insurance Co., the largest life insurance company domiciled in Texas, will make settlement information available within 30 days on its Web site at www.anico.com. Consumers may also speak to American National about the settlement at (800) 899-6502, or call the Office of Attorney General toll-free at (800) 252-8011.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Three Starr County Medical Suppliers Sentenced Following Medicaid Fraud Investigations

Separate schemes defrauded state Medicaid system of more than $200,000

RIO GRANDE CITY – Three Starr County medical suppliers pleaded guilty to stealing more than $200,000 from the state’s Medicaid system. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) investigated the two separate cases, which were prosecuted in cooperation with the Starr County District Attorney’s Office.

Linda Michelle Lopez, manager of Starr Medical Equipment in Rio Grande City, and Priscilla Gonzalez, 37, a company driver, each pleaded guilty Monday to one count of Medicaid fraud. The defendants fraudulently billed Medicaid for adult diapers that were never provided to Medicaid patients. The 381st Judicial District Court sentenced Lopez and Gonzalez each to three years deferred adjudication and ordered them to pay $105,000 in restitution to the Medicaid system. Each of the defendants was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and to perform 240 hours of community service.

In a separate case, Sergio Perez, 38, co-owner of La Paloma Medical Supply in Roma, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of Medicaid fraud. Perez and an accomplice operated a scheme that illegally charged Medicaid more than $100,000 for incontinence supplies that were not provided to clients. The court sentenced Perez to three years deferred adjudication and 10 days in a state jail. Perez must also pay $8,000 in restitution, pay a $1,000 fine and perform 120 hours of community service.

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

According to evidence gathered by MFCU investigators, Lopez and Gonzalez used Starr Medical Equipment from 2004 to 2007 to bill Medicaid more than $100,000 for undelivered supplies. The defendants surrendered to MFCU investigators in November 2006 following their felony indictments the previous month. On Monday, the defendants paid the full, court-ordered restitution to Medicaid.

In October 2006, a Starr County grand jury indicted Perez and co-owner Juan Avila, 30, after MFCU prosecutors presented evidence that the two men used La Paloma Medical Supply from 2004 to 2006 to bill Medicaid more than $100,000 for undelivered incontinence supplies. The case against Avila is pending.

In 2005 alone, the costs of the Medicaid program in Texas totaled more than $17 billion. As the state’s chief law enforcement official, Attorney General Abbott has dramatically expanded the MFCU to save taxpayer dollars and increase protection for Texas seniors. The Unit has established field offices in Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, Lubbock, McAllen, San Antonio and Tyler through authorization and funding from the 78th Legislature. Attorney General Abbott’s MFCU works with federal, state and local agencies to identify and prosecute those who defraud Medicaid.

The MFCU was honored in 2004 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with the Inspector General’s State Fraud Award for effectiveness and efficiency during federal fiscal year 2003 in combating fraud, patient abuse and neglect in the Medicaid program.

To obtain more information about the Attorney General’s efforts to fight Medicaid fraud, access the agency’s Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us.

May 22, 2007

Master Beef Volunteer Training to be Held in June

Writer: Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5608,skledbetter@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Angela Burkham, 806-677-5600,aburkham@ag.tamu.edu
Dr. Bob Robinson, 806-677-5600,rrobinson@ag.tamu.edu

LUBBOCK – Future 4-H beef project leaders are invited to attend a statewide Texas 4-H Master Beef Volunteer Training to be held June 1-3 at the Texas Tech University Animal Science Building in Lubbock.

The program will train beef project volunteers to provide support to new beef feeders, said Angela Burkham, Texas Cooperative Extension regional program director for 4-H and youth development.

"The training will provide these project volunteers with a valuable set of resources from which to build and support families in their county who are new to the beef project," Burkham said.

This training was developed for adult volunteers, she said. All registrants must be approved by their local Extension agent prior to attending the training.

The 20-hour training will focus on two central themes: youth development and beef project subject matter, Burkham said.

Topics include: the beef industry, project visits, 4-H beef opportunities, feeding and nutrition, the Quality Counts and Beef Quality Assurance programs, working with new feeders, show preparations, breeds, health, genetics, beef grading and evaluation, classification, selection and a tour of beef facilities.

Participants must complete the entire course to become a Texas 4-H Master Beef Volunteer candidate, she said. Upon completing the course, candidates will be asked to commit 50 hours to teaching 4-H members and volunteers in beef projects.

Candidates will provide support and learning opportunities for local members, parents and volunteers to enhance the total 4-H beef project, Burkham said.

Registration includes meals, refreshments, educational resources and other program expenses, she said. Registration is $100 and must be completed by May 25.

Sponsors of the program are Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Texas Beef Council, Monsanto, Texas Tech University, Hi-Pro Feeds, Extension and the Texas 4-H and Youth Program.

Questions regarding registration should be directed to local Extension agents, while training questions can be directed to Dr. Bob Robinson or Burkham at 806-677-5600.

May 22, 2007

Extension, Others Offering Free Ag Chemical Disposal Opportunities

Writer: Paul Schattenberg, 210-467-6575,paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu

LULING – Texas Cooperative Extension, in cooperation with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Texas Department of Agriculture, will offer three free agricultural chemical collection events in June.

Collection hours for all three events will be 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Dates and places are:

- June 5 at Luling Livestock Auction Inc., 15035 South Highway 183, Luling. For more information call Rachel Bauer at the Extension office in Caldwell County, 512-398-3122.

- June 6 at Sons of Hermann Hall, 3689 South Highway 77, Giddings. For more information contact Tonya Poncik at the Extension office in Lee County, 979-542-2753.

- June 7 at the Wharton County Youth Fairgrounds, 6036 Farm-to-Market Road 961, Wharton. For more information call contact Peter McGuill at the Extension office in Wharton County, 979-532-3310. ' )

The events are voluntary and confidential, said Dan Siebeneicher, agricultural waste program coordinator for the commission. Each is open to Texas residents who use agricultural chemicals or have banned or unwanted chemicals.

No waste will be accepted from chemical dealers or from franchise pesticide applicators certified by the Texas Structural Pest Control Board.

