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6 Cool Ideas for Family Fun Month

By
Statepoint
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August is National Family Fun Month, and what better way to enjoy the end of summer than by making lasting memories with your loved ones? Whether exploring the great outdoors or making music, families can take the opportunity to spend some time together. Here are a few fun ideas to consider:

• Play ball: Head to a nearby park and play soccer, basketball or baseball. Get competitive by selecting teams in advance and wearing matching colors to show your team spirit.

• Sing-along: Using new technology, you can take your family sing-along to the next level. Using a Casiotone keyboard, download favorite songs, print out the lyrics and have each family member sing a verse or two. You can even connect your phone to the keyboard to play music from your song library.

• Game day: Rainy day? No problem. Let every family member pick a favorite board game and spend the day playing each one.

• Get outdoors: Now is the perfect time to get some fresh air and enjoy your family’s favorite outdoor activity. Finding the nearest fishing hole or picnic spot is easy with a timepiece that can help you navigate the terrain. For example, Pro Trek watches provide quad sensor technology that detects compass bearing, barometric pressure, altitude, and temperature, plus an accelerometer for counting steps, all of which can support your outdoor adventure.

• Learn a skill: From painting to pickling to Portuguese, there are a range of online classes available that can help your family master a new skill right from the comfort of home. Pick something fun to learn together and get started today.

• Movie night: Create a movie theater in your backyard in an instant with a projector. The LampFree projectors from Casio provide easy set-up and high brightness, making them a good choice for a portable home theater. Just pop the popcorn and get your comfy seating arranged and you will be ready to watch your favorite stars under the stars.

With a range of indoor and outdoor activity ideas, you can make the most of this National Family Fun Month.

Governor Abbott Requests USDA Disaster Designation For Rio Grande Valley

By
Joshua Blackwell
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0

 Governor Greg Abbott has sent a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requesting a disaster designation for eight counties in the Rio Grande Valley directly impacted by Hurricane Hanna. A USDA disaster designation would make federal assistance, such as emergency loans, available to agricultural producers who have suffered losses in designated counties, as well as in counties that are contiguous to a designated county. The Governor’s request includes the counties of Brooks, Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Kenedy, Starr, Willacy, and Zapata.

“Texas agricultural producers continue to be greatly affected by the severe weather and flooding caused by Hurricane Hanna, which made landfall on July 25, 2020, and caused severe flooding, which presently continues,” reads the letter. “Hurricane Hanna produced damaging weather conditions which substantially affected producers and caused severe production losses. These producers are in need of this assistance to return to normal operations.”

Read the letter. 

Governor Abbott Statement On Austin City Council Decision To Defund Austin Police Department

By
Joshua Blackwell
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0

Governor Greg Abbott today issued a statement following Austin City Council’s decision to cut $150 million from the Austin Police Department’s budget:

“Some cities are more focused on political agendas than public safety,” said Governor Abbott. “Austin’s decision puts the brave men and women of the Austin Police Department and their families at greater risk, and paves the way for lawlessness. Public safety is job one, and Austin has abandoned that duty. The legislature will take this issue up next session, but in the meantime, the Texas Department of Public Safety will stand in the gap to protect our capital city.”

Trinity County Census Update

By
Joshua Blackwell
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0

The United States Constitution has been described as one of the most prolific living documents in the history of the world. Since its inception, the Constitution has both empowered and protected American citizens of every age, race, creed, and religion. Our most fundamental rights as Americans – freedom of speech, the right to keep and bear arms, the right to due process, the right to vote, and others – are enumerated in the Constitution to ensure the blessings of liberty that our forefather’s envisioned over two centuries ago. Though the Constitution defines our most sacred rights, it also prescribes a practice that seeks to protect those rights by obtaining an accurate count of our nation’s population every ten years through the Census.

