Higher Speed Limits in 60 Texas Counties

AUSTIN  –  Miles and miles of Texas highway will soon see speed limit increases following Thursday’s Texas Transportation Commission action approving 75 mph designations for close to 1,500 miles of interstate.

The speed limit changes span 60 Texas counties making it the largest conversion since a new law was passed last year. The 82nd Texas Legislature passed and the Governor signed House Bill 1353 which allows the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to establish 75 mph speed limits on Texas highways providing speed studies show it can be done safely.

Since September, the agency has been reviewing existing 70 mph speed limits across the state to determine where a 75 mph limit may be safely posted. Four Central Texas highways were the first to see higher speeds after the new law took effect. Thursday’s Commission action brings the number of miles now zoned at 75 mph as a result of House Bill (HB) 1353 to 1,618.

Posting new speed limits on 1,500 miles of interstate highway is a major milestone in implementing the new law, said Carol Rawson, TxDOT Traffic Operations Division director.

“Texas’ economic strength depends on the efficient and safe movement of people and goods,” Rawson explained. “These new speed limits increase highway efficiency while maintaining the safety of the transportation system.”

TxDOT recommended to the Commission that speed limits be raised on segments of I-10, I-20, I-27, I-30, I-35, I-37, I-40, I-44 and I-45 after engineering studies showed that higher speeds could be posted safely.

Motorists must continue to travel at the posted speed until new signs are installed, said Rawson.

“The new speed limit is not official until the signs go up,” she added.

TxDOT studies of speeds on U.S. highways, state highways, farm-to-market and ranch-to-market roads are still under way.

Prior to HB 1353, Texas had 1,445 miles of 75 mph speed limits and 521 miles of 80 mph speed limits on certain state highways. These speed limits were previously restricted to specific rural counties and highways located mostly in West Texas. Texas now has almost 3,600 miles zoned at 75 mph or higher.

New 75 mph speed limits approved Thursday are located on:

• I-10 — 289 miles across El Paso, Gillespie, Kerr, Kendall, Bexar, Guadalupe, Caldwell, Gonzales, Fayette, Colorado, Austin, Jefferson and Orange counties
• I-20 — 423 miles across Crane, Ector, Midland, Martin, Howard, Mitchell, Nolan, Taylor, Callahan, Eastland, Erath, Palo Pinto, Van Zandt, Smith, Gregg and Harrison counties
• I-27 — 109 miles across Lubbock, Hale, Swisher and Randall counties
• I-30 — 139 miles across Hunt, Hopkins, Franklin, Titus, Morris and Bowie counties
• I-35 — 106 miles across Webb, Medina, Atascosa, Bexar, Hill and Cooke counties
• I-37 — 130 miles across Nueces, San Patricio, Live Oak, Atascosa and Bexar counties
• I-40 — 166 miles across Deaf Smith, Oldham, Potter, Carson, Gray, Donley and Wheeler counties
• I-44 — 11 miles across Wichita County
• I-45 — 143 miles across Walker, Madison, Leon, Freestone and Navarro counties

Go to http://www.txdot.gov/safety/speed_limit/75mph.htm for more information on the locations of the new speed limits.

Sheriff’s Report Call outs January 6, 2012 – January 18, 2012

The following is a brief, partial recap of incidents reported by the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office. General locations are listed rather than specific addresses.

Friday, January 6

9:30 a.m. – Deputy Perry was out in 300 block Washington, Anahuac, 1 F in custody on a warrant.

3:15 p.m. – Deputy Ritch was dispatched to the 11600 block I-10 E in reference to theft- felony; reported camp trailer stolen from storage.

9:15 p.m. – Deputy Burt reported out Indian Ridge, Old River; 1 M jailed unlawfully carrying a weapon.

11:30 p.m. – Deputies Blackburn and Arredondo were dispatched to the 822 WB in assist of DPS; assistance provided; 1 jailed.

Saturday, January 7

12:06 a.m. – Deputies Burt, Gonsalves and Sgt Hatfield were dispatched to the 200 block Danna, Baytown; 3 jailed on public intoxication.

12:05 p.m. – Deputy Abernathy was dispatched to the 200 block Lone Star in reference to trespassing; 1 M jailed on a warrant.

3:08 p.m. – Deputies Abernathy and Pollard were dispatched to the park at Lone Star & Main in reference to a verbal disturbance.

8:20 p.m. – Deputies Gonsalves, Hatfield and Blackburn were dispatched to the EB 10 Weigh Station in assist of other agency; 1 jailed.

11:04 p.m. – Deputy Childress reported out at 1663 & Ledoux Rd.; 1 M jailed on public intoxication.

11:16 p.m. – Deputy Childress was dispatched to the 2300 block South, Anahuac in reference to loud music disturbance.

Sunday, January 8

9:03 a.m. – Deputies Cole, Gonzales, Golleher and the Coast Guard were dispatched the 2354, Thompson’s Boat Ramp in reference to boating incidents/assist; assistance provided escorted subjects to Fort Anahuac Park.

10:20 a.m. – Deputy Rosetta was dispatched to the 1030 block of E Buccaneer in reference to criminal mischief; reported vehicle vandalism.

10:30 a.m. – Deputy Rosetta was dispatched to the 100 block Hebert Road in reference to criminal mischief; reported tractor windows shot out.

8:11 p.m. – Deputy Arredondo was dispatched to the 500 block SH 124 in reference to suspicious activity.

9:08 p.m. – Deputies Kahla, Ashby and Carrington were out at 3 d and Ave B with a canine deployment.

Monday, January 9

8:17 a.m. – Deputy Rosetta was out on 9th St; 1 Jailed on a warrant.

11:19 a.m. – Deputy Cole was dispatched to the 7000 block Plantation in reference to a suspicious person; 1 M jailed on a warrant.

2:15 p.m. – Deputy St John was dispatched to the 9000 block Northpiont Dr, Baytown in reference to alarms. All secure.

9:18 p.m. – Deputies Krahel and Orlando were dispatched to the 1600 block Gou Hole Rd in reference to arson.

Tuesday, January 10

3:05 A.M. – Deputy Krahel was dispatched to the 8600 Block Rocky River in reference to suspicious activity.

8:15 a.m. – Deputy Croley out at the 820 WB with abandoned/stored vehicle.

8:25 a.m. – Deputy Croley out 818 WB with abandoned/stored vehicle.

8:30 a.m. – Deputies Cole and Golleher were dispatched to the 1100 Miller, Anahuac; 1 F arrested theft-misdemeanor.

2:00 p.m. – Deputies Croley, Golleher and Rosetta were dispatched to Gau Road in reference to trespassing; trespass papers were issued.

9:08 p.m. – Deputy Johnson was dispatched to the 1300 block SH 124 in reference to suspicious vehicle; subject reported searching for signal.

10:30 p.m. – Deputies Ashby and Carrington out on traffic stop IH-10 WB; resulted in a money seizure.

Wednesday, January 11

12:15 p.m. – Deputy Rosetta was dispatched to the 1300 block SH 124 in reference to a civil matter/standby.

