Just days after Health and Human Services Commission officials told state lawmakers that state agencies have spent more than $5 million to provide food, shelter, counseling and other services to the more than 400 children removed from the Yearning for Zion Ranch in early April, a state appeals court Thursday said that the district court "abused its discretion" in not returning the children to their parents and ruled that the state had no right to take the children into custody.

The three judges of the 3rd Court of Appeals in Austin thus ordered the district court to vacate its temporary order that gave conservatorship of the children to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The children of the 38 mothers who sought the appellate ruling could be returned to their parents as the next legal steps are being reviewed. Parents of the remaining children could also file motions asking for reconsideration of their cases because of the Thursday appellate ruling. (To read the appellate court's opinion, click here.)

DFPS responded Thursday with a statement saying Child Protective Services (CPS) has one duty - "to protect children." The agency noted it "will act" when there is evidence of sexual abuse of a child.

Some Texans put holiday travel plans on hold

Gas, food price increases affecting individuals, government entities

Texas motorists who haven't ditched their travel plans for the Memorial Day holiday will face the highest prices ever recorded for gasoline for their vehicles when the long weekend begins today, Friday. That is causing some to change their travel plans, and AAA Texas notes that the number of Texans heading out to celebrate the holiday will be down.

The aftershock of rising gas and food prices continues to be felt not only by individuals, but also by the travel industry, schools, government entities, food banks and others.

Some 2.78 million Texans have travel plans for the long weekend, down more than one-half of one percent from last year. Of those, 1.95 million will drive to their holiday destination and more than 400,000 will fly. AAA predicts some 360,000 fewer travelers will travel 50 miles or more from their homes across the country.

Strategic Partnerships salutes Texas' Lone Stars

This week's salute is to Anthony Sadberry, executive director, Texas Lottery Commission

Career highlights and education: I am a native of Burleson County, Texas, in a rural area outside the county seat, Caldwell, where I am a fourth generation Texas landowner and maintain a domicile there. I attended public school in Burleson County until the family moved temporarily to Houston at the beginning of my senior year, where I graduated in 1968 with honors from North Shore Senior High School in the Galena Park ISD. I attended Navarro Junior College in Corsicana, where I was elected president of the Student Body and a National Officer of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, and graduated with honors in 1970 with a degree of Associate in Science. I attended The University of Texas at Austin, where I was elected vice president of the Student Body and graduated with honors in 1972 with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Education. I attended Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, D.C., from which I received a degree of Juris Doctor in 1975. In 2000, I received the Georgetown Paul R. Dean Outstanding Alumni Award. I began my career as Assistant Attorney General of Texas in 1975. I began private practice in Houston in 1977, and worked in several firms, including Sullivan, King, Henri & Sadberry, P.C.; Oldenettel & Sadberry, P.C.; Soules & Wallace, P.C. and Epstein Becker & Green P.C. I was elected to the American Board of Trial Advocates in 1998 (which is an invitation-only organization of trial attorneys with demonstrated proficiency in trial advocacy). I lectured on various faculties, including the State Bar of Texas Advanced Civil Trial Course, on which I also served one term as a director; the State Bar of Texas Ultimate Trial Notebook seminar; the University of Houston Law School Advanced Evidence Course; the South Texas School of Law Personal Injury Seminar; and the University of Houston Law School Trial Advocacy Seminar. I served on the Texas Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Rules of Civil Procedure; the State Bar of Texas Pattern Jury Charges Committee and State Bar of Texas Rules Committee. In November 1993, I was appointed as a Commissioner on the Texas Lottery Commission, where I served until March 2001. In November 2005 I joined the Office of Attorney General, where I served at the time of my appointment to this position.

What I like best about my job is: that it is both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge is to take an agency with a mission and a history and help steer it toward reaching its goals. In the lottery industry, the agency is beginning to be seen as a mature lottery, but in terms of its life as a state agency, it is still relatively new. This presents a significant opportunity to imprint the agency's identity on state government. I also enjoy the challenge of problem solving and the opportunity to interact with all levels of employees, from upper management to front-line employees.