Acceptable agricultural chemicals for collection include pesticides, herbicides, oil and oil filters, grease, transmission fluid, diesel fuel, power steering fluid, paint, gasoline, fluorescent bulbs, lead-acid batteries and brake fluid.

There is a limit of two 55-gallon drums of filters per participant for oil filter recycling, but no oil or oil filters will be accepted from businesses that change oil for a fee. In addition, there is a limit of 5 gallons for herbicides containing 2,4,5-T or 2,4,5-TP (Silvex) or pesticides or wood preservatives containing pentachlorophenol.

Items which will not be accepted include tires, radioactive materials, explosives, household chemicals, compressed gas cylinders, biomedical waste materials, ammunition, fertilizers and certain nutrient materials.

For additional information, contact the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality at 512-239-3143 or visit http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/assistance/AgWaste/agwaste.html .

May 22, 2007

'Gators and Cattails Spark Science Curiosity in Brazoria Fourth-Graders

Writer: Lorri Jones, 281-855-5620,LJones@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Rich Tillman, 979-864-1588,RTillman@ag.tamu.edu

ANGLETON — Introduce a fourth-grader to a baby alligator, and he's likely to become interested in Gulf Coast ecology, according to Ed Barrios, president of the Cradle of Texas Chapter of Master Naturalists.

Barrios was one of the volunteer Master Naturalists hosting fourth-graders from T.W. Ogg Elementary School in Clute during a recent visit to the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge.

The field trip is part of the science curriculum for Brazosport Independent School District fourth- and seventh-graders, said Bryan Adams, education specialist for the Texas Mid-Coast Wildlife Refuge Complex, which includes the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge. More than 2,600 students visited the refuge this year, and most were taught by Master Naturalist volunteers.

"From the Master Naturalist program we are able to draw volunteers that are already trained," Adams said. "And they continue to train through the year and continue to take advanced programs as they go along.

"I'd say probably at least three-fourths of our volunteers now are Master Naturalists," he said.

During the full-day field trip, students rotate through seven hands-on learning activities. They collect water samples from the slew – a swampy area – which are taken to the lab for inspection under a microscope. In the lab they see the "incredible rich life living in the slew" by identifying plant life, insect larvae, protozoa and algae, Barrios said.

"They all get to play with the microscopes, and it's really a hoot for them to see all these things close up," he said.

At other stations, students learn fishing methods and Texas regulations, make plaster casts of wildlife tracks and pet baby alligators. They learn to identify the three distinct ecological zones: Gulf Coast prairie, salt marsh estuary and beaches. Finally, they take a bus tour and use binoculars to identify migratory and native birds and other wildlife.

"Master Naturalists are trained specifically for this kind of volunteer role," said Rich Tillman, Texas Cooperative Extension agent-marine in Brazoria County and the coordinator of the Master Naturalist training program. "Our curriculum is unique to not only the Gulf Coast but specifically to Brazoria County."

Master Naturalists complete 12 weeks of training on the ecology, floriculture, wildlife and habitat of the region where their chapter is located.

In addition, they volunteer a minimum of 40 hours in community service every year to maintain their Master Naturalist designation.

Fourth-grade math and science teacher Elaine Dunn said the activities included in the field trip correlate with what she had taught in class and the hands-on activities reinforced classroom lessons.

"Everything is related to what we've learned in the classroom, from water systems, ecosystems, the reptiles to actually getting to do sampling, " she said. "Any time you get children out in nature to where they actually get to experience things first hand, it's always beneficial."

Marty Cornell, Master Naturalist, said there are many volunteer opportunities to choose from, but he enjoys working outside with the kids at the refuge.

"I like it because it's a lot of fun to get the kids away from the computer and out into the wild and get to see the smiles on their face(s) when they can actually see the wildlife close up," Cornell said.

The educational programs provided at the refuge began seven years ago and were developed through a $46,000 Coastal Management Program grant from the Texas General Land Office. Adams said the funds were used to buy equipment and tables and build educational facilities. The program continues through a number of public and private funding sources.

May 22, 2007

Crop Pest Scouting Workshop Set for June 1 in Plainview

Writer: Tim W. McAlavy, 806-746-4051,t-mcalavy@tamu.edu
Contact: Greg Cronholm, 806-291-5274,g-cronholm@tamu.edu

PLAINVIEW – Producers and agriculture consultants can hone their pest management and crop production skills at the High Plains Crop Pest Scouting Workshop on June 1. The event is sponsored by Texas Cooperative Extension.

The free workshop will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ollie Liner Center. The center is south of Plainview on Business Highway 27.

"We will cover crops such as cotton, corn and grain sorghum," said Greg Cronholm, Extension integrated pest management agent for Hale County. "Our goal is to provide a basic knowledge of the pests common to these crops. We will also cover weed identification and herbicide injury, plant diseases and how to recognize and promote beneficial insects."

Morning presentations by Extension specialists and agents will focus on cotton growth and development, cotton insect pests and beneficial insects in field crops.

Levon Harmon, Texas Department of Agriculture, will discuss worker protection standards and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requirements for a pesticide handler's card.

"We'll have a morning and an afternoon break, so participants can visit and view insect specimen displays," Cronholm said. "Those interested in obtaining a pesticide handlers card can attend the 11 a.m. to noon session only if they wish. The card is valid for a five-year period. We'll also take a one-hour lunch break."

Afternoon workshop sessions will cover weed identification and herbicide injury, corn and grain sorghum insect pests, and cotton, corn, grain sorghum and peanut plant diseases.

Those who attend can earn up to five continuing education units; four in integrated pest management and one in laws and regulations. All continuing education units are approved by the Texas Department of Agriculture, Cronholm said.

For more information, contact Cronholm at the Extension office in Hale County at 806-291-5274.

May 21, 2007

Save Your Skin: Cover Up in the Sun Now

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

COLLEGE STATION – That tan may look ‘healthy;' those freckles may be cute, but in reality both are skin damage caused by the sun, said a Texas Cooperative Extension expert.