8:00 p.m. – Deputies Orlando and Turner out in the 1300 block Work St; 1 jailed on failure to identify to a peace officer.

Thursday, January 12

2:18 a.m. – Deputy Turner was dispatched to the IH-10 NB Feeder Rd @ 1410; 1 M jailed on public intoxication.

9:30 a.m. – Abernathy, Sgt King and Warden Feist were dispatched to Stowell St in reference to shots fired; citation was issued.

6:30 p.m. – Deputy Krahel was dispatched to the I-10 EB 799 in assist of other agency; 1 M & 1 F in custody.

8:00 p.m. – Deputies Turner, Bettis and Orlando were dispatched to the 300 block SH 124 in reference to a disturbance.

8:15 p.m. – Deputy Orlando was dispatched to the 400 block Willcox, Anahuac in reference to burglary of a residence/attempt.

11:30 p.m. – Deputies Orlando, Turner, Shepherd, and Johnson were out on traffic HWY 61 @ 1663; 1 arrested on narcotic drug violation -misdemeanor.

Friday, January 13

9:08 a.m. – Deputy Abernathy was dispatched to Main & Tinkler in reference to criminal mischief reported someone ran over phone box.

11:15 a.m. – Deputy Jackson was dispatched to the end of Dump Rd. in reference burglary of a non-residence/unlawful entry; generator was reported stolen.

7:01 p.m. – Deputy Perry was out at Raceway Park; 1 M jailed for possession of marijuana.

8:20 – Deputy Childress and Sgt. Hatfield were dispatched to Albrittton Gully, Hankamer in reference to a disturbance.

Saturday, January 14

12:40 a.m. – Deputy Childress and Sgt Hatfield out in the 900 block Main Street, 1 F in custody on public intoxication.

7:08 a.m. – Deputy Ritch was dispatched to the 2400 block Rice Flower in reference to loud noise disturbance.

7:30 a.m. – Deputies Ritch and Abernathy were dispatched to 565 past Indian Ridge in reference to burglary of a residence /unlawful entry; persons advised to leave property.

9:20 a.m. – Deputy Abernathy out on Albritton Gully Rd in service of a warrant; 1 M jailed.

Sunday, January 15

7:20 a.m. – Deputy Ritch was dispatched to the 8200 block Lantana Drive in reference to alarms; false activated by home health care worker.

9:30 a.m. – Deputy Abernathy was dispatched to the 100 block Albritton Gully Rd in reference to theft- felony.

2:15 p.m. – Deputy Abernathy was dispatched to the 1800 block of HWY 61 in reference to burglary of a residence/force; report of theft taken.

7:04 p.m. – Deputies Gonzalves and Arredondo were dispatched to the IH-10 EB E of Spur 5 in reference to a motor assist.

Monday, January 16

2:02 a.m. – Deputy Burt was dispatched to the 5700 block Sylvia Lane, Old River in reference to a loud music disturbance.

9:22 a.m. – Deputies St John and Cole were dispatched to the 15200 block Harlin in reference to suspicious activity.

10:20 a.m. – Deputy Croley was dispatched to the 24600 block IH-10 in reference to Suspicious activity; Driver waiting for a run.

2:10 p.m. – Deputy Croley was dispatched to the 300 block Ross Sterling in reference to burglary of a non-residence/forcible entry; reported three mote rooms broken in to.

7:07 p.m. – Deputy Burt was dispatched to the 1500 block Pirates Run, Baytown in reference to theft-misdemeanor; reported items taken from boat.

10:15 – Deputies Childress, Arredondo, Gonsalves and Sgt Hatfield out on SH 65 West of FM 1724; 2 F and 2 M jailed on narcotic drug violation -felony and unlawfully carrying a weapon.

Tuesday, January 17

12:21 p.m. – Deputy Croley was dispatched to the Brown & Root site in reference to theft -felony; advised poles cut down, transformers on the ground and wire stolen.

12:22 p.m. – Deputy Rosetta was dispatched to the 100 block Samuel, Winnie in reference to theft-misdemeanor; reported fog lights stolen from truck.

2:10 p.m. – Deputy Cole was dispatched to Magnolia & Shady Lane, Old River in reference to criminal mischief.

4:02 p.m. – Deputy Cole was dispatched to the 7800 block Ocean Dr, Beach City in reference to burglary of a residence/force; advised house for sale broken in to.

10:10 p.m. – Deputy Krahel was dispatched to 12300 Hatcherville Rd in reference to theft-felony; reported vehicle stolen while working.

11:15 p.m. – Deputy Turner was dispatched to JJ’s Chevron in reference to forgery by passing; customer had passed (2) $20 bills.

Wednesday, January 18

7:00 a.m. – Deputy Rosetta was dispatched to the 200 block Spur 5 in reference to burglary of a motor vehicle; guest vehicle broken in to during the night.

8:08 a.m. – Deputy Rosetta was dispatched to the 500 block Canal Rd, Winnie in reference to burglary of a non-residence/unlawful entry; break in at Papco Figfridge Oil Field reported.

8:15 a.m. – Deputy Croley was dispatched to the Trinity River Bridge in reference to theft -felony; reported batteries stolen out of equipment.

Gov. Perry Announces Increased Reward Funding for Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders Program

Thursday, January 26, 2012  •  Austin, Texas  •  Press Release

Gov. Rick Perry today announced that the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division (CJD) is providing additional funding for Texas Crime Stoppers and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to increase rewards for the Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders program to $2,000, with some rewards reaching up to $5,000.

“Crime Stoppers has created an effective method for helping citizens take back control of their communities,” Gov. Perry said. “These rewards will encourage Texans who may have details about these sex offenders to speak up, ensuring that individuals who commit these horrendous crimes in the Lone Star State are apprehended and receive the appropriate punishment.”

Texas Crime Stoppers has previously rewarded $1,000 cash to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of one of these sex offenders. Thanks to this increased funding from CJD, awards will now vary between $2,000, $3,000 or $5,000 for each offender.

“Sexual assault is a despicable crime, and increasing the rewards will better enable law enforcement to apprehend sex offenders who have preyed upon innocent victims and escaped arrest,” DPS Director Steven C. McCraw said. 

Since the Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders program began in July 2010, 12 arrests have been made, with seven arrests coming from tips. The Office of the Governor has paid out a total of $13,300 in rewards to tipsters.

In 2010, Gov. Perry announced increased rewards to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives program from $1,000 to $5,000, with some rewards reaching up to $50,000 to any person providing information that leads to the arrest of a Top 10 fugitive. Since the reward increase, 24 arrests have been made, and the Office of the Governor has paid out $58,000 in rewards to tipsters.

Anyone with information about Texas’ Most Wanted sex offenders or fugitives can provide anonymous tips by calling the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477), or by texting the letters DPS – followed by your tip – to 274637 (CRIMES) from your cell phone.

Texas 10 Most Wanted

Texas Crime Stoppers’ lists of Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives and Sex Offenders in a printable poster format.