The best advice I've received for my current job is: to remember that in this position you serve the state. Having had the experience of being a commissioner for the agency and then coming back as executive director has certainly provided a unique perspective. This is not a position to serve your personal interests but to weigh your options and make the right and best decisions that serve the interests of the state.

Advice I would give a new hire in my office: Maintain an open mind and an open door. Be flexible, but be solid, confident, in your decisions. Keep your self-confidence and be patient. Realize you are providing an example for staff to follow, so lead by example and be determined to make the right decisions for the right reasons.

If I ever snuck out of work early, I could probably be found: Well, I wouldn't sneak out, but if I left to enjoy the day, I would be doing something that was nature-oriented. I'd be at my place in the country by the river.

People would be surprised to know that: I can't presume to say what people know or what they think, but what may not be apparent is that I have what you might call a humble approach to things. That is, it's not about me; it's about the agency.

Book, magazine or newspaper article I've read recently that really influenced my thinking: The Nine by Jeffrey Toobin is a book I've enjoyed reading. I am a student of the law and academically curious. This book was very revealing about current judicial history and provided a unique insight into the Supreme Court and its possible future. It humanized the law, showing it as a living, dynamic organism and describing how the process works and how the tenets of the law apply in real situations.

Each week, the Texas Government Insider profiles a key government executive or decision-maker. If you would like to suggest a "Lone Star," please email us at editor@spartnerships.com.

State Auditor Keel's innovations lead to national award

Texas State Auditor John Keel (pictured) this week was in Philadelphia to accept the David M. Walker Excellence in Government Performance and Accountability Award from the National Intergovernmental Audit Forum. The award recognizes and honors government audit professionals who have contributed to improving government performance and accountability through their leadership in transforming government organizations.

Keel was quick to applaud the staff of the State Auditor's Office as conduits to his receiving the award. He was honored for numerous innovations he has successfully employed in areas such as professional development and certifications for his staff. "While I receive the award, it is because I am surrounded by a group of people who are committed to excellence and public service, working for a better Texas," said Keel.

The National Intergovernmental Audit Forum is an association of audit executives from federal, state and local governments. Chaired by the Comptroller General of the United States, the group chose Keel for the award from a number of candidates from throughout the country.

Prior to being appointed Texas State Auditor in 2004, Keel served 10 years as director of the Texas Legislative Budget Board. He also served with the Office of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and the Office of the Texas Attorney General. Three years ago, he was named winner of the Bob Bullock Award for Outstanding Public Stewardship.

'Click It or Ticket' program under way for holiday

State law enforcement officials are warning Texans to fasten their safety belts or pay up. Hundreds of police agencies across the state are participating in the "Click It or Ticket" enforcement mobilization through June 1.

Col. Thomas A. Davis, Jr. (pictured), director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, said he is reminding drivers, especially those in pickup trucks, to buckle up and make sure their passengers are buckled up. He noted that pickups roll over twice as often as passenger cars in fatal crashes.

Wearing a safety belt will reduce the risk of dying in a rollover pickup truck crash by up to 80 percent, Davis said. Texas law requires every person sitting in the front seat of a vehicle to wear a safety belt. Traffic fines for failing to use a seat belt or secure a child in a safety seat can run from $25 to $200, plus court costs.

Texas garners $60 million in DHS security grants

Texas entities this week were awarded more than $60 million of the $844 million distributed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in grants to state, local and private agencies and authorities for security at ports, transit, trucking and bus systems. The announcement this week represents a 29 percent increase from last year, and according to DHS officials means that some $3 billion in grants to secure the country's critical infrastructure and transportation systems has been awarded since the program began.

The grants are to be used to strengthen security and ports and enhance transit, trucking and intercity bus systems. Their goal is to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from disasters, terrorist attacks and other emergencies.

The Transit Security Grant Program provides funding to key high-threat urban areas to enhance security measures for their critical transit infrastructure including bus, ferry and rail systems. A total of $51,250 was awarded in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area to Dallas Area Rapid Transit, the Fort Worth Transportation Authority and the Trinity Railway Express. San Antonio's VIA Metro Transit was awarded a grant of $50,000.