As Americans, we have an obligation to stand and be counted during the 2020 Census, which is currently underway. The importance of obtaining a complete and accurate count of our population cannot be overstated, as the data collected will have a lasting implication on the future of our county and communities. While you may think that the US Census is used solely to determine your political representation, which is certainly important, the data becomes even more important when you consider how the numbers will affect our everyday lives. Do you know of Farm-to-Market roads or highways that need improvements, elderly people living alone, or want to help your local schools? Census numbers will help determine the amount of funding your community will receive for public improvement strategies. Have you ever had to dial 911? Emergency services systems are based on maps developed for the last Census. Do you support local business? Census numbers help industry reduce financial risk and locate potential markets to promote economic growth. While these are just a few examples, I hope you can appreciate the magnitude of what’s at stake.

It has come to our attention that Trinity County has a response rate of only 35%, which is 23 percentage points below the State average. While it’s unfortunate that the Census process might be overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are respectfully asking all Trinity County residents to invest in our communities by taking five minutes to complete the Census. Completing the 2020 Census is easier than ever. Though you should have received a questionnaire by mail in March or April, you can also complete the census online at www.2020Census.gov or by phone. If you have yet to complete your questionnaire, please visit the US Census Bureau Website, where you can complete the Census online or get more information about how to respond.

As Texans, and as Americans, we are so blessed to live and work in a society that cherishes the liberties enshrined in our Constitution. It is our sincere hope that you will employ the same devotion to our founding document by completing the constitutionally prescribed process that is designed to promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

Respectfully,

State Representative Trent Ashby

Trinity County Judge Doug Page

San Augustine County Census Update

By
Joshua Blackwell
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0

The United States Constitution has been described as one of the most prolific living documents in the history of the world. Since its inception, the Constitution has both empowered and protected American citizens of every age, race, creed, and religion. Our most fundamental rights as Americans – freedom of speech, the right to keep and bear arms, the right to due process, the right to vote, and others – are enumerated in the Constitution to ensure the blessings of liberty that our forefather’s envisioned over two centuries ago. Though the Constitution defines our most sacred rights, it also prescribes a practice that seeks to protect those rights by obtaining an accurate count of our nation’s population every ten years through the Census.

As Americans, we have an obligation to stand and be counted during the 2020 Census, which is currently underway. The importance of obtaining a complete and accurate count of our population cannot be overstated, as the data collected will have a lasting implication on the future of our county and communities. While you may think that the US Census is used solely to determine your political representation, which is certainly important, the data becomes even more important when you consider how the numbers will affect our everyday lives. Do you know of Farm-to-Market roads or highways that need improvements, elderly people living alone, or want to help your local schools? Census numbers will help determine the amount of funding your community will receive for public improvement strategies. Have you ever had to dial 911? Emergency services systems are based on maps developed for the last Census. Do you support local business? Census numbers help industry reduce financial risk and locate potential markets to promote economic growth. While these are just a few examples, I hope you can appreciate the magnitude of what’s at stake.

It has come to our attention that San Augustine County has a response rate of only 29%, which is 29 percentage points below the State average. While it’s unfortunate that the Census process might be overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are respectfully asking all San Augustine County residents to invest in our communities by taking five minutes to complete the Census. Completing the 2020 Census is easier than ever. Though you should have received a questionnaire by mail in March or April, you can also complete the census online at www.2020Census.gov or by phone. If you have yet to complete your questionnaire, please visit the US Census Bureau Website, where you can complete the Census online or get more information about how to respond.

As Texans, and as Americans, we are so blessed to live and work in a society that cherishes the liberties enshrined in our Constitution. It is our sincere hope that you will employ the same devotion to our founding document by completing the constitutionally prescribed process that is designed to promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

Respectfully,

State Representative Trent Ashby

San Augustine County Judge Jeff Boyd

Governor Abbott Holds Briefing In El Paso With Local Leaders, Visits Grand Candela Memorial

By
Joshua Blackwell
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0

Following his visit to Lubbock, Governor Abbott traveled to El Paso to meet with state representatives and local leaders to discuss the community’s response to COVID-19. Following the briefing, the Governor held a press conference where he gave an update on the briefing and discussed El Paso’s ongoing efforts to combat the spread of the virus. Upon the conclusion of the press conference, Governor Abbott visited the Grand Candela memorial to honor the 23 victims of the Cielo Vista Walmart shooting.

