Renee James, an associate professor of physics at Sam Houston State University, has been named a "Gold Star" in the NASA-sponsored Top Stars contest.
The event invited U.S. formal and informal educators to submit their best examples of using NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope in science, technology, engineering or mathematics education.
The Top Stars contest was conducted by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies in cooperation with the Space Telescope Science Institute. Submissions were accepted from individuals and from teams of up to four members and included any combination of text, graphics, video and photos.
James was recognized for "The Life and Death of Bob (a.k.a NGC 6397), in an Introductory College-Level Astronomy Course." The course uses a slide show and supplemental images to chronicle the use of Hubble images through a semester-long course.
POLICE NEWS
July 30, 2010
In Huntsville Police news on the day shift Wednesday, several vehicle burglaries were reported. One was in the 2500 block of Lake Road where an unlocked vehicle was entered and tools stolen. A second burglary occurred in the 1300 block of Smither Drive where someone forced entry into a vehicle and stole a purse. A third burglary was reported in the 2700 block of Montgomery Road where an unknown suspect entered three unlocked vehicles and rummaged through belongings. And, a fourth vehicle burglary was reported at State Highway 30 and Avenue J where tools were reported stolen. In the 400 block of Palm Street a bicycle was reported taken. And, counterfeit currency was recovered from a restaurant in the 2700 block of 11th Street.
On Wednesday's night shift, several vehicle burglaries were investigated--one in the 2700 block of Montgomery Road, and multiple vehicles were entered in the 2800 block of Lake Road. In the 1300 block of Windsor Street, police report that possibly known suspects entered the residence and stole a computer.
On the day shift Thursday, a 32-year-old man was arrested in the 2600 block of El Toro for aggravated assault. Also, a 21-year-old man was arrested in the 700 block of FM 2821 on a warrant for possession of child pornography.
FORMER NAVASOTA TEACHER OUT ON BOND
July 30, 2010
A former Navasota teacher who has been charged with Indecent Behavior with a Child has been released on bond to await his trial.
Roberto Andaverde's bond was reduced by a judge from $100,000 dollars to $10,000 dollars. Andaverde is from Mexico, and prosecutors say he is a flight risk. His trial has been postponed for several months while an appeal is made by prosecutors because of a judge's decision to keep part of his confession from the jury.
If convicted, Andaverde could serve up to 40 years in prison.
CONGRESSMAN BRADY COMMENTS ON HEALTH CARE CHART
July 30, 2010
A congressional panel has released the first chart illustrating the 2,801 page health care law President Obama signed into law in March.
Congressman Brady comments on what it means . . . .
The chart is available for viewing on Congressman Brady's website.
HUNTSVILLE HORNET SEASON TICKETS
July 30, 2010
Beginning Monday, August 2nd through Thursday, August 12th, Huntsville Hornet season ticket holders have the option to purchase the same tickets as last season. Any tickets not purchased by August 12th, will be offered for sale to the general public beginning Monday, August 16th.
This season there will be five home games. The price of this year's season tickets will be $30 dollars per seat. Tickets may be purchasd in the Business Office at the Hawkins Administration Buiding located at 441 FM 2821 East from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, including lunch hours. For more information, contact Sherry Odom at 293-2562.
SHSU GRADUATION CEREMONIES
July 29, 2010
The speaker for the upcoming SHSU graduation ceremonies has been chosen.
Assistant Director of Communicatons, Julia May, updates us . . . .
The 10 AM ceremony is for the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Criminal Justice. The 2 PM ceremony is for the colleges of Business Administraton and Education.
HPD DRUG BUST RESULTS IN MULTIPLE CHARGES
July 29, 2010
As a result of a long-term Huntsville Police Department investigation, a 26-year-old Huntsville resident was arrested Tuesday on multiple drug-related charges.
According to HPD Lieutenant Jim Barnes, the HPD Narcotics Unit with assistance from the HPD SWAT served a narcotic arrest warrant on Jason Leon Tyson at approximately 5:30 Tuesday afternoon, and the arrest led to additional charges.
Barnes said, "During the course of an ongoing investigation, a warrant was obtained on Tyson for delivery of a controlled substance." Barnes added that, "During the arrest, additional charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana also occurred."