"Excessive and unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation, or UV light, is the primary risk factor for skin cancer," said Courtney Schoessow, Texas Cooperative Extension program specialist for health education and development.

The sun gives off two kinds of ultraviolet radiation, she said: UVA, which can penetrate deeply into the skin and cause serious damage, including cancer, and UVB, which damages the top layers of the skin, causing burns, wrinkles and freckles.

Protect your skin when you go outside to help prevent this kind of damage, she said. That includes wearing a hat, sunglasses and clothing with long sleeves, and applying sunscreen before going outside.

That's especially important for babies and children "because if you get even one major sunburn as a child, that doubles your chances of getting melanoma (later in life)," she said.

Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, will cause close to an estimated 60,000 new cases this year and more than 8,000 deaths, according to figures from the American Cancer Society.

Many cases of skin cancer can be prevented, Schoessow said, especially if steps are started when the children are still little.

"Start at birth," she said. "Don't put sunscreen on babies under 6 months old; keep them out of the sun all together."

For babies and children older than 6 months – and for adults of all ages too, she added – apply sunscreen all over the body, but especially on skin that will be exposed to the sun. This application should be done at least 30 minutes before going outside to allow the sunscreen lotion to be absorbed into the skin.

Use a sunscreen with at least a 15 SPF, or sun protective factor, Schoessow said.

"Use waterproof sunscreens that will not be washed off through perspiration, and – to be sure you're protected – reapply sunscreen every two hours if you are swimming or sweating," she said.

Wearing protective clothing made of some kind of tightly woven fabric is "just as important" as wearing sunscreen, Schoessow said. "You put on clothing every day, and you might not put on sunscreen every day."

Choose clothing that covers the arms and legs, she advised, and preferably darker colors. Even though lighter-colored fabrics may be cooler, darker colors provide more protection. Wear hats with wide brims to provide some protection for the face and neck, and wear sunglasses that have UV protection for the eyes, Schoessow said.

For children, buy large-framed, wraparound sunglasses that will provide protection from the sun's rays from every angle, she added.

Try to stay out of the sun when UV radiation is most intense, she said. That means between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in summer; 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. in cooler weather. People who live in warmer climates – including Texas – are exposed to more intense UV rays for a longer portion of the year and need to be especially vigilant about using sunscreen, she added.

"Even darker-skinned people need to take precautions against skin cancer," she said. "It doesn't matter who you are, you need to use sunscreen and cover up."

And starting young is the best skin cancer prevention, she said.

"Every parent needs to be hypersensitive about protecting their children," Schoessow said. "Teach them early. Teach them: ‘We wear sunglasses and hats with brims and sunscreen every time we go outside.'"

Make these protective steps a habit when children are young, and they will continue to follow them when they are older, she said. That will make skin protection a life-long habit.

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

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Attorney General Abbott, Tarrant Co. Constable Track Down, Arrest Parent Who Owes Child Support

Charles Silva owes $49,000; faces criminal prosecution

MANSFIELD – Deputy constables with the office of Tarrant County Constable Clint Burgess arrested Charles Dominic Silva Wednesday at his residence in Mansfield for failing to pay court-ordered child support. The Mansfield father of two was apprehended after investigators from the Attorney General’s Child Support Division located Silva and contacted Constable Burgess to make the arrest. Silva, 47, owes $49,000 in unpaid child support.

“Texans will not tolerate parents who neglect their children,” Attorney General Abbott said. “Parents who refuse to pay their court-ordered child support must be held accountable for violating the law. Thanks to Constable Clint Burgess and his deputies, a negligent parent was brought to justice for failure to support his kids.”

In September 1994, a Dallas County court ordered Silva to pay $550 a month in child support. After Silva repeatedly violated the court’s order, an investigator with the Attorney General’s Child Support Division presented the case to Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins for criminal prosecution. In March, a Dallas County grand jury returned a criminal indictment and an arrest warrant was issued.

“We are grateful to the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office for its commitment to Texas children. With the district attorney office’s ongoing help, we will ensure that the children of Dallas County have the resources they need to grow healthy and strong.”

Silva is currently incarcerated in the Dallas County jail on criminal nonsupport charges. A criminal nonsupport conviction carries up to a two-year state jail sentence and a fine of up to $10,000.

The Child Support Division is responsible for establishing and enforcing civil child support orders. Attorney General Abbott works regularly with local prosecutors to impose criminal penalties against parents who have the ability to pay child support, but who refuse to make their court-ordered payments.

The Attorney General’s statewide child support collections exceeded $2 billion for the fiscal year that ended Aug. 31, 2006. Offices covering Dallas and Tarrant counties collected more than $440 million of that amount.

More Funtier Day 2007

There was lots of fun to be had at this year's Funtier Days...

Monday, May 21, 2007

MySpace.com to Turn Over Information on Sex Offender Profiles to Texas Attorney General

Abbott, national leader in child predator arrests, pushes for change

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today ordered MySpace.com to release the names of all convicted sex offenders who have set up online member profiles.

MySpace.com agreed to turn over first and last names of its online users that are registered sex offenders in Texas. MySpace.com will also provide IP addresses, E-mail addresses, and their online profile information. This data will help the Attorney General crack down on sex predators who use the Internet to prey on children.

“By providing this information, MySpace.com is helping law enforcement crack down on online sex predators,” Attorney General Abbott said. “Social networking sites must continue to make their Web sites and content safer for our children. We urge all social networking Web sites to take all necessary steps to keep children safe from the unwanted advances of online predators.”

Attorney General Abbott, a nationally recognized leader with more than 500 sex predator arrests, has repeatedly pressed MySpace.com and other social networking sites to implement definitive safety measures to protect young users of their Web sites from sexually explicit images and unwanted solicitations. Since the push from Attorney General Abbott and other attorneys general, MySpace.com has taken steps to improving safety on its site, including screening profiles for inappropriate content and making certain profiles private.

“The incorrigible nature of sex predators requires public officials, law enforcement, industry leaders and parents across Texas to join together to make the Internet a safer place,” Attorney General Abbott added. “Without meaningful safeguards in place, no child is safe from the unwanted advances of chat room predators.”

