Breaking
Postal service drops plan to close rural post offices
by Chris Lundstrom, general manager
(Posted 5/10/2012 05:10 pm)
The U.S. Postal Service said on May 9 that it is abandoning for now its plan to close thousands of post offices in rural locations and instead will shorten their hours of operation.
The change represents a victory for U.S. lawmakers and rural communities who created a backlash against the cash-strapped agency last summer when it began considering more than 3,600 post offices for closure this year.
Rather than shuttering offices starting next week, when a self-imposed moratorium on closings was set to end, the plan is to cut the operating hours of 13,000 locations with little traffic to between two and six hours a day.
"We've listened to our customers in rural America and we've heard them loud and clear - they want to keep their post offices open," said Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe. "There's no plan for closings at this point."
The new plan would save more money - roughly $500 million annually compared to $200 million under the old plan - and could placate some lawmakers in Washington who have been critical of the virtually bankrupt agency as it pushes for other controversial changes, such as ending Saturday mail or raising postage rates.
Local post offices slated to stay open with reduced hours are Francitas, from 4 hours a day to 2, Inez, from 8 hours to 6, LaSalle, from 6 to 2 per day, La Ward, from 8 hours to 4, and Lolita, from 8 hours a day to 6.
by Chris Lundstrom, general manager
(Posted 5/10/2012 05:10 pm)
The U.S. Postal Service said on May 9 that it is abandoning for now its plan to close thousands of post offices in rural locations and instead will shorten their hours of operation.
The change represents a victory for U.S. lawmakers and rural communities who created a backlash against the cash-strapped agency last summer when it began considering more than 3,600 post offices for closure this year.
Rather than shuttering offices starting next week, when a self-imposed moratorium on closings was set to end, the plan is to cut the operating hours of 13,000 locations with little traffic to between two and six hours a day.
"We've listened to our customers in rural America and we've heard them loud and clear - they want to keep their post offices open," said Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe. "There's no plan for closings at this point."
The new plan would save more money - roughly $500 million annually compared to $200 million under the old plan - and could placate some lawmakers in Washington who have been critical of the virtually bankrupt agency as it pushes for other controversial changes, such as ending Saturday mail or raising postage rates.
Local post offices slated to stay open with reduced hours are Francitas, from 4 hours a day to 2, Inez, from 8 hours to 6, LaSalle, from 6 to 2 per day, La Ward, from 8 hours to 4, and Lolita, from 8 hours a day to 6.
Front Page News
Grant sought for library
by Lisa Shapiro
(Posted Today 08:00 am)
Library Director Cherie Robinson got the approval from Jackson County commissioners on May 14 to apply for a Tocker Foundation Grant to purchase a Biblionix Apollo Automation System that will cost $11,575.
Robinson said the current Jackson County Memorial Library automation system is outdated and needs to be replaced soon. The current system isn’t working properly with Windows 7 and library patrons are having issues with finding items under the card catalog. The proposed new system will cost around...
by Lisa Shapiro
(Posted Today 08:00 am)
Library Director Cherie Robinson got the approval from Jackson County commissioners on May 14 to apply for a Tocker Foundation Grant to purchase a Biblionix Apollo Automation System that will cost $11,575.
Robinson said the current Jackson County Memorial Library automation system is outdated and needs to be replaced soon. The current system isn’t working properly with Windows 7 and library patrons are having issues with finding items under the card catalog. The proposed new system will cost around...
Habitat for Humanity coming to Jackson County
by Chris Lundstrom, general manager
(Posted Thu 11:52 am)
Great news! Habitat for Humanity is coming to Jackson County! There will be a meeting Monday evening 6:30 p.m. at the Chamber building for anyone interested in volunteering with this worthwhile organization. Want to make a difference in someone's life? Here is a great way to do it! This is the perfect opportunity for church groups, organizations, and plain ol' people to get out and help their fellow man. Talk about a feeling of satisfaction at the end of the day.
by Chris Lundstrom, general manager
(Posted Thu 11:52 am)
Great news! Habitat for Humanity is coming to Jackson County! There will be a meeting Monday evening 6:30 p.m. at the Chamber building for anyone interested in volunteering with this worthwhile organization. Want to make a difference in someone's life? Here is a great way to do it! This is the perfect opportunity for church groups, organizations, and plain ol' people to get out and help their fellow man. Talk about a feeling of satisfaction at the end of the day.
Post offices will remain open
(Posted Thu 08:00 am)
The U.S. Postal Service said on May 9 that it is abandoning – for now – its plan to close thousands of post offices in rural locations and instead will shorten their hours of operation.
The change represents a victory for U.S. lawmakers and rural communities who created a backlash against the cash-strapped agency last summer when it began considering more than 3,600 post offices for closure this year.
Rather than shuttering offices starting next week when a self-imposed moratorium on...