Wilson hopes to speed up voting for military forces

Texas Secretary of State Phil Wilson (pictured) recently met with U.S. Senator John Cornyn and Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, as well as several representatives from Texas veterans groups, to discuss the state's efforts to protect the voting rights of individuals in the armed forces.

Cornyn, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is sponsoring the Military Voting Protection Act of 2008, which is designed to reduce delays and ensure that the ballots of overseas voters are delivered on time. Cornyn's staff is working with Wilson in coordinating the bill to ensure its success in supporting Texas' military voters.

Cornyn said the Military Voting Protection Act would take several steps to improve the process of delivering military absentee ballots. Wilson is planning an upcoming pilot program in the November election to explore new ways to get ballot information to overseas troops through electronic mail.

Committee to TxDOT: Prioritize construction projects

The Senate Transportation Committee took its complaints against the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to South Texas this week, meeting in McAllen to admonish TxDOT officials once again about overstated claims of budget shortfalls. TxDOT officials previously used their estimated shortfall as reason to halt a number of major construction projects throughout the state. Under pressure from legislators, TxDOT recomputed its shortfall projections and announced it would use some of the money set aside for maintenance and repairs to continue some of the new projects that had been halted.

At the meeting this week, TxDOT officials were told by members of the committee to assess the state's current transportation system and prioritize which areas of the state need new roads now, and report that information back to the committee. Federal funding to TxDOT has been reduced and all options - from toll roads to public-private partnerships - are being studied to meet the transportation needs of the state.

TEEX, Houston to partner on Aviation Training School

The Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) will partner with the Houston Airport System (HAS) to create an aviation training facility at Bush Intercontinental Airport. The program will specialize in firefighting and aircraft rescue training.

Rick Vacar, the director of aviation for HAS, said they plan to establish an aviation academy that offers a wide range of aviation disciplines. He said the partnership with TEEX and the new facility will benefit the aviation industry as a whole.

Director Gary Sera (pictured) said TEEX has done training on myriad fronts, including the Brayton Fire School at College Station, along with work for the Department of Homeland Security.

TxDOT launches 'Protect Your Title' campaign

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) this week launched its "Protect Your Title" Texas public awareness outreach campaign to remind consumers not to overlook the paperwork side of buying or selling a vehicle.

Those selling vehicles often forget they must provide information to TxDOT to protect themselves as well as ensure that state vehicle ownership records are up to date. If a seller does not notify TxDOT when a vehicle is sold or traded, the seller will continue to be shown as the owner and will be held responsible if the new owner receives numerous parking violations, toll violations or even more serious infractions, said Rebecca Davio, director of TxDOT's Vehicle Titles and Registration Division.

Sellers can protect themselves by filing a one-page form, the Vehicle Transfer Notification, at no cost by going online to http://www.txdot.gov/. Submitting the notification within 30 days of selling a vehicle will protect sellers from actions the new owner may commit with the vehicle. Buyers must re-title a vehicle within 20 days of purchase. Failing to do so can result in an initial $25 penalty and $25 for every month the buyer fails to turn in an application for a new title.

Workforce Commission adds online bill payment option

The Texas Workforce Commission recently added a new online bill payment option to the TWC Unemployment Insurance Debit Card, said Larry Temple (pictured), TWC executive director. This new feature will allow those receiving unemployment benefits to pay bills electronically with the TWC UI debit card for a fee of 50 cents per payment transaction.

"This added convenience of secure online bill payment through our Unemployment Insurance Debit Card complements TWC's mission to provide streamlined, efficient services to our customers," said Temple.

Those with the debit card can use online bill pay by going to www.myaccount.chase.com and can access past, future and open payments or review their credit card account. The debit card can also be used for purchases at establishments that accept VISA and to withdraw cash from automated teller machines. The new pay option feature benefits unemployment claimants by eliminating the need to use other forms of payment such as cash, checks or money orders, Temple said.