The Attorney General, along with state leaders, has also fought to make Texas the toughest state in the nation, creating one of the nation’s toughest versions of “Jessica’s Law”, tightening penalties for Internet predators and providing district attorneys more tools to prosecute child sex crimes.

Last March, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 6, which provides additional tools that will improve law enforcement’s ability to investigate cyber crimes. Under SB 6, authored by Sen. Judith Zaffirini, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are required to promptly respond to court orders and subpoenas issued by law enforcement. Today, when the Texas House of Representatives debates SB 6, legislators will consider an amendment that would amend SB 6 by expanding its applicability to entities such as MySpace.com. If passed, this provision would further improve the Attorney General’s ability to quickly obtain critical information about cyber predators from ISPs, social networking sites, and other online resources.

Attorney General Abbott has earned a national reputation for aggressively arresting and prosecuting online child predators. In 2003, he created the Cyber Crimes Unit, which protects children from online sexual exploitation. The Cyber Crimes Unit and the Fugitive Unit, which locates sex offenders who have violated the terms of their parole and could be stalking children, have combined to arrest more than 500 sex offenders. Cyber Crimes Unit investigators also have traveled to schools and communities statewide to offer educational cyber safety programs.

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

In July 2006, Abbott was invited by U.S. Congressman Joe Barton to testify at a congressional hearing in Washington on federal legislation limiting access to commercial social networking sites at publicly funded schools and libraries.

To find out more about Attorney General Abbott's efforts to crack down on sex predators, visit the Attorney General's Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us or call (800) 252-8011.

SENATE VOTES TO BAN SPEED CAMERAS

(AUSTIN) -- Texas cities will no longer be able to use cameras to enforce speed limits under a bill passed by the Senate Monday. Senator John Carona, who sponsored HB 922, said he was concerned that these cameras served only to increase revenue rather than protect public safety. Though only two cities in Texas, Marble Falls and Rome, use traffic cameras to catch speeders, Carona said he thought the Legislature should intervene before they become more widespread.

Though HB 922 didn't address the controversial topic of red light cameras, another bill, HB 1052, sponsored by Carona and passed Monday did. That bill would require cities to post signs along roads leading to an intersection that is monitored by red light cameras informing motorists of that fact. Should such signs not be posted, the city would not be able to issue a valid ticket.

Other bills passed by the Senate Monday include:

• HB 2328, sponsored by Whitmire, would put stray animals under protection of animal cruelty laws;
• HB 2235, sponsored by Zaffirini, would create a grand program under the Office of Rural and Community Affairs to sponsor regional rural technology centers;
• HB 1944, sponsored by Ellis, creates an ombudsman within the Office of Inspector General to monitor prevention and investigation of sexual assault in prison and;
• HB 887, sponsored by Ellis, would increase the statute of limitations for credit card abuse and fraud from three to seven years.

The Senate will reconvene Tuesday, May 22, at 8 a.m. to consider the Local and Uncontested Calendar, and will meet in regular session at 10:30 a.m.

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

TEXAS LEGISLATURE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES IMPORTANT CIVIL PRACTICES REFORM TO PROTECT TEXAS PORTS

Monday, May 21, 2007
(AUSTIN) - Today, the Texas Legislature unanimously passed House Bill 1602, by Rep. Corbin Van Arsdale (Tomball). This important legislation will protect Texas ports against frivolous lawsuits that threaten the state's economy.

"Texas ports and maritime traffic are essential to the state and the national economies," Rep. Van Arsdale said. "This legislation ensures that these ports will remain open for business."

A loophole in the Texas civil practices statutes has led to an avalanche of frivolous lawsuits against the dredging companies that keep Texas ports operational. Besides being economic drivers themselves, these ports are critical to the state's economy because Texas has no natural deep water ports. The lawsuits were causing dredging contracts to be cancelled due to a fear of litigation costs.

"When the plaintiffs' attorneys and business community agree that a litigation loophole needs to be closed, you know the legislation is greatly needed," Speaker Tom Craddick (Midland) said. "With the guidance of House Civil Practices Chair, Byron Cook (Corsicana), the legislation was negotiated and agreed to by both the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and the business community. I applaud Chairman Cook and Rep. Van Arsdale for their work on this critical legislation."

HB 1602 was passed unanimously by the Texas House of Representatives and by the Texas Senate. The bill is now on its way to Governor Perry for his signature.

Funtier Day 2007

Well another Funtier Day has come and gone. There was a lot of fun to be had by many.

Cindy and I always enjoy seeing Coach and Mrs. Roger Goodwin. They have been selling roasted corn ears at Funtier Days for the last several years and it is a favorite of mine and Cindy's.

It wasn't quite as hot this year and seemed like it might rain at any minute. I always like to get a nice cold drink from the new cheerleaders and this year they had lemonade which was really good.

Cindy and I kept grand kids all weekend and it was fun to take them but tiring!

We always enjoy hanging out with Lane and the Young Guns on Friday night before the serious cooking gets started.

We also made it uptown to Frau Meister's Grand Opening. Judy Meister has always been so energetic and full of ideas about Santa Anna, we wish her good luck in her venture.

I managed to get a few pictures of all the fun but ran out of time and energy to get them posted. I will get them a little later this week.

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Attorney General Abbott, University of Texas at Austin Reach Agreement on Student Loan Practices

Comprehensive agreement bans solicitation, acceptance of gifts from student loan lenders

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and The University of Texas at Austin reached an agreement concerning conflicts of interest and deceptive practices within the student loan industry. The Attorney General’s Texas Higher Education Fair Lending Practices Agreement offers important protections for loan recipients and implements the nation’s most stringent education loan practice controls.

Under the terms of the agreement, the university and its employees are prohibited from soliciting or accepting gifts from student lending institutions. Employees are required to inform the university president if they receive gift offers from student loan lenders. Although the university has not entered into any revenue sharing agreements, it is prohibited from doing so in the future under the compact.