(Posted Thu 08:00 am)
The U.S. Postal Service said on May 9 that it is abandoning – for now – its plan to close thousands of post offices in rural locations and instead will shorten their hours of operation.
The change represents a victory for U.S. lawmakers and rural communities who created a backlash against the cash-strapped agency last summer when it began considering more than 3,600 post offices for closure this year.
Rather than shuttering offices starting next week when a self-imposed moratorium on...
Vote early now at courthouse
by Chris Lundstrom
(Posted Wed 08:00 am)
Early voting for the May 29 primary elections began May 14 at the county clerk’s office. Voting hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Local contested races include Pct. 3 commissioner and Pct. 2 constable.
In the commissioner race there are four candidates. Lloyd Kulak and Bowen Malek are running on the Democratic Primary ballot and Johnny Belicek, incumbent, and Tommy Srp are running on the Republican Primary ballot.
Joel Hunt is running for Pct. 2 constable on the Democratic Primary ballot and Cyndi Poulton, incumbent, is running on the Republican Primary ballot.
State races of More
by Chris Lundstrom
(Posted Wed 08:00 am)
Early voting for the May 29 primary elections began May 14 at the county clerk’s office. Voting hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Local contested races include Pct. 3 commissioner and Pct. 2 constable.
In the commissioner race there are four candidates. Lloyd Kulak and Bowen Malek are running on the Democratic Primary ballot and Johnny Belicek, incumbent, and Tommy Srp are running on the Republican Primary ballot.
Joel Hunt is running for Pct. 2 constable on the Democratic Primary ballot and Cyndi Poulton, incumbent, is running on the Republican Primary ballot.
State races of More
Texas 2A State Track Champions
(Posted Wed 08:00 am)
Seven young men from Edna earned themselves a little piece of high school sports immortality May 12 in Austin as the Edna Cowboys took the State UIL Track 2A Championship title home.
“It’s honestly too unbelievable, because ever since Edna started track in the 1920’s, it took this long,” grinned Tyler Kucera, the third leg in the 4x100 relay and the fourth leg anchor in the 4x200. “Who would’ve thought we’d have done something about it.”
“We told Coach (Ben) Callies from the get-go we were going to get that state ring,” agreed 4x100 anchor leg Devin Parks.
“...from the More
(Posted Wed 08:00 am)
Seven young men from Edna earned themselves a little piece of high school sports immortality May 12 in Austin as the Edna Cowboys took the State UIL Track 2A Championship title home.“It’s honestly too unbelievable, because ever since Edna started track in the 1920’s, it took this long,” grinned Tyler Kucera, the third leg in the 4x100 relay and the fourth leg anchor in the 4x200. “Who would’ve thought we’d have done something about it.”
“We told Coach (Ben) Callies from the get-go we were going to get that state ring,” agreed 4x100 anchor leg Devin Parks.
“...from the More
Saving grandma's house
by Chris Lundstrom, general manager
(Posted Sun 10:28 am)
Edna Volunteer firefighters Andy and D.J. Bell joined their fellow firefighters to try and save their grandmother Georgia Nickel’s Sample Street home from a fire that gutted the house on May 4. According to Edna Fire Marshal Buster Chase, the fire originated in the bedroom. Chase said he suspected the fire to be of electrical origin. Red Cross is assisting Nickel, who has insurance.
by Chris Lundstrom, general manager
(Posted Sun 10:28 am)
Edna Volunteer firefighters Andy and D.J. Bell joined their fellow firefighters to try and save their grandmother Georgia Nickel’s Sample Street home from a fire that gutted the house on May 4. According to Edna Fire Marshal Buster Chase, the fire originated in the bedroom. Chase said he suspected the fire to be of electrical origin. Red Cross is assisting Nickel, who has insurance.
Struttin' their stuff for the arts
by Paul Harrison, staff writer
(Posted Sat 10:25 am)
Several local businesses sponsored a fashion show, “Fashion for the Arts – Trends, Gems and Friends,” at the Texana Center for the Arts in Edna on May 5. Fireflies, The Parlour, and Pink Friday, all in Edna, hosted the show to benefit the art center. From left are Sarah Mercer Bradley and Jill Kubecka.
by Paul Harrison, staff writer
(Posted Sat 10:25 am)
Several local businesses sponsored a fashion show, “Fashion for the Arts – Trends, Gems and Friends,” at the Texana Center for the Arts in Edna on May 5. Fireflies, The Parlour, and Pink Friday, all in Edna, hosted the show to benefit the art center. From left are Sarah Mercer Bradley and Jill Kubecka.
Council approves pool ramp
by Chris Lundstrom, general manager
(Posted Sat 10:18 am)
On the heels of new legislation requiring public pools provide handicap access, the Edna City Council members decided to spend more for a stainless steel ramp that will serve more people.
At the May 4 meeting, City Manager Ken Knight recommended the nearly $9,000 ramp over less costly lifts citing fewer future maintenance issues.
