Those who didn't come out to the Anderson County Courthouse this morning missed a good time and a reminder of from where we as a state and a nation have come. The Negro Historical Preservation Society in Palestine began its 16th annual Juneteenth Celebration on the courthouse steps with a brief opening program with thoughts from local organizers and a re-enactment of soldiers escorting the first black voters to the polls, followed by a parade from the courthouse square to Calhoun Park. It was a really nice program and a timely reminder of our history as a nation, since we recently elected our first black President.
Events continue throughout the day at Calhoun Park with food, games, activities and speakers. At 3 p.m., the Ayubu Kamau Kings and Queens will perform an exhibition of African dance and drums. Those who plan to attend are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. From the Anderson County Courthouse, drive north on Perry Street, turn right on E. Murchison Street, then left on E. Calhoun Street at The Antioch Church and follow it until it ends at the park's parking lot.
Check the Herald-Press Photo Gallery later for photos from the courthouse and parade.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
What part of 'NO' doesn't Dallas understand?
Just checking the most recent Google alerts in my email and I found a link to a story online in the Dallas Morning News regarding the City of Dallas' latest attempt to lay claim to someone else's water.
Seems that the City of Dallas and the Texas Water Development Board have now filed suit with the U.S. Supreme Court in an attempt to overturn the ruling from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that gave the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service the green light to move forward with a national wildlife refuge on the Neches River along Anderson and Cherokee counties. The appeals court ruling was in response to a lawsuit filed jointly by Dallas and the TWDB in an effort to use the same area of the Neches to build Lake Fastrill to supply Dallas' projected future water needs.
I guess I would feel a little differently if Dallas had a history of water conservation. It doesn't. Why is watering a lawn and washing an SUV more important than preserving hardwood bottomland? Wasn't the State of Oklahoma recently sued by Tarrant County and Dallas for water from north of the Red River? That's apparently supposed to go to trial in December. So when they might not be able to get what they want from Oklahoma they come back - again - to East Texas? If I paid city taxes to Dallas, I'd be getting pretty upset at the legal fees accumulating over these lawsuits. They need to use what resources are already available and learn better habits, like the rest of us.
No means no, whether it comes from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals or the State of Oklahoma. Move on.
Seems that the City of Dallas and the Texas Water Development Board have now filed suit with the U.S. Supreme Court in an attempt to overturn the ruling from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that gave the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service the green light to move forward with a national wildlife refuge on the Neches River along Anderson and Cherokee counties. The appeals court ruling was in response to a lawsuit filed jointly by Dallas and the TWDB in an effort to use the same area of the Neches to build Lake Fastrill to supply Dallas' projected future water needs.
I guess I would feel a little differently if Dallas had a history of water conservation. It doesn't. Why is watering a lawn and washing an SUV more important than preserving hardwood bottomland? Wasn't the State of Oklahoma recently sued by Tarrant County and Dallas for water from north of the Red River? That's apparently supposed to go to trial in December. So when they might not be able to get what they want from Oklahoma they come back - again - to East Texas? If I paid city taxes to Dallas, I'd be getting pretty upset at the legal fees accumulating over these lawsuits. They need to use what resources are already available and learn better habits, like the rest of us.
No means no, whether it comes from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals or the State of Oklahoma. Move on.
Really nice tribute to former Frankston coach
My Google alerts picked up on this letter written by Jeff Austin Jr. about former Frankston coach Vernon Harton. Austin is part of the Austin banking family from Frankston. He grew up in Frankston, graduated from the school there and remains active in the community.
The letter was posted Mon., June 8 on the sports blog on Smoaky.com. It's a wonderful tribute to a man who shaped many young lives while at the school. Kudos to David Smoak for posting it! Check it out by clicking on the word "letter" above. It's well worth your time.
The letter was posted Mon., June 8 on the sports blog on Smoaky.com. It's a wonderful tribute to a man who shaped many young lives while at the school. Kudos to David Smoak for posting it! Check it out by clicking on the word "letter" above. It's well worth your time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)