“Texas is home to some of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning,” Attorney General Abbott said. “We must protect their well-deserved reputations for greatness by ensuring they are held to the highest ethical standards. With this agreement, The University of Texas at Austin set new standards for ethics and fair dealing in the student loan industry. We are grateful to The University of Texas at Austin for their cooperation and their commitment to reforms that protect Texas students.”

In addition to banning revenue sharing and gifts, the agreement prohibits university employees who serve in the financial aid office from owning stock or other ownership in student loan lenders. Financial aid office employees will be required to undergo annual training on fair lending practices and employment ethics.

The agreement also restricts university employees from receiving compensation, including travel reimbursement, for serving on a student lender advisory board, board of directors or any other board or management council. University employees are required to seek written permission from the university president before serving in such a capacity.

The University of Texas at Austin has also agreed to adhere to new rules in the event it decides to reinstate a preferred lender list. Under the agreement, student loan lenders cannot pay for inclusion on any list of preferred lenders, which serve to inform students of potential lenders and the types of education loans available to students. The university must disclose to borrowers that they are not required to use the lenders from the list. The university must also sort the list periodically to avoid showing preference to one lending institution over another. Lenders who violate the terms of the Texas Higher Education Fair Lending Practices Agreement must be removed from the university’s lender list for at least one year.

The University of Texas at Austin, with the assistance of outside legal counsel, actively cooperated with the Attorney General’s investigation, voluntarily launching an internal investigation of its student financial services department and disclosing its findings to the Office of the Attorney General. The investigation resulted in the termination of the head of the university’s financial aid office. The Office of the Attorney General retains the authority to enforce the agreement.

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

May 18, 2007

Extension to Host Sheep and Goat Internal Parasite Program

Writer: Steve Byrns: 325-653-4576,s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Scott Anderson, 325-646-0386,sa-anderson@tamu.edu

BROWNWOOD - Texas Cooperative Extension in Brown County will host a sheep and goat internal parasite program at 6 p.m. May 29. The event will be at the Brown County Fairgrounds on U.S. Highway 377 South.

Scott Anderson, Extension agent in Brown County, said the recent warm, humid weather is conducive to increased internal parasite problems in sheep and goats.

The whole idea for this program is to teach producers how to monitor parasite loads in their animals,. Anderson said. .We will be viewing fecal samples using microscopes to determine the amount of parasites present. Ideally, we hope individual producers or several producers will buy a microscope together so that they can run their own fecal samples using the knowledge gained at this program..

Dr. Frank Craddock, Extension sheep and goat specialist at San Angelo, will present the program.

Anyone wishing to have their animals tested should collect samples from individual animals the morning of the program. Place the samples in plastic zipper bags and refrigerate.

The program is free, but will be limited to the first 30 persons who pre-register. To pre-register, call the Extension office Brown County at 325-646-0386.

May 18, 2007

Hunting Bird Grower and Hunting Preserve Conferences Set for June

Writer: Edith A. Chenault, 979-845-2886,e-chenault1@tamu.edu

Contact: Dr. Lee Cartwright, 979-845-4319, a-cartwright@tamu.edu

Photos and Graphics Click for larger images Audio MP3 (5.0 MB)

COLLEGE STATION - A series of conferences for landowners wanting to know more about the bird hunting industry will be held throughout the state in June.

The meetings are designed for anyone who wants to improve bird hunting, breed birds for release and protect their birds against disease losses, said Dr. Lee Cartwright, Texas Cooperative Extension poultry science specialist.

Registration is free. Participants who pre-register will receive a free lunch.

Each meeting will be held from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Dates and places are: June 1 in Amarillo; June 5 in Stephenville; June 7 in Overton; June 8 in Beaumont; June 13 in San Angelo; June 15 in El Paso; June 21 in Temple; and June 27 in Corpus Christi.

Topics will include:

- The Game Bird Business: Profitability and Business Models.

- How to Hunt Your Property.

- How to Manage Property for Wild Birds.

- Planting Your Property . At What Cost?

- Promoting Your Birds and Your Preserve.

- Threat-Proofing Your Business.

Speakers will outline the national poultry improvement plan. A hands-on session with a disease-testing school and necropsy/bird posting health examination will also be presented.

More information about locations and registration is available from Cartwright, 107 Kleberg Center, TAMU 2472, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2472, 979-845-4319, a-cartwright@tamu.edu , or from http://gallus.tamu.edu/ and click on the link for Workshops and Symposia.

May 19, 2006

Biotechnology Conference to Focus on ‘Genetic Solutions for Today’s World’

Writer: Mike Jackson, 972-952-9232, mcjackson@ag.tamu.edu
Contacts: Rebecca Parker, (972) 952-9258,r-parker@tamu.edu Alana Williams, 972-952-9258,, as-williams@ag.tamu.edu

DALLAS – A day-long conference in Dallas next month will feature seminars on biofuels, cloned livestock and other current topics in biotechnology.

The seventh annual Biotechnology Educators Conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on June 14 at the Texas A&M University System Research and Extension Center in Dallas, 17360 Coit Road.

The seminars target science teachers, Extension agents and corporate and governmental professionals who work in the field, said Rebecca Parker, Extension’s regional director of programs in agriculture and natural science.

Topics will include “biotechnology in today’s chemistry,” “gene therapy” and “transgenic crops,” according to the conference itinerary.

“They’re actually going to be teaching them how to do hands-on experiments,” Parker said.

The conference will include two featured speakers: Dr. Fuller Bazer, associate vice president for research in the department of animal science at Texas A&M University, and Dr. Mona Khanna, medical reporter with KTVT television, a CBS affiliate in Dallas.

Bazer is scheduled to discuss cloned livestock in the food supply. Khanna will cover advances in medicine.

Registration is $10 and includes barbecue for lunch. For information, go online to http://region10.org/science/ or call Alana Williams, 972-952-9258.

HOUSE GIVES FINAL APPROVAL TO JESSICA'S LAW

Friday, May 18, 2007
AUSTIN - The House of Representatives today voted 122-17 to adopt the conference committee report for House Bill 8 by Representative Debbie Riddle (District 150). The bill, also known as Jessica's Law, creates new charges and imposes tougher penalties for sexually violent acts committed against children younger than 14.