Most Wanted Posters

• Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives
• Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders

Saltwater Fishing Reports Week of January 25, 2012

Water Body	Report
NORTH SABINE	Trout are fair to good on the Louisiana shoreline on topwaters and Corkies. Flounder are fair on jigs tipped with shrimp around marsh drains. Redfish are good in the bayous.
SOUTH SABINE	Sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on live shrimp. Trout are fair to good while drifting shell on soft plastics.
BOLIVAR	Trout are fair to good on the south shoreline on soft plastics and plugs. Black drum and redfish are good at Rollover Pass.
TRINITY BAY	Trout are good for drifters working pods of shad and mullet on Bass Assassins, Trout Killers and Sand Eels. Redfish are fair to good on the north shoreline on gold spoons and Gulps.
EAST GALVESTON BAY	Trout are fair to good on the south shoreline on Catch 5s, MirrOlures and Catch 2000s. Whiting and sand trout are good on the edge of the Intracoastal on fresh shrimp.
WEST GALVESTON BAY	Trout are fair to good for drifters working shell on live shrimp. Sheepshead, redfish and black drum are good at the jetty on shrimp and crabs. Redfish are good in the back lakes on shrimp and Gulps.
TEXAS CITY	Gulf trout are fair to good in the channel on shrimp. Sheepshead are good around rock groins on live shrimp.
FREEPORT	Sand trout and sheepshead are good on live shrimp on the reefs in Christmas Bay. Black drum are good at the jetties on cracked blue crabs.
EAST MATAGORDA BAY	Trout are good on Bass Assassins, Trout Killers and Sand Eels over deep shell. Redfish are fair to good on the edge of the Intracoastal on crabs and mullet.
WEST MATAGORDA BAY	Redfish are fair to good on the edge of Oyster Lake on shrimp and crabs. Black drum and redfish are fair to good at the jetty on crabs.
PORT O’CONNOR	Trout and redfish are fair on soft plastics over soft mud. Trout and redfish are fair for drifters working the back lakes with live shrimp.
ROCKPORT	Trout and black drum are fair to good in the deep cuts on free–lined shrimp. Redfish are good on Estes Flat and Allyn’s Bight on gold spoons, plastics and Gulps.
PORT ARANSAS	Redfish and sheepshead are fair to good at the jetty on shrimp. Trout are fair at the mouths of guts on the outgoing tide.
CORPUS CHRISTI	Trout are fair to good on the edge of the spoils on Gulps and live shrimp. Black drum and redfish are fair to good in the channels on crabs.
BAFFIN BAY	Trout are fair to good in the Land Cut on live shrimp. Trout are fair to good for waders working rocks and mud on Corkies. Water temperatures are in the mid 60s.
PORT MANSFIELD	Trout are fair to good on Corkies and MirrOlures around sand, grass and mud. Redfish are fair to good while drifting pot holes. Black drum and redfish are good on crabs at East Cut.
SOUTH PADRE	Trout are fair to good around the spoil islands, channel edges and color changes on DOA Shrimp in 3–4 feet of water. Black drum, sheepshead and redfish have been taken at the jetty. Snook are fair in the Ship Channel on shrimp and Gulps.
PORT ISABEL	Trout and redfish are fair to good at Gas Well Flats on live shrimp. Redfish are fair in South Bay and Cullen on DOA Shrimp, Gulps and live shrimp.