TCEQ approves computer recycling measure

Texas this week became just the fourth state in the country to require computer manufacturers who make and sell computers in Texas to offer a free recycling program for consumers. The program is a result of action this week by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Beginning Sept. 1, computers must be clearly marked by the manufacturer so consumers will know who is responsible for recycling of the computer equipment. The state will not set recycling standards other than to say they must be both free and convenient. The goal is to eliminate the tons of increasing electronic waste being created by discarding computer equipment, some of which can contain toxic substances such as mercury and lead.

TCEQ Commissioner Larry Soward (pictured) said changes to the program could be made at a later date. Some environmental groups are pushing for adding other electronic equipment to the recycling mandate.

Texas Border Coalition sues DHS over border fence

A group of the state's mayors and business leaders claim that U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff did not properly advise landowners of their property rights when negotiating for access for construction of a fence along the Mexican border. The group filed a class-action lawsuit last week against Chertoff.

Chertoff did not fairly negotiate compensation with landowners for access to their land for surveys to choose fence sites, according to the Texas Border Coalition. The coalition of mayors and business leaders is seeking an injunction to block work on the fence. They also want a federal judge to negate all agreements with landowners and order Chertoff to start over. The department has won access from hundreds of landowners to determine where to build the fence and other barriers to illegal border crossings.

The lawsuit also names Robert Janson, director of Asset Management at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as a defendant. Laura Keehner with Homeland Security said the lawsuit had no merit, and called it a delaying tactic.

Corpus Christi proposes $2 million road project

The City of Corpus Christi is considering a $2 million road project to provide access to a section of Naval Air Station Corpus Christi as Navy officials plan to move the base golf course and expand facilities such as the Corpus Christi Army Depot.

The Navy is proposing major changes for the base as part of its 20-year master plan. Changes include moving the golf course from the north side to the south, expanding the marina and building a new Bay Club on the south side, said Bob Torres, a base spokesman. The shift would open space for expansion to the depot, which will receive a new rotor blade facility.

Regents approve nursing program for Texas State

The Texas State University System Board of Regents has approved Texas State University in San Marcos for a degree program in nursing and the creation of a School of Nursing. The move brings the state's newest nursing education program a step closer to reality.

The program's next step is to gain the approval of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Texas State plans to admit the first class of students to the School of Nursing at the Round Rock Higher Education Center in the fall of 2010. Texas State will apply for approval of the school with the Texas Board of Nursing concurrently with that of the Coordinating Board.

Texas State President Denise M. Trauth (pictured) said the program will allow Texas State to educate nurses to help fill a critical workforce need in the state. The proposed Bachelor of Science in nursing program will require 130 semester credit hours, which includes 47 hours of general education core courses, 18 hours of required courses and 65 hours of nursing courses.

Rising costs badly impact Wichita Falls ISD bond projects

Rapidly rising prices for fuel, copper and steel are breaking the budget for school renovation projects at Wichita Falls Independent School District.

Tim Turner, the chief financial officer for the district, estimated the district will need to spend an additional $2.1 million to complete the $60 million in school renovation projects approved by voters in 2006. The additional costs combined with the previous $2 million overage that prompted the district to speed up its renovations to avoid the rapid rise in material costs places the projects $4.5 million over budget.

Prices for materials are expected to continue rising dramatically, the district's architect said. Bids for construction projects and materials were running 6 to 7 percent over budget last year, he said, but are expected to increase as much as 15 percent this year. For instance, the district recently received notice that it should purchase the remaining brick for the new schools prior to an expected price increase. Turner outlined to trustees several options for paying for the increased cost of the projects.

Arlington considering addition of flood control to bond

The Arlington City Council is considering adding a $12 million flood prevention project to its 2008 bond package. The proposed improvements to Rush Creek, which has flooded homes during heavy rains, could include cleaning up silt and debris as well as shoring up creek banks.

Other projects being considered by council are $9.15 million to rebuild Great Southwest Parkway, $3.7 million for design and acquisition of right-of-way to run Stadium Drive underneath railroad tracks and $2.8 million to extend Ledbetter Road.

The council plans to discuss the projects and options for saving money before July 1. To hold the bond election on Nov. 4, council members must complete the bond proposal package and call for the bond election by Aug. 12.