"Jessica's Law will make Texas safer for our children, and more dangerous for their predators," Riddle said. "This legislation sends a clear message that we will not hesitate to do what it takes to protect our children from the most evil of offenders."


Under the provisions of the bill, sexually violent offenders will be subject to new penalties that range from 25 year minimum sentences on a first offense to the death penalty on repeat offenses.


Certain offenders would also be denied parole and subjected to GPS monitoring should they ever be released from prison.


"As a mother of three and grandmother of nine, these are the issues that motivated me to come to Austin in the first place," Riddle said. "These are the bills that make you believe in the power of what this legislature can accomplish when we are united in such an important and precious cause."


The bill is now on its way to the governor's desk, where he is expected to quickly sign it into law. HB 8 will go into effect on September 1 of this year.


JESSICA'S LAW: AT A GLANCE

* 25 year minimum sentence on a first conviction of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child or certain enhanced cases of aggravated sexual assault of a child with no possibility of parole.

* Death penalty or life without parole on a second conviction of Continuous Sexual Abuse of Young Child or certain enhanced cases of aggravated sexual assault of a child.

* Mandatory GPS monitoring for civilly committed offenders who are judicially ordered to be tracked.

* Adds indecency with a child to the "two strike" law which makes a second conviction an automatic life sentence.

* Makes "Sexual Performance by a Child" a first degree felony.

* Requires prioritization of pedophile cases in courts.

* Directs the Attorney Generals office to support local prosecutors in pedophile cases.

SENATE WEEK IN REVIEW: MARGINS TAX TWEAK TENTATIVELY APPROVED

The Senate took time to honor the contributions of Lance Armstrong and his mother in the search for a cure for cancer.

(AUSTIN) -- The Senate gave preliminary approval to a bill Friday intended to fix some issues with the margins tax created in the summer of 2005. The Legislature approved a tax on gross receipts to offset revenue lost by the one-third local school property tax cut that was part of the school finance reform package from last session. Since then, lawmakers have looked at this tax to see if it could be improved. Some of the changes proposed by the house caused concern in the business community, so the Senate version tries to address those. "This is an attempt to take away some of the concerns from the business groups of un-intended consequences if parts of the gross receipt tax are struck down," said Lt. Governor David Dewhurst.

The bill, sponsored by Finance Committee Chair Steve Ogden, creates a new graded system of tax rates based on total gross receipts. In current law, businesses that gross less than $300,000 annually are exempt from the business tax, but those that only make a little more than that have to pay the same rate as a business that makes millions. The Senate version of the bill creates a system where only companies that gross more than $900,000 annually pay the full tax, and businesses under that get a discount based on how much they gross. Those that gross less than $300,000 are still exempt from the tax. The bill also fixes some oversights in the old tax policy, such as requiring real estate partnerships to pay based on gross rather than net receipts, and changing some of the requirements for interstate securities. It also lowered the receipts tax rate from 0.7 to 0.575. The bill should see a final vote on Monday.

Senator Steve Ogden signifies his support for a bill by showing one finger. Senators vote no by holding up two fingers.

Also this week, the Senate sent Texas' version of Jessica's Law to the Governor's desk with the approval of the conference committee report on HB 8. This report reflects the compromise reached between the Senate and House versions of the bill. The compromise language makes some changes, but the major parts of the bill are still there. Aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14 still brings a 25-year minimum penalty, and prosecutors could seek the death penalty for a second offense. "We have a product we can all be proud of," said bill sponsor Senator Robert Deuell.

Dog owners would have to keep a tighter rein on their pets, or face harsher penalties if they hurt someone under a bill passed Thursday. The bill, by El Paso Senator Eliot Shapleigh, would make it a 3rd degree felony for the owner if a dangerous dog roams free and causes serious bodily harm to another person. If the dog kills a person, that penalty goes to a 2nd degree felony. Shapleigh dedicated the bill to the family of Lillian Stiles, who was killed when a pack of dogs mauled her in her front yard. He resisted amendments to decrease the penalty from a felony to a high-level misdemeanor. "We have to consider what penalty range will actually make a deterrent in this case," said Shapleigh. "I don't think we can go to the Stiles family and say to them after their mother has been killed by six pit bulls, mauled and put in the yard, that that life is worth a class-A misdemeanor." If the House concurs Senate amendments, the bill will go immediately to the Governor for his signature.

The Senate will reconvene Monday, May 21, at 10:30 a.m.

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

May. 18, 2007

Gov. Perry Vetoes House Bill 1892

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today vetoed House Bill 1892, a transportation bill that is being reworked as Senate Bill 792. The following is the governor’s veto message delivered to the Texas House:

“House Bill No. 1892 jeopardizes billions of dollars of infrastructure investment and invites a potentially significant reduction in federal transportation funding. Projects important to fast-growth communities would be placed on hold without alternative financing mechanisms to get them constructed. Even more egregiously, the bill serves to break up the state highway system by permitting local control over state assets.

“While I support greater local decision-making authority over transportation planning, I do not support turning over state assets to local entities. By allowing local entities to seize state right-of-way at any moment, H.B. No. 1892 prohibits the Texas Department of Transportation’s ability to issue any road-based debt instrument, such as toll revenue bonds, comprehensive development agreements, and pass through financing deals. As a state that grows by 1,200 people each and every day, we must consider every viable option that will allow Texas to build a strong transportation infrastructure to support present and future growth.

“I am grateful that legislators are working with me in subsequent legislation to address these concerns I have expressed about H.B. No. 1892 and look forward to receiving Senate Bill No. 792 without delay.”

For more information visit
http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/press/bills/veto/

Friday, May 18, 2007

Court Shuts Down Austin Real Estate Scam; Orders Defendant to Pay $1.4 Million

Galindo Trust sold homes without disclosing liens; many consumers faced foreclosure

AUSTIN – An enforcement action brought by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has shut down an Austin real estate scam that targeted Hispanic home buyers.