Freshwater Fishing Reports Week of January 25, 2012

Water Body	Report
ALAN HENRY	Water lightly stained; 45–53 degrees; 7.65’ low. Black bass are good on black/blue jigs, drop shot rigs, squarebill crankbaits and Texas rigs. Crappie are fair to good on jigs and live minnows. Catfish are fair on prepared bait.
AMISTAD	Water clear; 53–56 degrees; 11.52’ low. Black bass are good on jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and swimbaits. Striped bass are good on jigging spoons, slabs, small crankbaits, and large jerkbaits. White bass are good on jigging spoons, slabs, and small crankbaits. Catfish are good on cheesebait, shrimp, and nightcrawlers in 30–60 feet over baited holes. Yellow catfish are fair on trotlines and droplines baited with live perch. Everyone in a boat must have a Mexico fishing license (if fishing the Mexico side) whether fishing or not.
ARROWHEAD	Water off color; 42–51 degrees; 8.33’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigs, jigs, spinnerbaits and shakyheads. Crappie are fair on minnows. White bass are good on slabs and minnows. Blue catfish are good on live shad.
ATHENS	Water clear, 45–49 degrees; 4.18’ low. Black bass are slow on watermelon shakyhead worms and black/blue football jigs around brush piles. Early morning bite is slow. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are good on prepared bait.
BASTROP	Water clear; 55–59 degrees. Black bass are good on pumpkinseed soft plastics and spinnerbaits. Crappie are fair on minnows over brush piles. Channel and blue catfish are fair on stinkbait and liver. Yellow catfish are slow.
BELTON	Water fairly clear; 53–56 degrees; 12.24’ low. Black bass are good on silver crankbaits. Hybrid striper are good on chrome slabs. White bass are good on chrome slabs, and minnows under lights at night. Crappie are fair on minnows under lights at night around structure. Channel and blue catfish are good on doughbait, hot dogs, and summer sausage. Yellow catfish are good on trotlines and throwlines baited with live perch.
BOB SANDLIN	Water lightly stained; 44–48 degrees; 8.45’ low. Black bass are fair to good on black/blue jigs, shakyheads with finesse worms and lipless crankbaits. Crappie are good on live minnows and jigs. White bass are good on Humdingers and topwaters. Catfish are fair to good on trotlines or juglines with Redneck’s Catfish Bait Soap. Barefoot Bay and Titus Park are the only usable ramps.
BRAUNIG	Water clear. Black bass are fair on watermelon crankbaits and soft plastic worms near the dam. Striped bass are good on liver and shad at Dead Tree Point. Redfish are slow. Channel catfish are fair on shrimp, cheesebait, and cut bait near the discharge. Blue catfish are fair on cut bait.
BRIDGEPORT	Water clear; 43–47 degrees; 11.99’ low. Black bass are good on TN Shad Jackall Squad Minnow jerkbaits along main lake points and Jackall Flick Shake 4.8” watermelon candy worms around deeper docks. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are good on slabs (best action mid day). Channel catfish are fair on cut and prepared bait.
BROWNWOOD	Water lightly stained; 51–55 degrees; 15.91’ low. Black bass are good on perch colored jigs and soft plastics in 10–20 feet. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are good on minnows and white tube jigs over brush piles. Channel catfish are fair on stinkbait and shrimp. Yellow catfish are slow.
BUCHANAN	Water clear; 54–58 degrees; 32.01’ low. Black bass are fair on chartreuse/watermelon soft plastic worms and lizards, watermelon Whacky Sticks on jigheads, and black/chartreuse Curb’s hair jigs with blue flake trailers in 15–25 feet. Striped bass are fair on perch colored Rat–L–Traps and trolling pumpkinseed striper jigs off points. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows over brush piles. Channel catfish are slow. Yellow and blue catfish are slow.
CADDO	Water stained; 45–49 degrees; .72’ high. Black bass are good on black/blue jigs around isolated cover. Shad pattern lipless crankbaits in the same areas are effective. White bass are fair on slabs. Yellow bass are good on minnows. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers and prepared bait.
CALAVERAS	Water clear. Black bass are good on chartreuse soft plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits over grass. Striped bass are good on silver spoons and jigs near the dam in 15–25 feet. Redfish are slow. Channel and blue catfish are fair on shrimp and cheesebait in 181 Cove. Yellow catfish are slow.
CANYON LAKE	Water clear; 56–60 degrees; 10.66’ low. Black bass are fair on pumpkinseed hair jigs with blue flake trailers, watermelon Carolina rigged lizards, and Texas rigged blue/black Scoundrel worms along ledges. Striped bass are good trolling silver striper jigs and vertically jigging Pirk Minnows. White bass are fair on chartreuse spinnerbaits and perch colored Rat–L–Traps along the main river channel. Smallmouth bass are fair on watermelon red curl tail grubs, smoke/red flake tubes, and drop shot worms over rock piles in 15–25 feet. Crappie are fair on minnows and green tube jigs upriver. Channel catfish are slow. Yellow and blue catfish are slow.
CEDAR CREEK	Water lightly stained; 45–48 degrees; 6.27’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, shakyheads and black/blue finesse jigs around docks (green pumpkin soft plastics suggested). Early morning bite is slow. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are good on live shad. Crappie are fair to good on minnows. Catfish are fair drifting cut shad.
CHOKE CANYON	Water clear; 58–62 degrees; 12.05’ low. Black bass are good on chrome jigs and watermelon soft plastic lizards in the grass. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are good on punchbait and liver. Yellow catfish are slow.
COLEMAN	Water clear; 54–58 degrees; 16.05’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon soft plastic worms with chartreuse tails, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits. Hybrid striper are fair on green striper jigs. Crappie are good on minnows over brush piles. Channel catfish are good on stinkbait, liver, and nightcrawlers. Yellow catfish are slow.
COLETO CREEK	Water fairly clear; 2.81’ low. Black bass are slow. Striped bass are fair on shad colored crankbaits. White bass are fair on Li’l Fishies. Crappie are good on minnows and white tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are fair on trotlines baited with live bait and nightcrawlers. Yellow catfish are fair on trotlines baited with live perch.
COLORADO CITY	17.8’ low. No report available.
CONROE	Water fairly clear; 54–58 degrees; 7.20’ low. Black bass are good on chartreuse soft plastics, crankbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are good on minnows. Catfish are fair on stinkbait and shrimp.
COOPER	Water lightly stained; 44–48 degrees; 12.02’ low. Black bass are good on chartreuse shallow crankbaits and Texas rigged craw worms later in the day. Green pumpkin soft plastics are best. Crappie are good on minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are fair to good on Sassy Shad and live shad. Catfish are good on prepared bait and cut bait. Doctor’s Creek is the only open ramp.
FAIRFIELD	Fishing has been slow since the fish kill in September of 2010. TPWD has discontinued stocking the lake after another kill in early September 2011. Redfish and black bass survived the kill in limited numbers.
FALCON	Water stained; 28.94’ low, 60–64 degrees. Black bass are good on green jigs, watermelon soft plastics, and slow rolling spinnerbaits. Striped bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are excellent on shrimp, nightcrawlers, stinkbait, and cut bait. Yellow catfish are slow. Everyone in a boat must have a Mexico fishing license (if fishing the Mexico side) whether fishing or not.
FAYETTE	Water clear. Black bass are fair on watermelon soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and Rat–L–Traps in 10–25 feet. Channel and blue catfish are fair on shrimp and stinkbait.
FORK	Water fairly clear; 44–49 degrees; 6.85’ low. Black bass are good on black/blue or green pumpkin flipping jigs rigged with LFT Flipper – concentrate on the wood cover near creek channel bends. Lipless crankbaits are effective as well. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on cut shad and prepared bait.
FT. PHANTOM HILL	Water clear; 43–52 degrees; 9.87’ low. Black bass are fair to good on shallow crankbaits, Rat–L–Traps, Texas rigs and jigs. Crappie are fair to good on live minnows. White bass are fair to good on slabs and Rooster Tails. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers.
GIBBONS CREEK	Water clear. Black bass are good on dark spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Crappie are good on minnows and pink tube jigs. Catfish are good on shrimp and stinkbait.
GRANBURY	Water clear; 52–56 degrees; 4.93’ low. Black bass are fair on chartreuse spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Striped bass are fair on minnows. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue tube jigs. Catfish are good on shrimp and bloodbait.
GRANGER	Water murky; 52–56 degrees; 4.41’ low. Black bass are slow. White bass are fair on small white jigs upriver near the primitive boat launch. Crappie are fair on minnows upriver at night. Blue catfish are fair on prepared baits, and on juglines baited with shad. Yellow catfish are slow.
GRAPEVINE	Water clear; 44–49 degrees; 3.39’ low. Black bass are good on watermelon Texas rigged worms, watermelon finesse jigs, lipless crankbaits, and Jackall SquadMinnow jerkbaits along main lake points. Crappie are good on minnows. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers and cut shad.
GREENBELT	Water stained; 42–51 degrees; 37.63’ low. Black bass are fair Squarebill crankbaits, Texas rigs and jigs. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. The Old Marina Point ramp is still open.
HOUSTON COUNTY	Water clear; 54–58 degrees; 2.81’ low. Black bass to 4 pounds are good on lipless red crankbaits and watermelon worms near the dam. Crappie are good on minnows and chartreuse jigs near the dam. Red ear bream are slow. Channel and blue catfish are slow.
