KSAM News
Governor Abbott Announces New Hazard Mitigation Funding For Harvey Recovery
Governor Greg Abbott this week joined local leaders in Rockport and Houston, Texas to announce the availability of new funding for hazard mitigation projects along the Gulf Coast following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. This allocation of funding from FEMA will provide an estimated $1 billion for hazard and flood mitigation projects designed to both help Texas rebuild and reduce the risk of future damage from flooding and Hurricanes. The hazard mitigation funding will be operated by the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and cities and counties can now submit applications for projects.
The new hazard mitigation funds can be used in a number of ways, including:
- Buyouts and elevations of flood prone properties
- Drainage and reservoir projects that eliminate future flooding
- Projects to lessen the frequency or severity of flooding
- Flood risk reduction projects (dams, retention basins, levees, floodwalls)
- Large-scale channeling of waterways
EarlyAct FirstKnight Winequest Fundraiser Ahead
EarlyAct FirstKnight is a daily program for elementary and middle school students that develops excellent character during their most formative years. Created by psychologist and former naval officer Randall Parr, it is offered to qualified schools through sponsorship of participating Rotary Clubs and their community partners.
There is an ongoing effort to get the program underway here. It costs money, but it improves behavior and classroom performance.
Rotarian Marjolein Lemmon fills us in about the upcoming Winequest fundraiser . . . .
You may also contact Marjolein for tickets at mstanford@yahoo.com.
SHSU Coach Matt Deggs Comments On Preparing For A New Season
The 2018 SHSU Bearkat Baseball season gets underway Friday, February 16th with the Bearkats taking on Kent State at Don Sanders Baseball Stadium.
Coach Matt Deggs has been getting the Bearkats prepared for another year of winning . . . .
Director Of National Intelligence Dan Coats On North Korea
Tuesday, the Senate Intelligence Committee had a hearing on world-wide threats. In attendance, were all intelligence agency heads.
Many threats face the U-S—terrorism, drug trafficking, cyberintrusion and financial issues.
North Korea, of course, has grown into a major one. Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats addressed the committee . . . .
Huntsville Hornets Basketball Boys Win District 20-5A Championship
Tuesday, the Huntsville High School Boys basketball team won the District 20-5A championship. They did it by overpowering Willis 80-63 at Paul Bohan Gymnasium.
Governor’s Commission For Women Seeks Nominations For Texas Women’s Hall of Fame
Governor Greg Abbott has announced the Texas Governor’s Commission for Women is now accepting nominations for the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame. Nominations are open to any native or current residents of Texas, living or deceased, who have made significant contributions to the State of Texas.
Organized by the Texas Governor’s Commission for Women, the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame includes former First Ladies, astronauts, entrepreneurs and Olympic athletes. A permanent exhibit is housed at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas.
Nominations must be submitted by Friday, April 27, 2018 at 5:00 P.M.
SHSU Encourages Discussions Of Diversity Through Documentary Filmmaking
Coinciding with Black History Month, Sam Houston State University will host the Africa World Documentary Film Festival to promote the experiences and culture of the people of Africa, in a Pan-African context, Feb. 15-16.
This international festival will feature documentaries by filmmakers that focus on the African world and will offer extraordinary opportunities for audience engagement and learning. Some of the major subjects covered in these documentary films are culture, environment, history, gender, religion, race, as well as human rights issues.
The first film “Desert Wounds,” by Israeli director Nili Dotan, tells the story of Christian African Women from Sudan and Eritrea who fled persecution at the hand of Muslims in their countries and are seeking asylum in Israel. The film follows their attempt to build a new life over a period of 5 years, while living under constant threat of deportation. This film screening will take place on Feb. 15 at 5:30 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center theater, and a Q&A session with Dotan will follow.
“When Paul Came Over the Sea” by German filmmaker Jakob Preuss will be shown on Feb. 16 at noon in the Dan Rather Communications Building, room 125. It tells the story of Paul, a Cameroon refugee, and his dangerous voyage across Europe and the strong friendships he forms while in the midst of political and mental turmoil.
Both films will be narrated in English. Admission is free and open to the public.
T-shirts and door prizes will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis for the Feb. 15 event.
Grease And Antifreeze Recycling Available
The City of Huntsville asks, “Do you plan on replacing the antifreeze in your vehicle this winter? Do you plan on disposing other kinds of liquids, including motor oil, peanut oil or cooking oil?” They ask that you don’t run those materials down the drain – recycle them.
The City of Huntsville Solid Waste Services Division offers free, year-round recycling for residential customers at the Recycling Drop-Off Center located at 590 I-45 North from 7:30 a.m. through 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Other items, including oil filters, are recycled in specifically marked collection barrels. As they are flammable, neither gasoline nor diesel from lawn equipment or vehicles will be accepted for disposal or recycling.
Unfortunately, due to disposal restrictions, the Solid Waste Services Division is not able to pick up liquids on a curbside basis. If you have any questions, please call 936-294-5743.
President Trump Has Meeting On Infrastructure Initiative
Monday at the White House, Donald Trump released his huge infrastructure initiative . . . .
The president said, “It provides $50 billion for rural infrastructure, who have really been left out.” This will include broadband internet access.
Commissioners Discuss Changes To Fees For Leasing Storm Shelter
Emergency management coordinator Butch Davis addressed commissioners at their regular meeting Monday in regard to changing the lease agreement for the Storm Shelter in order to increase people renting the facility.
Butch Davis said they’re “really not going up on the fees. We’re combining them all together.”
Mr. Davis explained the proposed changes . . . .
Also in the proposed change is dropping the lessee’s requirement for insurance . . . .
Commissioners approved the proposed change to the lease agreement subject to the approval of the District Attorney’s office.