Barnes said the investigation also resulted in the seizure of two cars and an undisclosed amount of cash.
SHSU REPERTORY THEATER
July 29, 2010
Theatre presentations by students are scheduled soon at SHSU.
New Theater Manager Katy Stesaniak fills us in . . . .
Performances will be in the University Theater Center Showcase Theater.
HISD HEALTH ASSESSMENT
July 29, 2010
At this week's regular meeting of HISD Board of Trustees, boardmembers considered approving the recommendation of the Student Health Advisory Council committee to assess HISD health programs.
Assistant Superintendent John DeBrock commented on the committee's efforts . . . .
Our guest on "Around Town" this weekend is Texas Prison Museum Director Jim Willett. Mark your calendars, because Jim recently passed along to us information on a free upcoming event--an old-timer get together for TDCJ employees . . . .
That get-together will be October 9th from 10 AM to 2 PM. No reservations will be required.
HISD TRUSTEES APPROVE "CODE OF CONDUCT"
July 28, 2010
The HISD Board of Trustees met for a regular board meeting Tuesday night at the Hawkins Administration Building. One of the major topics for discussion centered around disciplinary issues. Several African-American parents expressed concern about how their children were treated in disciplinary incidents and how they were treated by staff when visiting.
Superintendent, Dr. Richard Montgomery, said that regarding its handling of disciplinary action, HISD has been monitored recently by the Texas Education Agency. They reviewed 317 student disciplinary files . . . .
Assistant Superintendent John DeBrock addressed the meeting in regard to the new Code of Conduct for the new school year. In the new code, among several changes, students will be given more due process in disciplinary matters in that the new reporting process allows that the student's version of an incident will be considered and entered on a special form.
The Board approved the new code.
JUDGE DANNY PIERCE ON NEW BUDGET PROPOSAL
July 28, 2010
Walker County Commissioners have been working on a budget proposal with budget workshops scheduled during the past several weeks. A tentative budget proposal was discussed Monday morning at a special session. The fiscal year 2010-2011 budget is in the range of around $25,150,000 dollars.
Walker County Judge Danny Pierce talked with KSAM News Tuesday in regard to their ongoing efforts on the proposed budget . . . .
Candidates are beginning to file applications for a place on the City of Huntsville general election ballot this week.
KSAM News checked with Deputy City Secretary Kristin Edwards, and she informed us that four City Council incumbents have filed applications for a place on the November ballot.
Running for another term will be Charles Forbus for Position 3, Dalene Zender for Position 1, Lanny Ray for Position 4, and Melissa Templeton for Position 2.
Other candidates filing an application include, Lydia Montgomery for Position 2 and Keith Olson for Position 4.
Applications for a place on the ballot may be filed at the City Secretary's office through Tuesday August 24th.
CHAMBER'S "FAIR ON THE SQUARE" PLANNING UNDERWAY
July 28, 2010
The Annual "Fair on the Square" will be back again this fall, and the local Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce has planning underway for the big event.
Events and Communcations Manager Laura Green has information . . . .
A Huntsville Police Department officer arrested a 28-year-old Huntsville resident Saturday on four counts, including possession of a controlled substance, possession of a dangerous drug, and tampering with physical evidence.
According to HPD Lieutenant Jim Barnes, Trent De'Ray Archie was apprehended after HPD Officer Tim Watson observed him traveling at 44 mph in a 30 mph zone.
Barnes said that around 10 PM Saturday, "Watson conducted a traffic stop in the 1000 block of Martin Luther King, which led to an arrest." Barnes said, "The initial traffic offense of speeding occurred in the 800 block of MLK."
He said, "Officer Watson observed the driver throw items from the car, later identified as illegal narcotics, in the 900 block of MLK and eventually detained the vehicle in the 1000 block."
YMCA FALL YOUTH SPORTS
July 27, 2010
There will be sports programs available for the kids in Huntsville this fall.
YMCA Program Coordinator Wade Schrock fills us in . . . .