A permanent injunction issued by the 126th Judicial Court prohibits Roberto Flores and his Galindo Trust from selling homes to consumers without disclosing that the property is encumbered by pre-existing liens. The court also ordered the defendants to pay more than $1.4 million in civil penalties for violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Flores must provide restitution to consumers who were harmed by the defendants’ unlawful scheme.

“Home ownership lies at the heart of the American dream,” Attorney General Abbott said. “Texans will not tolerate those who exploit the dream of home ownership for their own unlawful gain. We must aggressively protect those who aspire to own a home.”

Flores sold homes to consumers without disclosing that the properties were encumbered by pre-existing liens. Shriners Hospital, the original owner of the properties, sold and financed the homes to Flores, who made mortgage payments through Galindo Trust. Flores re-sold the properties, but subsequently stopped making payments to Shriners Hospital, putting the homes at risk of foreclosure. When some consumers who financed their homes through Galindo Trust tried to sell their property, they were unable to do so because of Shriners’ pre-existing liens.

Shriners Hospital, which was unaware of the fraudulent arrangement, is working with the Office of the Attorney General and Volunteer Legal Services of Travis County to help consumers get proper titles to their properties.

Flores also misrepresented to consumers that property taxes and homeowners’ insurance payments were being made on their behalf. In fact, Flores stopped paying insurers and taxes, causing insurance policies to lapse and consumers to become delinquent on their property taxes.

Attorney General Abbott offered consumers the following tips when buying a home:

• Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics and sellers who press for an immediate decision to buy a home or sign documents.
• Review all documents carefully before signing; take them to a trusted, independent person, such as a lawyer, to help review the terms if they are unclear.
• Involve a title search company in the transaction to determine who the owner of the property is and whether there are liens or outstanding debts for which the buyer could be held liable.
• Never make cash payments. Use checks or money orders. Avoid making large cash deposits upfront before closing.
• If monthly payments to the seller or financing institution include homeowners’ insurance and property taxes, check periodically with the county tax assessor and with the insurance company to ensure that accounts are current.

Consumers who believe they have been deceived in the purchase of real estate should report it to the Office of the Attorney General by calling 1-800-252-8011 or by filing a complaint online at www.oag.state.tx.us.

CALLEGARI PASSES MEASURE TO PINCH CORRUPT KATRINA CONTRACTORS

Thursday, May 17, 2007
Today State Representative Bill Callegari (Katy) passes a measure to crack down on businesses convicted of defrauding the federal government during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The measure, Senate Bill 608, was originally authored by Senator Rodney Ellis in response to the widespread allegations of fraud and abuse in the wake of the hurricane disasters.

"During the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, I was appalled to learn of unscrupulous contractors that deliberately exploited the misfortune of others for their own personal profit," said Representative Callegari. "The good people of this state, and thousands in the Houston area, contributed to help the victims of these disasters. Others did not, and diverted funds intended to help those victims into their own pockets."

According to the U.S. Department of Justice's Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force, more than 400 individuals have been charged with attempting to defraud the federal government in relation to the recovery efforts related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In one case a company hired to remove debris stole a playhouse from a local charity. In another example, a debris removal company submitted fraudulent debris removal claims to the federal government in the amount of $716,677. Another contractor cheated hurricane victims out of $500,000 for construction work that was promised, but never delivered.

"Businesses that take advantage of people recovering from a natural disaster should not be free to contract with the State of Texas," said Representative Callegari. "If they lied to and cheated on others in their time of need, then how would they treat a contract with this state? I suspect that they would pay as little respect to the state of Texas as they did to their victims."

As passed by the House of Representatives, S.B. 608 prohibits any state agency from contracting with a business convicted of fraud relating to the relief, recovery, or reconstruction efforts during hurricanes Katrina and Rita or any other natural disaster. The bill imposes a mandatory five year moratorium for businesses convicted of fraudulent activity from contracting with a state agency. The bill also authorizes a state agency to terminate any contract with a business convicted of defrauding the government during the clean-up efforts following a natural disaster.

Representative Callegari continued, "This bill sends a clear message to those businesses that prey on people when they are most vulnerable that they are not welcome to do business with the state of Texas. Just as this bill penalizes those convicted of unscrupulous behavior during a natural disaster, it rewards those honest businesses that played fair and worked hard to help during a time of crisis."

Having been approved by the House of Representatives, S.B 608 goes to the Governor's desk for final approval. Once approved by Governor Perry, the bill will go into effect on September 1st.

4-H Summer Fashion Fun

Coleman County 4-H Members will have the opportunity to learn sewing and fashion-buying skills once again this year, as we sponsor 2007 Summer Fashion Fun. We will have 4 days of training in how to measure patterns, cut fabric, and sew it up into a well-fitted garment or non-apparel item. Participants will also have an opportunity to make an item for community service.

This event will be at the Coleman High School Sewing Lab, Tuesday through Friday, May 29-June 1. Sewing machines will be available, or bring your own, if you have a portable one.

Age Categories are as follows:
• Clover Kids - (For County Only) - Under 8 years
• Juniors - Age 8 and in third grade to and age 10 on Aug. 31, 2006
• Intermediates - Age 11-13 years of age on August 31, 2006

If you would like to sign up for this project or have any questions, please call County Extension Agent, Debbie Hailey, at 325-625-4519. You can access more information about Summer Fashion Fun, at our website, http://coleman-co.tamu.edu . Click on the Newsletters tab at the top, click on Fashion Show, then on Summer Fashion Fun.

2nd Annual 4-H Dog Dip

Saturday, June 2, 2007
Courthouse Lawn
9:00 to 11:30 a.m.

One Stop - Get *R Done ! ....
Dog Vaccinations/Flea & Tick Control/Spay/Neuter Program

The Coleman 4-H Council will host a Small Animal / Rabies Clinic and Dog Dip on Saturday, June 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the East side of the Courthouse Lawn.

Dr. Mark Swening will be on hand for all your small animal vaccination needs. Cost for rabies vaccinations will be $13.00 with $3.00 from each shot going to 4-H. All vaccinations will be available and may be purchased during the clinic.

