State Capital HIGHLIGHTS

House pushes armed officer at all schools Under legislation prioritized by House Speaker Dade Phelan, every Texas school would have an armed police officer, and aspiring teachers would receive extra support.

Uncle Mort and Minnie Pearl…

Minnie Pearl—queen of country humor for a half-century— ”country-talked” her way into our hearts, mostly from the stage of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. Nowadays, the $1.98 price tag dangling from her hat is but a distant memory.

Running Life’s Race…

To describe the workouts he directed as “grueling” might be an extreme understatement if the athletes who ran for late track coach J. H. (Cap) Shelton are consulted. Known as the “dean of Texas track coaches,” he served at Howard Payne University—his alma mater—for 49 years.

State Capital HIGHLIGHTS

State Capital Street takeover spurs governor’s action Gov. Greg Abbott has created a statewide task force after several “street takeovers” recently took place in Austin in which motorists obstructed intersections, shot off fireworks and drove recklessly.

PASTOR’S CORNER

We live in a time of local murders, war in Europe, floating spy balloons, supply chain disruptions, rising prices, political polarization, and changing social mores. Anxiety prevails. Looking at the art in the sanctuary I remember that Jesus is over the world.

State Capital HIGHLIGHTS

Abbott issues disaster declaration, seeks fed help Gov. Greg Abbot has issued a disaster declaration for Texas counties affected by the early February ice storm and is seeking a federal declaration as well for areas in Southeast Texas affected by rare January tornadoes.

Fraidy-cats Are Us…

The 21st century may soon be most known for worldwide paranoia. When topics worthy of fright are recorded, the list will spill over to a second page, and maybe a third. My aged Uncle Mort down in the thicket is a solid example.

PASTOR’S CORNER

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 Do you ever feel overwhelmed?

State Capital HIGHLIGHTS

Ice storm wreaks havoc in much of state Residents in Central and Northeast Texas are still cleaning up after a winter storm last week snapped power lines and tree limbs, causing widespread power outages, canceled flights and damage to homes and vehicles.

State Capital HIGHLIGHTS

Lawmakers push $15K teacher raises A group of House Democrats is proposing a $15,000 raise for the state’s teachers and a 25% raise for other state employees by using some of the state’s record budget surplus. State Rep.