Local News

Soil campaign set for Nov. 30

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Growing better quality hay and pasture grass is a major goal of all hay and livestock producers. Starting with a soil test is the most important step to determining the amount of fertilizer needed each year. Producers should consider soil testing an investment in this year’s hay and pasture because the correct amounts and timing of fertilization can greatly enhance hay quality and growth.
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Blinn College shows higher enrollment

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The Blinn College District Board of Trustees received a preliminary enrollment report last week indicating that fall 2022 registration has increased over last year’s figures. Dr. Becky McBride, Vice Chancellor for Student Services, shared that as of Monday, Sept. 12, Blinn’s unofficial fall enrollment was 17,255 students, a 2.52% increase from the same time period last year. This included a 3.08% increase in contact hours, which is included in the formula to determine state funding.
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Car seats save lives but nearly all misused

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Vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children in the nation, so the Texas Department of Transportation is reminding parents that one of the most important things they can do to protect children is to properly install and use a car seat. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that 46 percent of all child car seats are misused. TxDOT’s “Save Me With a Seat” campaign kicks off in September to coincide with National Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 18–Sept. 24. The campaign invites parents to schedule a free car seat safety check by visiting Save me with a Seat and entering their ZIP code to find the nearest TxDOT Traffic Safety Specialist in their area. TxDOT offers free car seat safety checks year-round. When child car seats are used correctly, they can help reduce injuries and prevent fatalities when children are involved in a crash,” said TxDOT executive director Marc Williams. “We urge parents to schedule a car seat check today to ensure they are safely and correctly using the right car seat for their child.”

Wine show to close fair

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It’s that time of year in Texas for county fairs, rodeos, parades and ag competitions and the Austin County Fair has one contest that area residents will not find at any other state fair in Texas. And no matter where you live in Texas, everyone can participate in it. Produced and coordinated by the Gulf Coast Winegrowers Association, the 10th Annual Austin County Fair Wine Show will close out the Austin County Fair on Oct. 16 at the Fairgrounds in Bellville.

Wet Weather Pattern

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After months of drought and heat it finally appears that much of the area will see some relief this week as several factors combine to bring widespread rains to the area. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will again develop along the seabreeze today…these storms will have the potential to produce lightning induced fires (as seen yesterday over east Texas). Wednesday starts the same as today, but changes begin by afternoon as a decent shortwave in the developing eastern US trough digs southward over the MS valley.

Fire weather and rain chances

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Mid and upper-level ridge is centered over the southern plains this morning, but is just far enough inland that tropical moisture is sliding NW toward the TX coast. Radar shows scattered showers and thunderstorms across the offshore waters and a few have moved inland over the coastal counties this morning. As temperatures warm into the low to mid 90’s showers and thunderstorms will develop along the inland moving seabreeze boundary.