HUBBARD CREEK	44–51 degrees; 14.5’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigs, weightless flukes, finesse jigs and DT 10s. Crappie are fair on jigs and minnows. Catfish are fair to good on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.
JOE POOL	Water clear; 44–48 degrees; 1.38’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, lipless crankbaits, and smaller jigs – mid–day bite has been best. Deep brush piles are best later in day. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. White bass are good on slabs. Catfish are fair to good on prepared baits.
LAKE O’ THE PINES	Water lightly stained; 44–48 degrees; 4.22’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged worms and lipless crankbaits along main lake points. Isolated cover is the key. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Catfish are good on cut shad.
LAVON	Water lightly stained; 44–49 degrees; 11.52’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, black/brown jigs and squarebill crankbaits. White bass are good on slabs. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs around bridge columns. Catfish are good on cut shad and nightcrawlers.
LBJ	Water clear; 54–57 degrees; 0.51’ low. Black bass are good on shad colored jigs, watermelon JDC drop shot worms, and chartreuse/blue flake tubes from docks. Striped bass are slow. White bass are good on Li’l Fishies and small spinnerbaits in the channel. Crappie are fair on minnows in brush piles under heated docks. Channel catfish are fair on minnows and white tube jigs. Yellow and blue catfish are slow.
LEWISVILLE	Water clear; 43–48 degrees; 5.64’ low. Black bass are good on medium running crankbaits and suspending jerkbaits along rip rap near the dam. Larger rock along main lake points producing as well. Later in the day watermelon finesse jigs in the same areas are effective. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are good on slabs. Hybrid striper are fair on slabs and Sassy Shad. Catfish are good on prepared bait.
LIVINGSTON	Water fairly clear; 55–59 degrees; 0.14’ low. Black bass are good on perch colored crankbaits in the creeks. Striped bass are fair on Zara spooks. White bass are fair on Rat–L–Traps and spec rigs. Crappie are fair on minnows. Blue catfish are good on shad. Yellow catfish are slow.
MACKENZIE	Water stained; 43–49 degrees; 85.65’ low. Black bass are fair on chatterbaits, Texas rigs and medium and shallow running shad pattern crankbaits. Striped bass are fair to good on live shad. Catfish are fair on trotlines. Ramp #1 is still open.
MARTIN CREEK	Water fairly clear; 9.00’ low. No report available.
MEREDITH	97.63’ low. No report available.
MONTICELLO	Water fairly clear; 72–88 degrees; 0.07’ high. Black bass are good on squarebill crankbaits, weightless Senkos, chatterbaits and Texas rigged creature baits on shallow wood cover. Flipping jigs is producing as well. The shallow bite is best early in the morning with occasional schooling reported. No reports on crappie. Catfish are fair on live shiners.
NASWORTHY	No report available.
NAVARRO MILLS	Water lightly stained; 53–57 degrees; 3.07’ low. Black bass are fair on watermelon spinnerbaits and chartreuse soft plastics. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and chartreuse tube jigs off docks. Channel and blue catfish are fair on shrimp and nightcrawlers. Yellow catfish are slow.
O.H. IVIE	Water stained; 45–54 degrees; 37.94’ low. Black bass are fair to good on squarebill crankbaits, Rat–L–Traps, Texas rigs and 1/4oz. shakyheads with a 4.5” RattleSnake. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair to good on slabs. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers.
OAK CREEK	Water stained; 43–51 degrees; 14.24’ low. Black bass are fair to good on squarebill crankbaits, Texas rigs, Rat–L–Traps and shakyheads. Crappie are fair to good on live minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair to good on nightcrawlers.
PALESTINE	Water lightly stained; 44–48 degrees; 4.95’ low. Black bass are good on black and blue jigs, shakyheads and lipless crankbaits. The jig bite is consistent around docks that have deeper water. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs. Hybrid striper are fair on slabs, Sassy Shad and live shad. White bass are fair to good on slabs and minnows. Catfish are good on prepared bait.
PALO DURO	44.54’ low. No report available.
POSSUM KINGDOM	Water fairly clear; 44–54 degrees; 10.67’ low. Black bass are fair on DD 22s, drop shot rigs, Texas rigs and jigs. Crappie are fair to good on minnows and jigs. White bass are fair to good on slabs and small swimbaits. Striped bass are fair to good on live shad and 4”–5” swimbaits. Catfish are fair to good on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.
PROCTOR	Water fairly clear; 52–56 degrees; 6.56’ low. Black bass are fair on shad colored Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are fair on silver striper jigs. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows and pink tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are fair on live bait. Yellow catfish are slow.
RAY HUBBARD	Water fairly clear; 44–49 degrees; 4.93’ low. Black bass are good on Texas rigged creature baits, squarebill crankbaits, lipless crankbaits and swim jigs are good around rip rap also. Crappie are fair on minnows and Road Runners. White bass are excellent on humps in 17–23 feet with hybrids mixed in. Catfish are good on prepared baits.
RAY ROBERTS	Water clear; 43–47 degrees; 4.47’ low. Black bass are fair on Smithwick Suspending Rogues in Tiger Roan and Clown colors especially around main lake rocky points. Crappie are slow on jigs around 25 foot near points. White bass are good on slabs in 35 feet of water – watch for gulls. No report on catfish.
RICHLAND CHAMBERS	Water fairly clear; 44–48 degrees; 7.34’ low. Black bass are good on shakyheads and creature baits around docks. Squarebill crankbaits are producing numbers as well. White bass are fair on slabs and live shad. Hybrid striper are fair on slabs and live shad. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.
SAM RAYBURN	Water lightly stained; 55–58 degrees; 10.40’ low. Black bass are good on dark green/blue flake soft plastics. White bass are fair on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are fair on minnows and blue tube jigs. Bream are fair on worms. Catfish are good on shrimp and nightcrawlers.
SOMERVILLE	Water murky; 53–57 degrees; 10.14’ low. Black bass are fair on watermelon crankbaits. Hybrid striper are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows. Channel and blue catfish are slow. Yellow catfish are slow.
SPENCE	84.13’ low. No report available.
STAMFORD	No report available.
STEINHAGEN	1.69’ high. No report available.
STILLHOUSE	Water stained; 53–57 degrees; 17.17’ low. Black bass are fair on minnows and chartreuse soft plastic worms and lizards. White bass are slow. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are fair on shrimp and liver. Yellow catfish are slow.
SWEETWATER	Water murky; 42–51 degrees; 13.8’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigs, Rat–L–Traps and shakyheads. Crappie are fair to good on jigs and minnows. Catfish are fair to good on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.
TAWAKONI	Water fairly clear; 44–49 degrees; 6.22’ low. Black bass are good on black/blue Firewater 1/2oz. jigs and sun perch color chatter jigs. Crappie are fair on 1/16oz. curl tail grubs and small minnows on docks, bridge pilings and deep timber. White bass are excellent on white SSS Slabs and tailspins – schooling on points early and late. Striped bass and hybrid striper are good on 4” to 6” white or shad pattern Sassy Shad in the shallows early then suspending deep during the day – drifting live bait is also producing. Catfish are excellent in deep water drifting cut bait and fresh shad.
TEXOMA	Water fairly clear; 44–48 degrees; 3.87’ low. The Blue–Green Algae alert has been downgraded to an advisory. Please check www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/texoma prior to planning a trip to Texoma.
TOLEDO BEND	Water stained; 54–58 degrees; 9.32’ low. Black bass are fair on chartreuse soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and Rat–L–Traps. Striped bass are slow. White bass are slow. Crappie are fair on minnows. Bream are fair on worms. Channel and blue catfish are good on live bait, nightcrawlers, and stinkbait. Yellow catfish are slow.
TRAVIS	Water lightly stained; 54–57 degrees; 54.84’ low. Black bass are fair on small crankbaits and watermelon worms. Striped bass are fair on shad colored crankbaits in 25–40 feet. White bass are good on smoke grubs, jigging spoons, and minnows in 20–35 feet. Crappie are good on minnows and blue tube jigs. Channel and blue catfish are good on stinkbait and shrimp. Yellow catfish are slow.
WALTER E. LONG	Water lightly stained. Black bass are fair on small spinnerbaits. Hybrid striper are fair on minnows and silver striper jigs. White bass are fair on minnows and Li’l Fishies. Crappie are slow. Channel and blue catfish are fair on nightcrawlers and shrimp. Yellow catfish are slow.
WEATHERFORD	Water fairly clear; 44–48 degrees; 7.70’ low. Black bass are good on shallow crankbaits, shakyheads and Texas rig creature baits – target any shallow cover. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs in. Catfish are fair on prepared bait and cut shad. White bass are fair on slabs and live minnows.
WHITE RIVER	Water stained; 43–51 degrees; 23.95’ low. Black bass are fair on Texas rigs, jigs and Rat–L–Traps. Crappie are fair on live minnows. Catfish are fair on prepared bait and nightcrawlers.
WHITNEY	Water stained; 52–56 degrees; 14.97’ low. Black bass are good on dark soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits. Striped bass are fair on minnows and green striper jigs. White bass are fair on minnows. Crappie are good on minnows and blue tube jigs. Catfish are fair on nightcrawlers and stinkbait.
WRIGHT PATMAN	Water lightly stained; 45–49 degrees; 4.23’ high. Black bass are good on Texas rigged worms, shallow crankbaits and chatterbaits along main lake points. Football heads jigs have also been productive. Crappie are fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish are fair to good on cut shad and prepared bait.

