Texans asked to conserve energy in heat wave
The agency that operates the power grid for much of the state asked Texans to conserve energy use several times last week as the grid was beset with high demand and low wind-power generation, according to the Austin American-Statesman.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas has asked electric users to reduce energy use as the state continues to face a tenacious heat wave.
Misdemeanor Arrests
Felony Arrests
Citations
COLLEGE STATION — On Friday, a helicopter delivering water to the 150-acre Barth Fire in Caldwell County almost collided with a drone that came within feet of the aircraft.
Drones are a serious safety hazard for both the aviation resources as well as the firefighters on the ground and can cause a serious or fatal accident if they collide with firefighting aircraft.
AMARILLO – Electricity providers in the Southwest Power Pool, including Xcel Energy, expect a spike in demand as extreme heat spreads across the central U.S. this week, prompting Xcel Energy and other member companies to encourage conservation among their customers.
STAAR scores show continued struggles in math, reading
Texas public student scores in standardized testing continue to improve since the pandemic, but more than half of those taking the test still struggle with math and just under half read below grade-level, the Texas Tribune reported.
A collision involving two semi-tractor trailers 2 miles east of the Oasis Truck Stop on Wednesday morning, August 18, blocked a section of both eastbound lanes of US 60 for most of the morning, as Canadian firefighters worked to extricate the injured Rocking T Trucking driver. Hemphill County EMT paramedics were on scene, stabilizing the as-yet unidentified truck driver and administering emergency aid, while firefighters used the Jaws of Life to free him from the wreckage.
Misdemeanor Arrests
•Lorena Herrera, 25, Canadian; public intoxication; 8/13/23; HCSO
Felony Arrests
None
Citations
•Maria Rebeca Rosendo, Spearman; speeding; 8/10/23
Record sea temps could spur more hurricanes
Hemphill County Commissioners are inviting taxpayers to a public hearing on the proposed tax rate and budget for fiscal year 2023-24. The hearing will begin at 9 am tomorrow, Monday, August 14, in the Commissioners Court meeting room.
The proposed tax rate of $0.450000/$100 is unchanged from last year’s rate. It will, however, bring in more revenue that last year’s rate did, due to an approximately $100 million increase in Hemphill County’s taxable values.
TEMPLE– The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) is requesting proposals for watershed assessment, planning, implementation, demonstration, and education projects seeking funding under the FY2024 Nonpoint Source Grant Program. Proposed projects should focus on agricultural and/or silvicultural nonpoint source pollution prevention and abatement activities within the boundaries of impaired or threatened watersheds.
