Month: August 2013

Nichols praises transportation bill

State Sen. Robert Nichols
State Sen. Robert Nichols

Sen. Robert Nichols press release

Yesterday the Texas Legislature passed SJR 1, creating a constitutional amendment to dedicate up to 50 percent of all oil and gas severance taxes currently transferred to the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF) to the state highway fund.

“I am thankful for Governor Perry’s leadership in calling this session to address such an important issue,” said Nichols. “I would also like to thank Lt. Governor Dewhurst, Speaker Straus and all members of the House and Senate. Our state’s economy depends upon having a safe and reliable road system.”

According to estimates from the comptroller’s office, SJR 1 could deposit as much as $1 billion a year into the state highway fund. The resolution stipulates that the funds could only be used for constructing, maintaining and acquiring rights-of-way for non-tolled, public roadways. However, it is also careful to ensure a healthy balance is left in the Continue reading “Nichols praises transportation bill”

Homeschool group gets started in Henderson County

classical conversations

Classical Conversations is a new homeschool community for all ages that offers guidance and accountability.

The group will meet in Athens on Monday starting in the fall, and will use classical methods to train students in the art of learning. Group members will support and encourage each other on the homeschooling journey.

The Classical Conversations mission is to “Know God and make Him known.” Continue reading “Homeschool group gets started in Henderson County”

AMS Cheerleaders rock cheer camp

AMS cheer 2

The Athens Middle School cheerleaders had a great time at NCA Cheer Camp recently, bringing home awards for Performance Top Team, Most Improved, Champion Chant, S.P.O.T. Award for skills in spotting and stunt technique, Technical Excellence, and Herkie Team Award for having the best leadership, values, teamwork and sportsmanship. Also, Jordan Ickes was named All-American and Tamya Hubbard won Most Spirited Mascot. Pictured are: back row from left, Taegan Allen, Reiley Spears (All-American nominee), Ramona Hutson, Jameara Monmouth (All-American nominee), Jojo Weinstein (All-American nominee), NCA Cheerleader Morgan, Deja Johnson (All-American nominee), Kelcee Johnson (All-American nominee), Elizabeth Davis (All-American nominee); front row from left, Rachel Young (All-American nominee), Jordan Ickes (All-American Cheerleader), Rachel Grey, Landon Criner (All-American nominee), Baylee Deshazo (All-American nominee), Lily Mahmoud; seated, Tamya Hubbard (mascot). The AMS cheerleaders sponsor is Sandy Koehler. (COURTESY PHOTO)

Around Malakoff: Lots of critters on the farm

mystery squirrelBy Loretta Humble

We’ve had a lot of wildlife action down here at the farm lately. Let’s start with the rodents.

The mystery squirrel has returned. I saw him once, from a distance, snapped a really grainy picture before he disappeared. He is a little larger than the average squirrel, with a regular squirrel-colored belly, but the top of his head, his back, and part of his sides, look like they’ve been dredged in flour. Or maybe like he just got a frosting job. I couldn’t find anything like him on the Internet, and nobody I asked had ever seen anything like him. This time I got good pictures so I can prove I’m not nuts.

Then there is rat situation. Some of you may remember I had a big battle going on with some huge good looking rats two years ago. Finally trapped them and carried Continue reading “Around Malakoff: Lots of critters on the farm”