News from September 2023
Texas Department of Public Safety warns of the effects of improper firearm storage
By Lone Star Standard | Sep 29, 2023
On September 27th, the Texas Department of Public Safety issued a warning about the dangers of improper firearm and ammunition storage. They emphasized that such negligence could result in firearms ending up in the wrong hands, including criminals. To address this issue, they provided a list of guidelines for safely storing firearms of all types.
Department of Family and Protective Services named a '5-star' winner for the VETS Indexes Employer Awards
By Lone Star Standard | Sep 29, 2023
On September 28th, the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) announced that they have been named one of the '5-star' winners for the VETS Indexes Employer Awards. The award recognizes the exceptional support DFPS provides to veterans and their families through their MilVets Program.
Department of State Health Services advises Texans to get the flu shot as soon as possible
By Lone Star Standard | Sep 29, 2023
As flu season quickly approaches, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is advising Texans to get their flu shots before the end of October to have the best chance at avoiding contracting the illness.
11th Annual Mortgage Industry Seminar to be held November 6th
By Lone Star Standard | Sep 28, 2023
The Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending, under the Finance Commission of Texas, announced they will be hosting their 11th annual Mortgage Industry Seminar on November 6th in Southlake, Texas.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Announced the ten new projects they will pursue in the coming thanks to the HAAP program
By Lone Star Standard | Sep 28, 2023
This morning, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) announced their selection of ten projects that they will be pursuing in the coming year. These projects will be funded by the Habitat and Angler Access Program (HAAP), with the goal of improving fish habitats and waterways across the state of Texas.
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission proud to announce 93% of retailers are doing their part to stop underage drinking
By Lone Star Standard | Sep 27, 2023
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission conducted over a thousand "underage compliance operations" to test if retailers would sell to minors. Through their inspections, they found a 93% success rate of these merchants.
Senator Juan Chuy Hinojosa: 'Thank you to Walmart for their generous support of the Food Bank of the Rio Grand Valley'
By Lone Star Standard | Sep 27, 2023
Senator Juan Chuy Hinojosa expresses his gratitude to Walmart for their generous awarding of a $358,200 grant to the Food Bank of the Rio Grand Valley. In a tweet, Senator Hinojosa thanked Walmart for their support and announced that the grant will help in feeding families in need.
As immigration continues to increase, the Texas National Guard sends more support to border communities
By Lone Star Standard | Sep 26, 2023
On September 21st, the Texas National Guard announced that they would be sending additional personnel and equipment to the border as part of Operation Lone Star. This move is aimed at providing support to border communities and reducing the flow of illegal immigration and drug trafficking in the state and into the country.
Texas Advanced Nuclear Reactor Working Group will hold its first public workshop September 28th
By Lone Star Standard | Sep 25, 2023
The recently developed Advanced Nuclear Reactor Working Group, under the Public Utility Commission of Texas, will be hosting their first public workshop to explore nuclear energy opportunities for Texas. Governor Greg Abbott addressed the Interim Chair of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), Kathleen Jackson, on August 16th, stating that Texas must now look at nuclear energy as a new form of power. The job of the PUCT will be to explore if nuclear energy is an avenue Texas should explore as a new form of reliable and affordable power. Governor Abbott established the...
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announces Panhandle Wildlife Conference will take place October 20-21st
By Lone Star Standard | Sep 25, 2023
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced that in October they will be hosting the first Panhandle Wildlife Conference in nearly thirty years. The conference, which is being organized in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources Management at Texas Tech University and the Texas Wildlife Association, is aimed at providing landowners and land managers in the Texas Panhandle with up-to-date information on a variety of topics related to wildlife management.
Twenty-six Texas public schools awarded the National Blue Ribbon honor
By Lone Star Standard | Sep 25, 2023
The Texas Education Agency has announced that 26 public schools in Texas have been awarded the National Blue Ribbon honor for 2023. The United States Department of Education selected a total of 353 schools nationwide to receive this prestigious recognition.
CEO of American Federation for Children: Republicans against education freedom 'should expect to lose their seat in the Republican primary next year'
By Lone Star Standard Report | Sep 25, 2023
Gov. Greg Abbott announced his intent to call a special session for the Texas legislature aimed at passing a monumental school choice bill, which failed in May due to a number of Republicans' opposition. Tommy Schultz, CEO of the American Federation for Children, called out these legislative members for not supporting parents' rights.
Peacock: Renewables behind Texas grid emergency
By Bill Peacock | Sep 25, 2023
When the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the operator of most of the Texas electric grid, declared an Energy Emergency Alert 2 on Sept. 6 for the first time since Winter Storm Uri, it exposed how renewable energy and renewable energy subsidies are rapidly undermining the reliability of the Texas electric grid.
Non-profit organization, My Possibilities, awarded $350,000 Texas Talent Connection Grant
By Lone Star Standard | Sep 24, 2023
Non-profit organization, My Possibilities, has been awarded the prestigious Texas Talent Connection grant by Governor Greg Abbott, according to an announcement made by the Texas Workforce Commission on September 21st. The grant, which amounts to $350,000, aims to support workforce training projects that lead to higher rates of job placement, higher wages, and increased job retention. My Possibilities plans to utilize the funds to establish the Employment Innovation School, a new facility that will provide higher education and employment opportunities for adults with...
Elimination of red flour beetle at Penny Newman Grain Company almost complete
By Lone Star Standard | Sep 24, 2023
The red flour beetle infestation at Penny Newman Grain Company in Hockley County is almost completely eliminated, according to Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. The company has faced heavy fines and new incoming loads as a result of the infestation. The Red Flour Beetle is a close relative to the Confused Flour Beetle and can cause significant damage by contaminating grain. It is believed that the infestation originated from supply trains hauling in almond hulls from California. Penny Newman Grain Company failed to fully eradicate the beetles within the given ten-day...
The Department of Criminal Justice continues their search of correctional facilities for all illegal contraband
By Lone Star Standard | Sep 24, 2023
The Department of Criminal Justice has recently provided an update on their ongoing lockdown and search of all Texas Correctional Facilities in their quest to rid these institutions of illegal contraband. The lockdown was initiated on September 6th, as a response to the alarming increase in contraband being smuggled into the facilities.
An Open Border Coalition is Tearing Law Enforcement Apart
By Lone Star Standard | Sep 22, 2023
An Open Border Coalition is Tearing Law Enforcement Apart
We all have the power to ensure child wellbeing in Texas
By Amy Bruno and Murray Chanow | Sep 22, 2023
Child wellbeing should be a priority at all levels of American government, especially when it comes to children who face abuse, neglect or are otherwise at risk. By a 6-to-1 margin, voters say the federal government should spend more on the health, safety and wellbeing of our children, according to a 2022 nationwide poll.
Will Gov. Abbott deliver a school choice victory?
By Lone Star Standard Editorial Board | Sep 18, 2023
Overshadowed by the impeachment proceedings in the Texas legislature is the issue of school choice. Will Governor Abbott call a special session to pass a school choice bill? Will he be able to whip the votes in the House that would deliver this major legislative priority?
Department of Public Safety names Captain Wende Wakeman as the first female major in Ranger history
By Lone Star Standard | Sep 15, 2023
In a historic move, Captain Wende Wakeman has been named as the first female major in the history of the Texas Rangers. The Department of Public Safety recognized her exceptional qualities and dedication to duty, promoting her to this prestigious rank. Captain Wakeman has been with the DPS for over two decades, consistently demonstrating her commitment to serving and protecting the public.