This past weekend we talked with Jail Administrator, Captain Steve Fisher, regarding issues of overcrowding at the County Jail. Captain Fisher related to us the problems encountered when trying to separate prisoners by security guidelines set by the state.
Sheriff Clint McRae also participated in the interview, telling us about another factor contributing to overcrowding . . . .
County Commissioners continue to study ways to solve the overcrowding issue.
SHSU NAMED "GREAT COLLEGE TO WORK FOR"
July 27, 2010
A new survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education has named Sam Houston State University among the nation’s best universities to work for.
The recognition comes as part of the publication’s "2010 Great Colleges to Work For" survey which was released Monday.
SHSU President Jim Gaertner said, "The faculty, staff and community have long known that Sam Houston State University is a great place to work." He said, "It is rewarding to receive national recognition, as well."
SHSU was one of only two public, 4-year universities in Texas that were named as great working places. The other was the University of Texas-Austin.
More than 43,000 people at 275 campuses were surveyed about how universities ranked in 12 categories to compile the list of the nation’s 97 best colleges or universities to work for.
HISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETS TONIGHT
July 27, 2010
The HISD Board of Trustees meets tonight at 6:30 for a regular board meeting at the Hawkins Administration Building.
This evening's "Consent Agenda" includes approval of a budget amendment, and approval of items such as music supplies, special education materials, counseling supplies, and Career Tech supplies. Also included, is the approval of bids for the tax sale of trust properties and personnel related items.
Trustees will look at the adoption of the School Health Index to assess health programs. They will consider the appointment of a Board Delegate and Alternate Delegate to the Texas Association of School Boards Convention. Trustees will consider approval of the Code of Conduct for the 2010-2011 School year, and consider Board approval of the Order for School Trustees Election on November 2nd, 2010.
They will hear reports on a Transportation Grant, and the 2010-2011 Budget. There will also be a discussion regarding the hiring process for principals and coaches.
At this evening's meeting, there will also be an update on the status of the Hopewell School, and information regarding the PDF version of the 2010-2011 Student Handbooks.
COMMISSIONERS MEET THIS MORNING
July 26, 2010
Walker County Commissioners will meet this morning at nine at the Courthouse for a special session.
They will continue with their "Budget Workshop."
Commisioners will also discuss other agenda items. They will consider for approval a grievance filed by Matt Pegoda. Commissioners will consider the sale of trust property.
They will discuss the renewal of a bid for debris management. They will consider a Department of Information Resources Contract for a software license for information technology products and services with ACS Enterprise Solultions for the County Clerk's office. They will also discuss, for possible approval, items for bid for food for the jail to Labatt Food Service.
And among several items, Planning and Development Director Andy Isbell will discuss for approval the Texas A&M Homeowner's Maintenance course, the release of maintenance bond for the Weyerhaeuser Real Estate Development Company on East Fork Estates, and participation as a stakeholder in the H-GAC Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant.
CITY BALLOT APPLICATIONS
July 26, 2010
Applications for a place on the City of Huntsville general election ballot will be accepted beginning today.
Interested citizens may obtain applications through the City Secretary’s office, or online through the Secretary of State’s Web site.
City Secretary Lee Woodward said, "The State of Texas has set filing dates through Tuesday, August 24th, and the City will accept applications for a place on the ballot during normal business hours at the City Secretary’s office at City Hall." Woodward said, "Applications for a place on the City of Huntsville general election ballot cost one dollar, in cash."
The uniform election date for the City of Huntsville was changed to November following a special election last year. In the election, voters approved a change in the City Charter which moved the election day from May to November.
STEVE FISHER ON JAIL OVERCROWDING
July 26, 2010
Because of various jail code requirements, the local Walker County Jail reaches overcrowded conditions.
On "Around Town" this weekend, we talked with Walker County Jail Administrator, Captain Steve Fisher, who commented on the issue . . . .
Students are asked to bring their Social Security Number. For directions and more information call Joe Schmidt at 936-293-1090.
CONGRESSMAN BRADY COMMENTS ON "STIMULUS"
July 26, 2010
Our 8th District Congressman, Kevin Brady, says "Sixteen months after that massive stimulus was put in place, the White House has failed to meet any of its three major promises . . . ."