“The ramp would take one lane from the lap lanes, but older people might like to walk into the pool using a handrail,” Knight said. “I also believe it would get more use than a lift chair.”
The ramp would be permanently installed in the pool and More
by Chris Lundstrom, general manager
(Posted Sat 10:18 am)
On the heels of new legislation requiring public pools provide handicap access, the Edna City Council members decided to spend more for a stainless steel ramp that will serve more people.
At the May 4 meeting, City Manager Ken Knight recommended the nearly $9,000 ramp over less costly lifts citing fewer future maintenance issues.
“The ramp would take one lane from the lap lanes, but older people might like to walk into the pool using a handrail,” Knight said. “I also believe it would get more use than a lift chair.”
The ramp would be permanently installed in the pool and More
LNRA to take over operation of state park
by Lisa Shapiro, staff writer
(Posted 5/11/2012 09:42 am)
Lavaca Navidad River Authority will take over operations at Lake Texana State Park later this year. Late last week Texas Parks and Wildlife informed LNRA that it would be terminating the lease for the state park.
In a letter delivered to LNRA on May 3, TPWD cited the ongoing funding shortfall brought about by reduced state park funding and last year’s record heat, drought and wildfires, which caused a drop in park visitation and revenues across the state.
“Continued operation of Lake Texana State Park is no longer feasible for TPWD due to serious financial constraints to our state More
by Lisa Shapiro, staff writer
(Posted 5/11/2012 09:42 am)
Lavaca Navidad River Authority will take over operations at Lake Texana State Park later this year. Late last week Texas Parks and Wildlife informed LNRA that it would be terminating the lease for the state park.
In a letter delivered to LNRA on May 3, TPWD cited the ongoing funding shortfall brought about by reduced state park funding and last year’s record heat, drought and wildfires, which caused a drop in park visitation and revenues across the state.
“Continued operation of Lake Texana State Park is no longer feasible for TPWD due to serious financial constraints to our state More
Edna sports banquet is May 17
by Chris Lundstrom, general manager
(Posted 5/10/2012 10:55 am)
The Edna High School sports banquet will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 17 at the Jackson County Services Building auditorium. Tickets for a meal of barbecue and all the trimmings are $8 each and can be purchased at the Edna High School office.
by Chris Lundstrom, general manager
(Posted 5/10/2012 10:55 am)
The Edna High School sports banquet will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 17 at the Jackson County Services Building auditorium. Tickets for a meal of barbecue and all the trimmings are $8 each and can be purchased at the Edna High School office.
They were all cute as a bug
by Lisa Shapiro, staff writer
(Posted 5/10/2012 10:20 am)
The Ganado Volunteer Fire Department hosted its 4th Annual Mud Bug Pageant on May 6 in Ganado. The winners will be featured in the parade during the GVFD’s annual crawfish festival on May 12. From left is Coy Smith, Little Mr. Mud Bug; Canon Adams, Little Mr. Mud Bug runner up and most photogenic; Celeste Sanders, Little Miss Mud Bug runner up; and Kyla Stancik, Little Miss Mud Bug.
by Lisa Shapiro, staff writer
(Posted 5/10/2012 10:20 am)
The Ganado Volunteer Fire Department hosted its 4th Annual Mud Bug Pageant on May 6 in Ganado. The winners will be featured in the parade during the GVFD’s annual crawfish festival on May 12. From left is Coy Smith, Little Mr. Mud Bug; Canon Adams, Little Mr. Mud Bug runner up and most photogenic; Celeste Sanders, Little Miss Mud Bug runner up; and Kyla Stancik, Little Miss Mud Bug.
Man drowns in Garcitas Creek
by Chris Lundstrom, general manager
(Posted 5/10/2012 09:41 am)
A 40-year-old Victoria man died Saturday while swimming in Garcitas Creek in Jackson County.
Creton Hopeton Walker, drowned about 2:21 p.m., according to Jackson County Sheriff Andy Louderback. Walker was spending the day at Garcitas Creek swimming with a group of friends when halfway across the creek he went under the water and didn’t come back up. A witness called 911.
Lolita Fire Department, Jackson County Sheriff's Office Deputy Jeremy Petru, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Capt. Rex Mayes responded to the emergency call.
Walker was pronounced dead at the scene by Pct. 2 Justice of the More
by Chris Lundstrom, general manager
(Posted 5/10/2012 09:41 am)
A 40-year-old Victoria man died Saturday while swimming in Garcitas Creek in Jackson County.
Creton Hopeton Walker, drowned about 2:21 p.m., according to Jackson County Sheriff Andy Louderback. Walker was spending the day at Garcitas Creek swimming with a group of friends when halfway across the creek he went under the water and didn’t come back up. A witness called 911.
Lolita Fire Department, Jackson County Sheriff's Office Deputy Jeremy Petru, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Capt. Rex Mayes responded to the emergency call.
Walker was pronounced dead at the scene by Pct. 2 Justice of the More
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