John Price reappointed as UNT-Dallas CEO

John Ellis Price (pictured) has been reappointed chief executive officer of the University of North Texas Dallas Campus, according to UNT System Chancellor Lee Jackson. Price's first appointment to the position was in 2001. His title will change from vice provost to vice chancellor, reflecting a clear line of authority within the UNT System.

The UNT Dallas Campus began operations during the spring 2000 semester and has seen its enrollment increase from the original 55 to more than 1,800. The UNT Dallas Campus must reach 1,000 full-time equivalent students before it can bear the stand-alone UNT Dallas moniker.

Price will remain a tenured faculty member in the Department of Accounting at the University of North Texas.

UT-Galveston researcher awarded $2.2 million

Professor Roberta "Jeanne" Ruiz (pictured), a researcher in the School of Nursing at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, has received a grant totaling nearly $2.2 million from the National Institute of Nursing Research to find a solution to the "acculturation paradox" affecting young female immigrants from Mexico.

The grant, the largest ever awarded to a member of the nursing faculty, will support an ongoing research project titled "Psychoneuroimmunology: Preterm Birth in Hispanics." Ruiz's research project started in 2001, before she came to UTMB. The NINR grant will allow her to continue her work during the next four years.

WTAMU-Amarillo proposes facility location downtown

West Texas A&M University is one step away from opening a new facility in Amarillo. Officials are awaiting approval by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents today, Friday, for the Chase Tower to become home for the downtown Amarillo facility.

If approved by the regents, WTAMU will occupy two floors of the downtown Amarillo building, or 20,500 square feet. After renovations, the two floors will feature high-tech classrooms, a computer lab, a student study and lounge area, faculty offices, space for a director and support staff and an executive office and conference room. The lease arrangement would be for five years.

Classes are expected to start in late August, with business and education courses the main offerings. "We've had a service-related presence in Amarillo for many years, and we're very excited to add a strong academic presence to the mix," said Gary Barnes (pictured), vice president for business and finance.

Jenkins retiring from Jarvis Christian College

After 17 years as the 10th president of Jarvis Christian College, Dr. Sebetha Jenkins (pictured) has announced her retirement, effective Dec. 31. Jenkins began her career at JCC in January 1991.

The JCC Board of Trustees has named a search committee, chaired by Board President James Atkinson, to find Jenkins' replacement. "I will miss the ever-changing higher education atmosphere, the beautifully landscaped campus and the numerous opportunities to influence the lives of my motivated and deserving Jarvis scholars, faculty and staff," said Jenkins.

During her tenure, Jenkins has overseen construction and major renovations at the college, increased alumni involvement and giving, served on national boards including the President's White House Initiative, enhanced academics and increased student enrollment. Prior to accepting her position at JCC, Jenkins was a teacher and administrator in higher education in Mississippi and Ohio. She earned her undergraduate degree from Jackson State University, her master's from Delta State University and her doctorate from Mississippi State University.

Supreme Court maintains municipal bond tax breaks

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that cities and states can keep offering special tax breaks on their municipal bonds, a decision that preserves a top incentive for investors in the $2.5 trillion municipal bond market. The 7-2 ruling reversed a Kentucky appeals court decision that said it was unconstitutional for the state to grant tax breaks on interest from bonds issued in Kentucky while taxing interest from bonds issued in other states.

The high-court decision was an important victory for municipal bond issuers in most states. Without the special tax breaks, municipal bond issuers would have to compensate investors with higher interest rates.

Fraze new interim chair of department at Texas Tech

Steve Fraze (pictured), director of Texas Tech University's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources' recruitment and career center, has been named interim chair of the university's Department of Agricultural Education and Communications. He will now be responsible for programs affecting undergraduates, graduates and some faculty. The department supervises numerous degree programs.

Fraze joined Texas Tech in 1988 as a visiting assistant professor, having previously served as a visiting instructor in Texas A&M University's Department of Agricultural Education and as a vocational agriculture teacher and also as an engineer with a large chemical company. He holds a bachelor's degree from Lubbock Christian College and a master's from Texas Tech. He earned his doctorate from Texas A&M.