During the briefing, the Governor and leaders discussed El Paso’s collective efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. The leaders talked about the strategies in place to protect communities most at risk for contracting the virus, including the Hispanic community and those with underlying health conditions. The leaders also discussed El Paso County’s strategy to reduce the spread of coronavirus among the homeless population, as well as the establishment of the Cluster Management Task Force and virus mitigation teams. Governor Abbott and leaders highlighted ongoing future needs that may arise at local hospitals, including certain nursing capacities and requirements, due to the confluence of COVID-19 and flu season.

In the press conference, Governor Abbott commended the people of El Paso for embracing the use of masks and face coverings which has helped decrease the spread of COVID-19 in the community. The Governor also emphasized that there are more than enough testing sites and equipment available in El Paso, and encouraged Texans to continue to seek testing for COVID-19 if needed. Additionally, the Governor called on El Pasoans and Texans across the state to remain vigilant, follow safe health practices, and avoid large gatherings as the Labor Day weekend approaches.

“El Pasoans have proved time and again that we can overcome any challenge by working together,” said Governor Abbott. “I thank the state and local leaders who work tirelessly to ensure the El Paso community is safe as we respond to this virus. By wearing a mask, practicing social-distancing, and washing your hands, Texas will defeat COVID-19 together.”

Governor Abbott has secured a variety of resources for El Paso County, including more than 3 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE). Of this amount, the Texas Division of Emergency Management has distributed 1,300,420 pieces of PPE to local independent school districts, which includes 1,272,900 masks and 13,836 gallons of hand sanitizer. The Texas Department of State Health Services has distributed several cases of remdesivir to hospitals across El Paso County. Additionally, the Governor facilitated testing for residents and staff at 38 nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and long-term care facilities, provided 10 disinfection missions at nursing home facilities, and secured resources to help meet health care staffing needs within the county. The state has also assisted with testing capacity in El Paso by collecting 71,383 test samples in 24 locations.

Getting Rid of Tough Weeds in San Augustine Lawns

By
Joshua Blackwell
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0

San Augustine turfgrass is known for being a rather difficult lawn to work with. From an online meeting that I was having several days ago, I heard a humorous description of the beloved San Augustine. It was called the “drama queen“ of turfgrasses. I think that’s hilarious and quite accurate.

Think of it, many homeowners think it’s the prettiest grass around, yet it has a whole lot of issues. It’s very temperamental, and quickly falls to several ailments (such as insects and disease).

I got a call from an Angelina County resident named Melba the other day. She was asking me how she could get rid of White clover in her Saint Augustine lawn.

Now there’s a lot of good weed control products out there that will do a fine job of eliminating weeds, but the problem is how it will affect the existing grass. An employee at a local establishment had recommended a certain product to her that was labeled for weed control ‘in grasses’, but not in San Augustine grass.

Melba applied the product according to the label, but was very disappointed with the results. The clover in her lawn didn’t look fazed at all, but the San Augustine took weeks to recover.

White clover can be one tough weed in a lawn that can be a drama queen.

White clover is a perennial clover that has a white flower and is typically a valued in a pasture that is grazed by livestock. As a legume, it fixes atmospheric nitrogen so well that other plants can utilize it. Basically you get free fertilizer. From university studies, you’ll find that White clover has a creeping growth habit and spreads with stolons or “runners” above the soil with adventitious roots forming at each node.

This growth pattern is one reason for the excellent grazing tolerance of white clover. Livestock only consume the leaves and flowers of the plant, reducing plant injury and promoting timely regrowth. But in you lawn, this very same growth habit can be annoying when all you want to see is grass.

The safest and best control that I know of is a product called Atrazine. I learned more about this product from a friend of mine that manages a golf course. He is the only fella that I know personally who has a college degree in turfgrass management. Years ago, he told me that Atrazine is the only product that he would put on his San Augustine grass at home.

Are there other products labeled for San Augustine? Certainly. How will they affect this drama queen of a turfgrass? The results vary.

It is true that Atrazine is slow to do its work and that the label only says to use it in the fall and again in the spring (do not take my word, read the label). But will it set back San Augustine? Not once that I’ve seen.

