State Capital HIGHLIGHTS

Bill would require fentanyl education The death of a Leander High School graduate from a fentanyl overdose has prompted state Rep.

Beyond the Game…

The Texas High School Coaches Association—organized by 28 coaches in 1930—now has a membership of some 24,000. It also has an education foundation that introduced the “Grant Teaff Coaching Beyond the Game Award” a decade ago.

Texas Senate Review

The Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved a bill that would lower the threshold for felony conviction of making or dealing fentanyl while increasing the penalties for those convicted.

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.