New Flood Advisory for Chambers County

NWS HGX has issued a New Areal Flood Advisory for Chambers County until

02:15 PM for Areal Flood or Flash Flood — AT 1246 PM CST…NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED VERY HEAVY RAIN WAS FALLING IN A BAND FROM LEAGUE CITY TO LIBERTY. 1 TO 2 INCH HOURLY RAINFALL RATES WILL PRODUCE STREET FLOODING.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for West Chambers County

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LEAGUE CITY HAS ISSUED A 

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR… BRAZORIA COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST TEXAS… WESTERN CHAMBERS COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST TEXAS… WESTERN GALVESTON COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST TEXAS… SOUTHEASTERN HARRIS COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST TEXAS… SOUTHEASTERN LIBERTY COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST TEXAS… EASTERN MATAGORDA COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST TEXAS… 

* UNTIL 1245 PM CST 

* AT 1142 AM CST…NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A LINE OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THESE STORMS WERE LOCATED ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM SHELDON TO 7 MILES SOUTHWEST OF BRAZORIA…OR ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM 8 MILES WEST OF BARRETT TO 7 MILES SOUTHEAST OF SWEENY…AND MOVING NORTHEAST AT 35 MPH. 

* LOCATIONS IN THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO SMITH POINT…JOHNSON SPACE CENTER…HOBBY AIRPORT… ELLINGTON FIELD…WEBSTER…TEXAS CITY…TAYLOR LAKE VILLAGE… SOUTH HOUSTON…SHOREACRES…SANTA FE…SAN LEON…RICHWOOD… PEARLAND…PASADENA…OLD RIVER-WINFREE…NASSAU BAY…MONT BELVIEU…MANVEL…LEAGUE CITY…LAKE JACKSON…LA PORTE…LA MARQUE…KEMAH…JACINTO CITY…HOLIDAY LAKES…HITCHCOCK… HIGHLANDS…GALENA PARK…FRIENDSWOOD…EL LAGO…DICKINSON…DEER PARK…DANBURY…CROSBY…CLOVERLEAF…CLEAR LAKE SHORES… CHANNELVIEW…BROOKSIDE VILLAGE…BAYTOWN…BAYOU VISTA… BACLIFF…ANGLETON…ANAHUAC AND ALVIN. PLEASE REPORT SEVERE WEATHER TO THE COUNTY SHERIFF…LOCAL POLICE… OR DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND ASK THEM TO RELAY YOUR REPORT TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.

 

Target Area: Brazoria; Chambers; Galveston; Harris; Liberty; Matagorda

Tornado Watch Issued for Chambers, Liberty, and Polk Counties

Tornado Watch

WATCH COUNTY NOTIFICATION FOR WATCH 14
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HOUSTON/GALVESTON TX
734 AM CST WED JAN 25 2012

TXC071-291-373-251700-
/O.EXA.KHGX.TO.A.0014.000000T0000Z-120125T1700Z/

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS EXTENDED TORNADO WATCH 14 TO
INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING AREAS UNTIL 11 AM CST THIS MORNING

IN SOUTHEAST TEXAS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 3 COUNTIES

CHAMBERS              LIBERTY               POLK

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF...ANAHUAC...CLEVELAND...CORRIGAN...
DAYTON...LIBERTY...LIVINGSTON...MONT BELVIEU...
ONALASKA AND WINNIE.

Old River-Winfree Wind Advisory From National Weather Service

 

URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HOUSTON/GALVESTON TX 549 AM CST WED JAN 25 2012 …WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON TODAY… .STRONG WINDS OCCURRING AHEAD OF A LINE OF THUNDERSTORMS WILL DIMINISH LATER THIS MORNING.

Wind Advisory
Hazardous Weather Outlook

Today: Showers and thunderstorms. Some storms could be severe, with heavy rain. High near 73. Breezy, with a south wind between 10 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely before midnight, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. West wind between 5 and 15 mph. 

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. North wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. 

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. North wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm. 

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. 

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. 

Saturday Night: A 10 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. 

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. 

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. 

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. 

Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. 

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. 

Old River-Winfree Public Hearing at 6:00 p.m. Monday, City Hall

AGENDA

CITY OF OLD RIVER-WINFREE

PUBLIC HEARING

6:00 P.M. MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 2012

1.         PUBLIC HEARING TO BEGIN AT 6:00 P.M.

2.         AS A REQUIREMENT FOR THE DISASTER RECOVER ROUND 2. PHASE 2 APPLICATION, THE CITY OF OLD RIVER-WINFREE WILL BEGIN THE PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS THE FAIR HOUSING ACTION STATEMENT – TEXAS (FHAST) FORM APPROVED BY THE STATE’S GENERAL LAND OFFICE

3.         PUBLIC OPEN TO COMMENTS ON ANY PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE CITY’S FHAST FORM.  PUBLIC COMMENTS PROVIDED AT THIS HEARING WILL BE REVIEWED TO EITHER AMEND OR ACCEPT THE CITY’S FHAST FORM. UPON APPROVAL, THE FHAST FORM WILL BECOME THE BASIS OF THE CITY OF OLD RIVER-WINFREE FAIR HOUSING PLAN

4.         ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS7.

5.         ADJOURNMENT

 

I CERTIFY THE ABOVE PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA AND PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE WAS POSTED ON THE BULLETIN BOARD OUTSIDE THE OLD RIVER-WINFREE COMMUNITY BUILDING BY 5:00 P.M.  FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012

______________________________________

LINDA J. MURPHY, CITY SECRETARY

Texas attorney general demands enforcement of voter ID law for upcoming elections

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott issued the following statement on Jan. 23 about the state’s legal action seeking a federal court’s approval to implement the Texas voter identification law.

“The U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled that voter identification laws are constitutional,” Attorney General Greg Abbott said. “Texas should be allowed the same authority other states have to protect the integrity of elections. To fast-track that authority, Texas is taking legal action in a D.C. Court seeking approval of its voter identification law.”

Under the Texas voter identification law, voters must show a government-issued, photo identification in order to vote at a polling place. Texans who do not already have a driver’s license, passport, military identification card, or other approved form of identification can get a state-issued voter identification card free of charge from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Additionally, anyone who is disabled or over the age of 65 can vote by mail, which allows them to use mail-in ballots without having to get a photo identification.

