Columns/Opinions

By ED STERLING

AUSTIN — Top state officials last week named members to the Texas Public School Finance Commission, an agency created by legislation passed last summer during a special session of the 85th Texas Legislature.

Gov. Greg Abbott named Scott Brister of Waco, a former justice of the Texas Supreme Court, as chair of the commission.

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I have always been a lover of all things Christmas. I had always turned on the Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving and kept it playing all year. The tree was the same- it would go up the day after thanksgiving, and stay up till after Jan. 1. (Because you know it is bad luck to take it down before then!) There was nothing I looked forward to more than Christmas time and getting everything ready for that festive time of the year.

Over the years, I have learned that although I still enjoy the Christmas season, as I fully understand the reason for the season, I seem to have found myself in a sort of funk the last few years. Now, I don’t mean a “child not believing in Santa Claus” kind of funk. As this season quickly approaches, I have found myself thinking about the Christmas funk, and what we can do to help those who may be in one.

By ED STERLING

AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott has asked the Texas Rangers to investigate reports of sexual misconduct and inappropriate relationships by Texas Juvenile Justice Department personnel.

On Dec. 13 Abbott sent a letter to Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw requesting the investigation.

“Recent reports of sexual misconduct and inappropriate relationships by state employees at the Texas Juvenile Justice Department are reprehensible and necessitate an appropriate response,” Abbott said. “Action is needed to guarantee the protection of the youth in the care and custody of the State of Texas. I am requesting that our esteemed Texas Rangers immediately open a detailed investigation to determine the extent of the alleged misconduct at the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.”

by ED STERLING 

AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott on Nov. 20 extended the disaster declaration for counties affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Some 60 counties are included and they will continue to be eligible for assistance as they recover and rebuild.

“The most important message I want to send to the victims of this storm is that they are not alone as they continue to recover from this storm. While we still have a long way to go to return to a new normal, I have no doubt that Texas will eventually emerge from this disaster stronger than ever before,” Abbott said.

Declarations must be renewed every 30 days for assistance to remain available. Gov. Abbott said he would continue to renew them as needed throughout the recovery process.

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I have been pondering this for a while, and I think that now is a good time to bring it up, since football season is over.

Frankly, I am appalled by the actions of some adults at local football games. Yep, I went there. When I was young, one of the first things I was taught was that you never “Boo” anybody- not the coaches, not the officials, and definitely not the kids playing football. I have seen this happen in all levels from little league football all the way to the varsity level. I have sat in the stands when things didn’t go the way the fans thought they should, and was honestly ashamed of what I heard.

by TONI WALKER 

DAINGERFIELD – A local man was killed after he was struck by a train on Nov. 25 in Daingerfield.

According to Daingerfield Police Chief Tracey Climer, officers were dispatched to Webb Street at approximately 7:55 a.m. in reference to a train hitting a pedestrian. After contacting railroad personnel, it was confirmed that the male had come out of the bushes, walking into the train.

Dwight Zimmerman, 49 of Daingerfield, was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Jennifer Easley. Zimmerman’s family has been notified.

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To The Citizens of Morris County:

At this time I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to those who have supported me during the last nineteen years. It has been a privilege and honor serving you, the citizens of Morris County, as your County Treasurer. However, I will not seek re-election and on December 31, 2018, I will retire after twenty years of service.

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By ED STERLING

AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott and Vice President Mike Pence on Nov. 15 received a briefing on Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts at the Federal Emergency Management Agency Joint Field Office in the capital city.

Pence, in town for the Republican Governors Association conference, joined Abbott, FEMA Administrator Brock Long, Energy Secretary Rick Perry and state and local officials to discuss ways to improve federal and state coordination of resources. Abbott thanked Pence for “his commitment to the people of Texas” in the aftermath of the hurricane that struck the Texas coast in late August, bringing historically heavy rains, flooding and destructive winds.

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