4-H members will be volunteers for the dog dip, which will help control of flees and ticks. Johnson Feed Barn will furnish supplies for the dog dip, and 4-H will be accepting donations for the service. Proceeds will benefit the Coleman 4-H Council.

The Coleman County Humane Society will be present to offer free spay / neuter with the FIRST 40 DOGS OVER 40 POUNDS program.

For more information, please call the County Extension Office at 325-625-4519.

POND MANAGEMENT SEMINAR

Thursday, May 24, 2007 - Coleman City Park
3 CEU*s Offered

By: Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS Coleman County

The Annual Pond Management Seminar will be held on THURSDAY, May 24 at the City Park in Coleman. Registration will be at 8:30 a.m. and the program begins at 9:00 a.m.

Three (3) hours of Continuing Education Units (CEU*s) will be awarded to private applicator license holders with 1 hour being in Integrated Pest Management and 1 hour in Laws & Regulations, and 1 hour in General.

Jim Hudson, District Conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Coleman will begin the program with welcome and announcements. Presentors and topics include: Lance Benson with Texas Parks and Wildlife, Vegetation Control and Grass Carp; Mukhtar Faroqui also with Texas Parks and Wildlife - Managing Fish Ponds; Ricky Linex - Natural Resources Conservation Service in Brownwood - Grazing and Watershed Management for Farm Ponds; Cynthia Kruger with USDA Rural Development office in Stephenville - Farm Loan Programs. Jan Hatler with Texas Department of Agriculture will round out the morning*s programs with Laws & Regulations. A noon fish fry for participants will conclude the program.

This year*s seminar could not be possible without the cooperation and sponsorship of area businesses and organizations. Sponsors include: Johnson*s Feed Barn, Purina, Federal Land Bank Association, First Coleman National Bank, Santa Anna National Bank, Central Colorado Soil and Water Conservation District, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Texas Cooperative Extension.

Please R.S.V.P. to the County Extension Office (325-625-4519) by 5:00 p.m. , Tuesday, May 23rd so an accurate head count can be made for the meal.

4-H Updates

By: Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS

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

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

District 4-H Horse Show
Entries DUE to the Coleman Co. Extension Office by May 16

Entries for the District 7 4-H Horse Show are due in the Coleman County Extension Office no later than 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, 2007 . Our entries must reach the District Extension Office by Friday, May 18th - Absolutely NO Late Entries Will Be Accepted !

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

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

Invitational Events $7.50 per event

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer Fashion Fun
Sewing Class for Junior Fashion Show-including Juniors and Intermediates
May 29 - June 1, 2007 Tuesday - Friday
9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Coleman High School - Homemaking Lab

Brown Bag Lunch Tuesday - Thursday, Bring $3.00 for Pizza on Friday
Clothing Projects may include:
1. Construction or Buying
2. Non apparel Items
3. Fabric & Fashion Design
4. Service Project
5. Natural Fiber contest

Tentative Schedule
Tuesday - Machine orientation, Pattern alterations, Fabric layout
Wednesday - Read & Follow Pattern Instructions, Finish Layout, Begin to sew
Thursday - Review Score Sheet & Interview Questions, Sew
Friday - Finish Garments, Modeling, Practice Fashion Show

We will also plan a day in May to shop for fabric and patterns, and another day in June for a Buying Clinic. Please contact Debbie Hailey As Soon As Possible at 325-625-4519 or e-mail drhailey@ag.tamu.edu, if you are interested in participating in buying or sewing. ADULTS - If you are interested in helping, let us know.

WEST REGION 4-H JUNIOR HIGH LEADERSHIP LAB

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

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

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

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

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

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

REGISTRATION / 4-H CONNECT
Registration begins on the 4-H Connect program beginning May 14 and ending June 1, 2007. You can locate the 4-H Connect on the Texas 4-H web page at http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/ click on the 4-H Connect emblem on the right side of the screen and enter your information.

OFFICER ELECTIONS - One of the major events of lab will be the election of officers for the District 7 4-H Council. If you are interested in running for a District Council office, you must fill out an application. Officer Applications are due in TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE by June 1st. Turn your forms in to the County Extension Office by May 30th. Additional details about this camp are at the County Extension Office.

4-H Dog Dip
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Courthouse Lawn
9:00 to 11:30 a.m.

One Stop - Get *R Done ! .... Dog Vaccinations/Flea & Tick Control/ Spay/Neuter Program

The Coleman 4-H Council will host a small animal / rabies clinic and dog dip on Saturday, June 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the East side of the Courthouse Lawn.

Dr. Mark Swening will be on hand for all your small animal vaccination needs. Cost for rabies vaccinations will be $13.00 with $3.00 from each shot going to 4-H. All vaccinations will be available and may be purchased during the clinic.

**** 4-H members we need you as volunteers for the dog dip****** for control of flees and ticks. Johnson Feed Barn has furnished supplies for the dog dip and 4-H will be accepting donations for the service. Proceeds will benefit the Coleman 4-H Council.

The Coleman County Humane Society will be present to offer free spay / neuter to the FIRST 40 DOGS OVER 40 POUNDS program.

For more information, please call the County Extension Office at 325-625-4519.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4-H Calendar

May

29 - June 1 SUMMER FASHION FUN !
Junior and Intermediate Clothing Project Workshops

June
1 Deadline to enter Callahan County Fun Shoot

1 Final day to Register for District Leadership Lab via 4-H Connect

District 4-H Council Officer Applications DUE to the District Office

2 Dog Dip, Courthouse Lawn

4-8 State 4-H Roundup

14-16 Junior High 4-H Leadership Lab

16 Callahan County Shoot

18 District 4-H Horse Show - Sweetwater

26-28 Multi-County Camp -Brady

28-30 District 4-H Leadership Lab

July
9 Record Books due to Co. Extension Office

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

15-21 State Shooting Sports Games - San Antonio

17 District Record Book Judging

23 District Junior & Intermediate Fashion Show

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

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