The Texas Legislature enacted the photo identification law in 2011 to help deter and detect election fraud. In a decision upholding a similar voter identification law in Indiana, the U.S. Supreme Court recognized that all states have an “interest in deterring and detecting voter fraud.” Justice John Paul Stevens wrote that there “is no question about the legitimacy or importance of the State’s interest in counting only the votes of eligible voters” and that states have “justification for carefully identifying all voters participating in the election process.”

The Supreme Court also ruled that the voter identification law was justified because “flagrant examples” of election fraud have been documented throughout U.S. history. According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) website, federal prosecutors have secured election fraud convictions against more than 100 defendants since 2002. During the same period, the Texas Attorney General’s Office has successfully prosecuted nearly 50 individuals for violating the Texas Election Code. Those convictions include a woman who submitted her deceased mother’s ballot, an activist who cast votes illegally for elderly voters and a city council member who unlawfully registered ineligible foreign nationals to vote so they could support her in a contested primary election.

The Supreme Court made clear that photo identification requirements are nondiscriminatory. The Court also said it is not too much to ask of voters to get a photo identification. “The inconvenience of making a trip to the [Bureau of Motor Vehicles], gathering the required documents, and posing for a photograph surely does not qualify as a substantial burden on the right to vote, or even represent a significant increase over the usual burdens of voting.”

Before the current administration, the DOJ strongly supported voter identification. In fact, the DOJ filed a brief defending the Indiana voter identification law when it was challenged at the Supreme Court. At that time, the DOJ said, “in-person voter fraud is difficult to detect without rigorous ID requirements.” Now, the DOJ is adopting the opposite position on voter identification.

Although other states—like Indiana—can enforce their photo identification laws, Texas has been denied that authority because the federal Voting Rights Act prohibits changes to Texas election laws from being implemented until they are granted “preclearance” by either the DOJ or the federal courts. The Texas Secretary of State’s Office sought preclearance from the DOJ on July 25, 2011, but the Obama Administration has twice delayed the approval process—and is still holding the matter under review.

Despite the Supreme Court’s 2008 decision finding that state photo identification laws are constitutional, the DOJ recently refused to preclear South Carolina’s voter identification law in December 2011. Consequently, in an effort to ensure Texas’ photo identification law is implemented as quickly as possible, the State has begun the process of getting judicial preclearance from the federal courts.

In 2011 – the same year Texas passed its voter identification law – the States of Alabama, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Wisconsin also enacted photo identification laws. Those states are among the fifteen states that have enacted laws requiring voters to show photo identification at the polling place. However, because not all states are subject to Section 5’s preclearance requirements, recently enacted photo identification laws in Kansas, Tennessee and Wisconsin were allowed to take effect immediately—while Texas and South Carolina are unable to implement their voter identification laws until preclearance is granted.

In its letter denying preclearance to South Carolina, the DOJ claimed its decision was based upon the photo-identification requirement’s purported impact on minority voters. But the Justice Department’s claims ignore the Supreme Court’s decision rejecting similar legal claims in the Indiana case. The DOJ also failed to mention U.S. Census Bureau data indicating that African-American voter turnout increased by more than 10 percent in Georgia—and more than 5 percent in Indiana—after those states’ photo identification requirements were implemented.

Because the DOJ refused to preclear South Carolina’s voter identification law—and is delaying Texas’ ability to enforce its photo identification requirement—the State filed a lawsuit seeking judicial preclearance from the federal district court in Washington, DC. Given the Texas law’s similarity to the Indiana statute that was upheld by the Supreme Court, Texas argues that its photo identification requirement is lawful and should be precleared. Alternatively, the State argues that the Court must interpret Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act to permit preclearance of Texas’ voter identification law in order to avoid questions about the constitutionality of Section 5. As Justice Kennedy recently stated, “Texas is at a tremendous disadvantage” because “section 5 applies only to some States and not others.”

Although today’s legal action asks the federal court to approve its voter identification law, the State’s preclearance submission remains pending with the DOJ. The dual track approach is intended to facilitate the fastest possible resolution so that Texas can implement the new law as soon as possible. If the DOJ approves the law, the State will dismiss its lawsuit.

Community Emergency Response Team Free Certification Class in Baytown

 

 

Planes expected to reroute following massive solar eruption

A powerful M9-class solar storm that unleashed a coronal mass ejection toward Earth in the early hours of Jan. 23, 2012 (GMT)

An immense blast of plasma spewed late Sunday night from the sun led to the strongest radiation storm bombarding our planet since 2005, and a rare warning from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency — and even a plan to redirect certain high-flying airplanes.

NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center — the nation’s official source of warnings about space weather and its impact on Earth — issued a watch for a geomagnetic storm expected to hit our planet Tuesday morning after a satellite witnessed an ultraviolet flash from the massive solar eruption, according to Spaceweather.com.

RELATED STORIES

Massive solar flare headed toward Earth, may spark celestial light show

There is no risk to people on Earth, Doug Biesecker of the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center told FoxNews.com. 

But as a rare precaution, polar flights on Earth are expected to be re-routed, Kathy Sullivan, deputy administrator of NOAA, said today at a Meteorological Society meeting in New Orleans, La., according to Space.com.

Eruptions on the sun shoot tremendous streams of charged particles away from the star — in this case directly towards us.

“There is little doubt that the cloud is heading in the general direction of Earth,” Spaceweather.com announced in an alert. The blast from the immense solar radiation storm let loose with a so called coronal mass ejection (CME) that will hit the atmosphere Tuesday morning, something NASA and NOAA monitor for as it could cause problems for astronauts, communications satellites, and even rocket launches.

“A preliminary inspection of SOHO/STEREO imagery suggests that the CME will deliver a strong glancing blow to Earth’s magnetic field on Jan. 24-25 as it sails mostly north of our planet,” SpaceWeather’s bulletin read.

It could also affect navigation and the power grid.

The solar flare spat out late Sunday, Jan. 22, at 10:59 p.m. EST was rated an M9-class eruption — nearly an X-class flare, the most powerful type of solar storm.

NASA spokeswoman Kelly Humphries told Space.com the six spaceflyers currently living and working on the orbiting outpost are not in any danger.

“The flight surgeons have reviewed the space weather forecasts for the flare and determined that there are no expected adverse effects or actions required to protect the on-orbit crew,” Humphries told SPACE.com in an email.

The flare led to the largest radiation storm of its kind since 2005 — one still only described as a three on the scale of one to five, Biesecker told AFP.

NOAA measures geomagnetic storms on a five-point scale from 1 to 5. G1 storms are minor, leading to weak power grid fluctuations and having only minor impact on satellites. G5 storms are extreme, leading to widespread voltage control problems, damage to transformers, radio outages and satellite problems.

NOAA warned that of geomagnetic storms on Tuesday as well — another result of the flare. They may be as strong as G3, causing intermittent navigation issues and problems with low-Earth satellites.