Riley announces retirement from East Texas Baptist

Longtime president of East Texas Baptist University, Dr. Bob E. Riley (pictured) has announced he will retire from the presidency in July 2009, ending some 16 years of service. His tenure is the second longest in the university's nearly 100-year history. He was at the helm of the university to steer it to record enrollments and significant increases in endowments while overseeing $25 million in capital projects.

The university will conduct a national search and have a new president in place before Riley's departure, according to representatives of the board.

Prior to taking the top spot at ETBU, Riley spent eight years as president of Howard College in Big Spring. He began his education career as a school bus driver at the age of 19. Except for a two-year commitment in the U.S. Navy, Riley has spent 46 years in the public school, community college and university venues. He was a public school teacher and coach, counselor and principal and later dean, vice president for academic affairs and president at three community colleges and three universities. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from West Texas State University and his doctorate from East Texas State University. He also did post-doctoral study at Texas Tech University.

Baylor elects Batson chair of Board of Regents

Dr. Howard K. Batson (pictured) of Amarillo is the new chair of the Baylor University Board of Regents, effective June 1. He was elected at a recent regents meeting. Donell Teaff of Waco was named vice chair.

Batson, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Amarillo, will serve a one-year term and succeeds Chair Harold R. Cunningham. Batson holds an undergraduate degree from Lander University and is also a graduate of the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds a Ph.D. from Baylor.

Teaff is the wife of former Baylor Head Football Coach Grant Teaff. She is a graduate of Texas Tech University. Five others were re-elected to three-year terms on the board: Stan Allcorn of Abilene, Harold R. Cunningham of Crawford, R. Stephen Carmack of Hinton, Okla., Ramiro Pena Jr. of Waco and R. Dary Stone of Dallas.

Cantu named dean of St. Mary's School of Law

Charles Cantu (pictured), a long-time faculty member, has been named dean of the St. Mary's School of Law, according to President Charles L. Cotrell, Cantu has served as interim dean since June 1, 2007, and has been a member of the faculty for 42 years.

Cotrell said in the past year as interim dean, Cantu has shown that he is committed to and capable of moving the School of Law forward to meet the goals of the University's strategic plan, Vision 2012. In the past year, Cantu has raised more than $4 million for the law school, most of which is marked for scholarships to attract the best and brightest students to the School of Law.

Cantu received a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas, a juris doctorate from St. Mary's, a master of comparative law degree from Southern Methodist University and a master of laws degree from the University of Michigan. He joined the St. Mary's law school faculty in 1966.

San Angelo ISD voters to decide on $129 million bond

The San Angelo Independent School District school board has approved a plan to present a two-part, $129-million bond package to voters on Nov. 4.

The bond, recommended to the board by the Facility Advisory Committee, will include two propositions, the second of which can only pass if the first were to pass.

Superintendant Carol Ann Bonds (pictured) said it is important for the board to approve the two-part presentation so members of the district's Facility Advisory Committee can begin campaigning for the bond throughout the community.

Baker selected founding dean for Tech's new college

Matt Baker (pictured) has been appointed the founding dean for Texas Tech University's planned College of Outreach and Distance Education, effective Aug. 1. Baker, current chair of the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, was one of four finalists chosen for the position.

As dean, Baker will be responsible for administering graduate and undergraduate print and electronically delivered distance learning courses and programs, off-campus instruction and instruction sites and non-credit outreach programs. In his current position, he has oversight for that department's distance education programs and led the launch of a distance education program aimed at reaching mid-career agriculture professionals.

Baker earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Texas Tech and his doctorate from The Ohio State University.

LCC focuses VP search on Arizona candidate

Laredo Community College has narrowed its search for a vice president for instruction and student development to one finalist, Beatriz Trevino Espinoza. Espinoza, from Yuma, Ariz., is the former vice president of learning services at Arizona Western College and is now serving as assistant to the president for program development.

