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AUSTIN - Important decisions for the State of Texas will soon be in Texans hands. By voting next week in the 2021 constitutional amendment election, you will directly impact the future of Texas. Early voting begins Monday, October 18 and runs through October 29. Election Day is November 2.
Read moreDo you ever wonder how a newscaster can deliver the most horrific news story with a smile? I know I do. I have been in the industry for almost 13 years of my life, and I cannot seem to master that trick. In the past, I wondered if my emotional attachment to the news we cover made me less capable or less worthy to be part of the journalism profession.
Read moreAUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott announced that D6 Inc. (“D6”) will relocate their headquarters from Portland, Oregon, to Sulphur Springs, Texas, and expand their manufacturing presence in the state. D6 is an advanced design-toshelf packaging manufacturer, using recycled plastics. The project will create 231 new jobs and $27 million in capital investment. A Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $1,432,200 has been extended to D6. In addition, D6 has been offered a $6,000 Veteran Created Job Bonus.
Read moreThe state climatologist recently predicted that Texas will continue to get hotter and for longer periods of time during the next 15 years. In “Assessment of Historic and Future Trends of Extreme Weather in Texas, 1900-2036,” John Nielsen-Gammon predicted the average annual temperature in Texas will be three degrees warmer than the average from 1950-1999, and the number of 100-degree days could nearly double compared to 2000-2018. The report, sponsored by Texas 2036, a nonpartisan nonprofit group named for the state’s bicentennial in 15 years, indicates that the average coldest monthly temperatures will continue to rise, though that will vary across the state, as will rainfall predictions. Extremely severe weather is expected to increase. “Storm surges from hurricanes will tend to be more severe because of higher relative sea levels, and a possible increase in extreme hurricane intensity may further increase storm surge risk,” Nielsen- Gammon wrote.
Read moreAUSTIN—Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush announced the kickoff of the 2021 Save Texas History Essay Contest for fourth and seventh grade students. The statewide contest encourages students to promote their communities’ history by answering an important question: “What history in your community is worth saving?”
Read moreWorkforce Solutions last week announced a program geared toward working parents. The Service Industry Recovery (SIR) program is designed to provide care for children of parents who are employed in the services industry and have been adversely impacted by the COVID pandemic.
Read moreAfter 20 years of service in Colorado County, I have decided to move on and not seek reelection as District Clerk. I am looking forward to retirement and am planning to travel and spend more time with my family.
Read moreGov. Greg Abbott has asked the Texas Legislature to increase the penalty for illegal voting, adding the item to the third special session now underway. However, House Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, quickly rejected the proposal, according to the Austin American-Statesman. During the second special session, Senate Bill 1 was amended to decrease the penalty. House Democrats twice broke quorum in failed attempts to stop the elections bill from passing. “Now is not the time to relitigate,” Phelan said. “Instead, the House will remain focused on its constitutional obligation to pass redistricting maps, and members look forward to fulfilling this critical task.” The measure has moved forward in the Senate. It would make the penalty for voting illegally a seconddegree felony, with a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. SB 1 reduced the penalty to a Class A misdemeanor, with up to one year in jail. However, Phelan’s opposition means it is unlikely to move forward.
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