The sun’s activity waxes and wanes on an 11-year cycle, Space.com reported. Currently, activity in Solar Cycle 24 is expected to ramp up toward a “solar maximum” in 2013.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2012/01/23/planes-rerouted-fearing-strongest-radiation-storm-in-7-years/#ixzz1Btw7pT3b

Chambers County Commissioners Court Agenda 1-24-12

 

 

 

 

 

ORWFD Team Meeting and Banquet Set for March 13, 2012

The first regular meeting of the Old River-Winfree Founders Day Team will be on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 in the Old River-Winfree Community Building.

This will be a Banquet-style meeting with catered food and Mr. Jeanette Green will be awarded the Volunteer of the Year for Old River-Winfree Founders Day.

If you want to get in on this fabulous event and volunteer, this is a great time to do it.

All are asked to RSVP to info@orwfoundersday.com as quickly as possible!

And That’s the Way it is……..in TEXAS

Texas our Texas!

Beaumont to El Paso: 742 miles

Beaumont to Chicago: 770 miles

El Paso is closer to California than to Dallas

World’s first rodeo was in Pecos… July 4, 1883.

The Flagship Hotel in Galveston is the only hotel in North America built over water.

The Heisman Trophy was named after John William Heisman who was the first full time coach for Rice University in Houston.

Brazoria County has more species of birds than any other area in North America.

Arkansas Wildlife Refuge is the winter home of North America’s only remaining flock of whooping cranes.

Jalapeno jelly originated in Lake Jackson in 1978.

The worst natural disaster in U.S.. history was in 1900 caused by a hurricane in which over 8000 lives were lost on Galveston Island.

The first word spoken from the moon, July 20, 1969, was “Houston.”

King Ranch is larger than Rhode Island.

Tropical Storm Claudette brought a US. rainfall record of 43″ in 24 hours in and around Alvin in July 1979.

Texas is the only state to enter the U.S. by TREATY, instead of by annexation. (This allows the Texas flag to fly at the same height as the US flag.)

A Live Oak tree near Fulton is estimated to be 1500 years old. Caddo Lake is the only natural lake in the state.

Dr Pepper was invented in Waco in 1885. There is no period after Dr in Dr Pepper.

Texas has had six capital cities:

Washington-on-the-Brazos

Harrisburg

Galveston

Velasco

West Columbia

Austin

The Capitol Dome in Austin is the only dome in the U.S. which is taller than the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. (by 7 feet).

The name Texas comes from the Hasini Indian word “tejas” meaning friends. Tejas is not Spanish for Texas.

The State animal is the Armadillo. (An interesting bit of trivia about the armadillo is they always have four babies! They have one egg which splits into four and they either have four males or four females.)

The first domed stadium in the U.S. was the Astrodome in Houston;  also known as the Eighth Wonder Of The World!

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS – TEXAS STYLE

People here in Texas have trouble with all those shalls and shall nots in the 10 Commandments. Folks here just aren’t used to talking in those terms.

So, some folks out in west Texas got together and translated the “King James” into “King Ranch” language: Ten Commandments, cowboy style.

Cowboy’s Ten Commandments posted on the wall at Cross Trails Church in Fairlie, Texas.

1) Just one God.

2) Honor yer Ma & Pa.

3) No telling tales or gossipin’.

4) Git yourself to Sunday meeting.

5) Put nothin’ before God.

6) No foolin’ around with another fellow’s gal.

7) No killin’.

8) Watch yer mouth.

9) Don’t take what ain’t yers.

10) Don’t be hankerin’ for yer buddy’s stuff.

Now that’s kinda plain an’ simple don’t ya think? Y’all have a good Day.

Ya Hear.

Really Old Postcards!  Remember When?

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Dane Listi, City Attorney Honored With Trophy for 2011 ORWFD

Mr. Dane Listi, noted Baytown Attorney and Old River-Winfree City Attorney for at least the last 15 years was recognized at the last Old River-Winfree City Council Meeting for his support of Old River-Winfree Founders Day.

Mr. Listi has sponsored an event every year since the first Founders Day.  In the last two years Dane has sponsored the popular Miss West Chambers County Natural Beauty Contest.

You have seen many pictures of the winners of the 2011 winners in the Unique Contest.  There wouldn’t be a contest if it wasn’t for our sponsors!

Always taking a personal interest in our community, we thank Dane Listi for believing in Old River-Winfree!

Home Remedies? We Never Have Enough of Them

For icy door steps in freezing temperatures:  Get warm water and put Dawn dish washing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won’t refreeze.

To remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the freezer for a few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The wax will fall out.. 

Crayon marks on walls?  This worked wonderfully!  A damp rag, dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!). 

Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt
BLUE!) rubbing alcohol on paper towel. 

Whenever I purchase a box of S.O.S Pads, I immediately take a pair of scissors and cut each pad into halves.  After years of having to throw away rusted and unused and smelly pads, I finally decided that this would be much more economical.  Now a box of S.O.S pads last me indefinitely! In fact, I have noticed that the scissors get ‘sharpened” this way!

Blood stains on clothes?  Not to worry!  Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood.  Works every time! 

Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows.  This way you can tell which side has the streaks.. Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean.  Don’t wash windows on a sunny day.  They will dry too quickly and will probably streak. 

Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely a light scent in each room when the light is turned on. 

Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come.  You can also do this with towels and linen. 

Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning. 

To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers.  Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new!  Works like a charm! 

To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stove top. 

Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won’t be any stains.

Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks. 

When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn’s natural sweetness. 

Cure for headaches:  Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on your forehead.  The throbbing will go away.

Don’t throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces.

To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience instant relief. 

Ants, ants, ants everywhere.  Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line.  So, get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march.

Use air-freshener to clean mirrors.  It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine. 

When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle.  Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, and then pull it off.  Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily. True!

 Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer…Clean a toilet.  Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush. 

Clean a vase.  To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water, and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets. 

Polish jewelry.  Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes. 

Clean a thermos bottle..  Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (Or longer, if necessary). 

Unclog a drain.  Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes, and then run the hot water. 

Family in Need in Old River-Winfree Community

COMMUNITY OUTREACH!!!!!Simple Simon’s Pizza is asking the community to reach out and help a Family who lost everything last night in a House fire on Sunnyside..

They are in need of anything and everything ….Girl 4T, shoes 9….. 2 twin boys pants size10 slim, shirts 8-10, shoes 3.Women’s pants 1 or 2, shirt small, Mans XL ….

For any other question you can call the owner Mary at Simple Simon’s Pizza 281-576-2022 or you can bring what ever you have to donate there ASAP so we can get them some much needed things 

The benefits of Texas JET grants in the latest Texas Rising update

Grants through the state’s Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) program are helping thousands of Texas students across the state gain valuable work skills. The programs not only help more Texans attain postsecondary education, but on average help them earn more than $17,000 in annual salary than they would without that education. The graphic below shows more about students being trained on JET equipment. Read the full article for more about the program and the communities, schools and students who benefit.

Through its publications and reports, the Comptroller’s office provides accurate and helpful information that Texans can use. Texas Rising offers in-depth insight and analysis focused on vital economic development topics with a focus on resources to help cities, communities and economic development corporations plan for tomorrow’s success.