You can find Atrazine at most any garden center or feed store. It may be under the product name “atrazine” or any other number of other product names. Regardless of the name, look for it in the active ingredients. Apply according to the label.

Weeds are nothing more than plants in the wrong place. And for a drama queen, any other plant that takes attention away from it, is a weed.

Governor Abbott Visits Lubbock To Hold Briefing With Local Leaders, Provide Update On COVID-19 Response

By
Joshua Blackwell
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0

Governor Greg Abbott today traveled to the city of Lubbock to hold a briefing with legislators and local leaders on the ongoing COVID-19 response in the region. After the briefing, the Governor held a press conference to provide an update on the state’s continued efforts to mitigate the coronavirus.

In the briefing, the Governor and local and state leaders discussed the strategies that have helped control outbreaks in Lubbock, including in nursing homes. The leaders noted that even though testing capacity continues to expand in Lubbock, Texans must avoid “COVID-19 fatigue” and continue to comply with health standards — including wearing a mask, social distancing, and staying home as much as possible. The leaders also discussed the upcoming school year and the Lubbock Independent School District’s strategies to reduce transmission of COVID-19 among students, teachers, and staff in and out of the classroom.

During the press conference, the Governor commended the Lubbock community for maintaining best health practices and thanked health care workers for their selfless service to their fellow Texans. Governor Abbott emphasized that Texans must not let their guard down as we approach the school year, flu season, and Labor Day weekend, and he encouraged those who have recovered from the virus to donate blood and plasma to help mitigate the spread. The Governor also thanked Texas Tech University for its help to expand testing across the state with its robust production of viral transport media.

“I commend the people of Lubbock for their collective effort to keep their families, friends, and neighbors safe as we respond to COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “By following the best health and safety practices, Texas will overcome this challenge and slow the spread of this virus.”

The Governor has surged a variety of resources across Lubbock and the Panhandle to help combat COVID-19. Governor Abbott facilitated robust testing across the region, collecting 11,923 test samples over 73 days in 29 locations, including 9,784 test samples over 47 days in 9 locations in Lubbock County. Additionally, the State of Texas has facilitated testing in 22 counties for residents and staff at 21 nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and long-term care facilities, as well as provided disinfection missions at nursing home facilities. The Texas Department of State Health Services have also distributed cases of the antiviral drug remdisvir to hospitals in Lubbock.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management has distributed more than 3 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to 22 counties across the Panhandle, including 780,228 masks, over 944,745 pairs of gloves, and 67,712 face shields in Lubbock County alone. This distribution also includes over 1,356,815 pieces of PPE for independent school districts across the region.

Prepping for a Successful School Year

By
Joshua Blackwell
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0

Whether heading back to the classroom or back to a digital device this fall, it is important to be prepared. Get your children set up for academic success with the following resources and gear:

• Comfortable workstation: A few considerations will improve ergonomics and comfort, for better focus when working at home. Consider a height-adjustable table or desk as well as an adjustable chair in order to accommodate your growing child’s needs. If possible, select an area for your child to work that gets plenty of natural light. A good desk lamp is also essential.

• Math tools: Did you know that there are free math resources available online that can help to alleviate the challenges posed by remote-learning? Check out Casio’s learning site, available at CasioEducation.com/remote-learning, which provides math activities, YouTube videos, an online calculator and downloadable resources. The brand also offers a variety of models of scientific and graphing calculators, providing students of all levels with the features they’ll need to make the grade.

• Headphones: With so many distractions that can derail a student’s attention, a good set of noise-canceling headphones can make all the difference.

• Music instruction: Give kids the tools they need to play music wherever and whenever they’d like. With the ultra-compact LK-S250 keyboard, novices can easily learn to play favorite songs using the instrument’s Key Lighting system and library of built-in songs. By connecting to the free Chordana Play app, they can take lessons further by mastering favorite tunes from downloaded MIDI files. The class-compliant USB port connects to any Mac, PC, iOS or Android device with no drivers needed.

• Functional fashion: The best accessories also serve a purpose. Look for a watch that has a range of features that help students stay on task. Check out the Pro Trek line of watches. Its different alarm settings can be used to keep a schedule.

