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AUSTIN – Gov. Greg Abbott has signed a bill that would ban texting while driving, although the bill is set to be revisited when lawmakers return in special session.

The ban, which would prohibit the reading, writing and sending of electronic messages via mobile devices while operating a vehicle, does not include talking on mobile phones while driving. Drivers will also still be able to use GPS systems on mobile phones while driving.

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DAINGERFIELD – Each summer, libraries host events based around a central theme. This summer’s theme for the Summer Library Program is “Build a Better World.”

On June 15, local libraries worked together by bringing Lil Bitty Corral to both Daingerfield and Hughes Springs for a “hands-on” experience with petting zoo animals for the children.

Lil Bitty Corral is operated by Rancho Condarco which is owned by Dianne and Ross Condarco.

Children at both locations had the opportunity to get to know some of Rancho Condarco’s animals. Children were able to brush goats, donkeys, a miniature horse, potbelly pigs, and even cows. In small animal pens at both locations, children had the opportunity to pet ducklings and chicks, and hold rabbits. Each child had the opportunity to go into both pens, and meet each of the different animals.

DAINGERFIELD – Local fire crews are looking into the cause of a fire that destroyed several apartments behind the Daingerfield Fire Station on June 17.

The fire was reported approximately 6:30 p.m. in a complex located at the corner of Cramer and Wildwood streets.

No one was seriously injured in the blaze that displaced four families, according to the fire departments.

The official cause of the fire had not yet been determined as of press time Monday.

To continue reading this article, purchase the print edition of The Steel Country Bee or go to our online e-edition at: http://www.etypeservices.com/Daingerfield%20BeeID312/

AUSTIN -- Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 16, which reduces the fee for a license to carry a handgun in the state of Texas.

The bill was signed on May 24.

This legislation will decrease the financial burden on law-abiding Texans that are seeking to obtain or renew the proper licensing to legally carry a handgun. Additionally, the bill waives the license fee required for peace officers and members of the Texas military forces.

“Texas is known for its strong Second Amendment rights laws, and I’m proud to further strengthen those rights today,” said Abbott. “No law abiding Texan should be priced out of the ability to exercise their Second Amendment rights.”

Senate Bill 16 fee reductions include:

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Free meals for local children in June

DAINGERFIELD – All children under the age of 18 are invited to West and South Elementary school for free meals from June 5-30. Breakfast will be served from 7:45-8:15 a.m., and lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Lunch will also be served at the Daingerfield City Park beginning at 11 a.m. Meals will only be served Mondays – Friday, and children are required to stay on site until they finish eating.

MCSO fan drive is under way

DAINGERFIELD -- The Morris County Sheriff’s Office is once again accepting fans and air conditioners for those who will struggle with the high temperatures to come. Drop off donations at the Sheriff’s Office at 502 Union St., in Daingerfield, next to the courthouse.

Gardening club meetings slated

No one was injured when crews battled a truck fire on Highway 130 on June 7. Daingerfield Fire Department personnel was dispatched to a call at approximately 4:30 p.m. of a truck on fire one mile from Atlas Roofing. Upon arrival, fire crews found the pickup truck fully engulfed. Fire had also spread to nearby grass areas, which the department quickly extinguished upon arrival. The truck’s owner Shane Hartgrove said “smoke just started pouring out of the dash.” Hartgrove was uninjured in the fire. The cause of the fire was unknown at press time.

LONE STAR – One person was transported with non-life-threatening injuries after the motorcycle he was riding crashed on Highway 729, just outside of Lone Star on June 9.

Emergency crews were called to reports of a motorcycle accident around lunchtime.

The motorcycle was the only vehicle involved in the incident, and the exact cause of the crash was unknown at press time.

According to witnesses, the driver of the motorcycle was not wearing a helmet.

DAINGERFIELD — Daingerfield State Park is the place for summer fun throughout June. Through Friday, June 30, the park will host 16 programs focused on family fun and learning about the natural world. The park will conduct ranger led hikes traversing the Rustling Leaves Trail which winds through the “Cathedral of the Trees” around Lake Daingerfield. Movie Nights showing public domain movies with a short nature program will be held at the amphitheater every Friday night during the month. Also during June, you will have a chance to fish with a ranger, kayak with a ranger exploring the lake and have fun making nature art. To bring each fun packed Saturday to a fitting conclusion, the park will host a Dance with classics from our vintage jukebox from 8-10 p.m. Space may be limited for some events, so call ahead to reserve a spot. Bring a picnic and enjoy the newly enhanced views from the day-use area. Fish off the pier or rent a boat and try your luck throughout the lake.

Gator discovered dead on I-30

FROM STAFF REPORTS

MORRIS COUNTY – Morris County Deputies responded to a different type of call on June 1, when they were dispatched to a report of an alligator on Interstate 30. Sheriff Jack Martin said the report came in at approximately 12:13 p.m. Chief Deputy Robbie Gray and Deputy Donald Partridge arrived on scene to find an alligator that had been run over by an 18-wheeler. The incident occurred near the 178 mile marker. According to Martin, Trooper Tyler Watson worked the incident and Game Worden Mark Braddock disposed of the alligator following the investigation.

Free meals for local children in June

DAINGERFIELD – The
Friends of the Daingerfield
Public Library opened the
summer children’s activity
program June 1 at the Morris
County Annex with Mini
Encounters Mini Horse
Therapy from Melissa, Texas.
According to owner
Bobbi Hoenigman, the mini
therapy horses visit veteran’s
hospitals and nursing
homes, and help patients.
“We have seen patients
who would start talking
when we bring in the horses,”
said Hoenigman. “We
provide one on one and
small group visits for animal
assisted and pet visitation
therapy.”
Hoenigman began by introducing
the children to
two of the therapy horses,
Brave and Jade.