Be sure kids are equipped for a successful school year, no matter where or how their learning takes place.

Governor Abbott Announces New Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing Facility In Kerrville

By
Joshua Blackwell
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0

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing, Inc. (KMM) will establish a new manufacturing facility in Kerrville. KMM produces circuit card assemblies and cable and fiber harnesses for the aerospace industry. The new facility will create 200 new jobs and generate more than $8 million in capital investment. A Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $903,000 has been extended to Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing, Inc.

“Texas is a leader in aerospace and aviation, and we are proud to welcome KMM’s new manufacturing facility to the Kerrville community,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas’ welcoming economic climate continues to attract the best and brightest from all sectors thanks to our strong workforce, low taxes, and reasonable regulations. I know that this new facility will strengthen Texas’ aerospace and aviation sector.”

“It is great to work with Texas, and specifically Governor Abbott,” said Don Hedger, President and CEO of Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing, Inc. “KMM greatly appreciates the pro-business environment of Texas. We look forward to a continuing relationship with the inviting community of Kerrville. It is clear that the Kerrville Economic Development Corporation is innovative, forward thinking, and community value minded. We also remain thankful to the Texas Workforce Commission who does so well to help our emerging workforce needs. Great leadership. Texas is great to work with, and the Hill Country is a special place.”

“We are so excited to welcome Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing as our newest economic partner,” said Rob Kelly, Kerr County Judge. “The incredible quality of jobs, benefits, and growth opportunities they bring to our community is the best I’ve seen in decades. Our future, and for that matter the future of the entire region, is much brighter with the addition of their aviation and aerospace manufacturing expertise. Most folks don’t know the significant impact that our local airport has on our economy. It’s one of the best kept secrets I’ve learned since taking office. Hopefully, this gateway opportunity with KMM will be a springboard to attract other similar manufacturers to our area. I believe this a giant step forward and just the beginning of Kerrville and Kerr County realizing our potential as the emerging economic hub of the Texas Hill Country. On behalf of Kerr County, we want to give Killdeer a big Texas welcome and officially adopt them as honorary Texans.”

“The opportunities afforded to Kerrville by this company expanding here are paramount given the number of quality jobs, specifically for our high school graduates,” said Bill Blackburn, Mayor of the City of Kerrville. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet some of the family members of this company. They are good people who want to have this operation in a community, such as Kerrville, where they can make a difference. There is much excitement about this aviation manufacturer coming to Kerrville not only given the jobs it will produce, but their work and commitment to commercial airline aircrafts and Department of Defense equipment. We also have the opportunity of recruiting other aviation equipment manufacturers and even those in space exploration, which is exciting in itself.”

“Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing represents a very significant opportunity to add hundreds of well-paying jobs to the Kerrville market,” said Greg Richards, President of the Kerrville Economic Improvement Corporation. “As a Tier-1 supplier, it is certainly within the realm of possibilities this project will attract other clean industry jobs. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to welcome a project like Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing to our city. I expect EIC’s investment in this project to catalyze significant growth in our tax base, helping to bring in quality commercial development that will ease some of the tax burden off of individual taxpayers. Further, the number of employees expected to be hired by KMM will bring significant employment opportunity to our community.”

“We are particularly pleased to welcome Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing as our newest corporate citizen and business partner as we work to make Kerrville a destination for aerospace and aviation manufacturing,” said Mike Wittler, Chairman of the Kerr Economic Development Corporation. “I truly believe this is the first of many projects and partnerships we’ll see in aerospace thanks to the opportunity provided to us by KMM.”

“Significant factors in the site selection process of KMM include the Texas Enterprise Fund award as well as Kerrville’s open-for-business climate,” said Gilberto Salinas, Executive Director of the Kerr Economic Development Corporation. “Both, the capital investment and job creation commitment from KMM solidify the fact that Kerrville provides major companies the tools and resources to compete and succeed in the global aerospace and aviation market. As a result of KMM’s commitment and our community leadership, we will see increased business activity and value-add opportunity for years to come, which was the overall strategy set forth by the Kerrville 2050 Comprehensive Plan.”

View more information about Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing, Inc.

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