LCC officials, including President Juan L. Maldonado, invited her to Laredo last week to visit both campuses and go through a formal interview with the hiring committee. She was also scheduled to meet the LCC community at an open forum before meeting informally with the board of trusteess

Since September 2007, when LCC began its first national search for a vice president, Maldonado said it has been hard to attract people to come to Laredo. The critical areas a new LCC vice president will be responsible for are developing strategies with faculty and staff to improve LCC's learning environment; and revamping its developmental, or remedial, programs to prepare students for general academic courses.

Luna named interim marketing director at SFA

With a background that includes more than 20 years experience in journalism and public relations, Shirley Luna (pictured) has been named interim executive director of marketing at Stephen F. Austin State University. She succeeds Andy Kesling, who resigned as executive director after two years at SFA. Luna joined SFA's Office of Public Affairs in 1998 as editorial coordinator, later being promoted to assistant and then associate director for media relations.

Prior to joining the staff at SFA, she had a successful career as a freelance writer, with SFA's Alumni Association one of her clients.

The executive director of marketing oversees the university's Office of Public Affairs, Web Development Office and Printing Services. Luna will continue as editor of the university's magazine, The SFA Vista. SFA President Dr. Baker Pattillo said a committee will be formed soon to lead the search for a permanent marketing director.

San Angelo vies for wind turbine plant location

San Angelo, the lone Texas finalist for a wind turbine manufacturing plant, is set to offer a $5.6 million package of incentives to entice one of Europe's largest construction companies to build its first North American plant there. It could mean more than 200 new jobs in the San Angelo area.

The offer from the City of San Angelo Development Corp. and the City Council comes after negotiations with the European company, which named San Angelo one of three cities - and the only Texas finalist - under consideration.

Mayor J.W. Lown (pictured) called it the most encouraging prospect for San Angelo in 25 years. He said the firm plans to build a $40 million wind turbine tower manufacturing plant that would employ 225 people within four years at an average salary of more than $33,000. The company is seeking to join the fast-growing American market. It has looked at cities in West Texas, New Mexico, Mexico and Minnesota, but has not said which two cities remain in the running with San Angelo.

Nelsen takes over TAMU-Corpus Christi position

Jody Nelsen (pictured) will leave her position as associate vice president for Business Affairs at The University of Texas at Dallas to become Texas A&M-Corpus Christi's executive vice president for Finance and Administration. The appointment is effective Aug. 4.

Nelsen will replace Robert L. Lovitt, who has retired. In her new position, Nelsen will be responsible for management of the university's general financial operations. She will also be an adviser to TAMU-CC President Dr. Flavius Killebrew, assisting with the preparation of budgets, strategic plans and legislative appropriations requests. She will also coordinate the university's safety program, physical plant operations, planning, design and construction of physical facilities and will have oversight of the human resource and equal employment and employee relations programs.

Nelsen is a summa cum laude graduate of Loyola University in Chicago and began her career at The University of Texas at Dallas in 1991 as manager of Administrative Services. In 1997, she received her MBA degree from the university and, after serving as assistant director of the physical plant from 1994-96, became assistant vice president for Business Affairs.

Temple to fund work with certificates of obligation

The City of Temple plans to fund a number of previously planned projects on the city's capital improvement plan by borrowing close to $14 million in the form of tax and revenue certificates of obligation.

This year's budget includes multi-year capital improvement projects originally totaling $49.3 million and to be paid for with certificates of obligation ($12.6 million), utility revenue bonds ($15 million), general obligation bonds (voter approved loans for $16.8 million) and general operating budget funds ($4.8 million).

According to Temple City Manager David Blackburn (pictured), the retirement of debt from 2006 would allow the bonds to be repaid without a tax increase. He said the funding would go for improvements to the Municipal Building and the Santa Fe Depot, land for a new fire station, library improvements, a new court building, police equipment and phases three and four of the Outer Loop.

Austin may move police headquarters from downtown

Austin officials are considering moving the city's downtown police department headquarters to another part of the city to create new space for downtown development. City Council members voted to direct City Manager Marc Ott (pictured) to study the benefits and cost of moving central operations to a Northeast Austin station.

The police headquarters on the I-35 frontage road also sits along Waller Creek, which officials hope to transform into a tourist destination with restaurants, housing and businesses. The Police Department also would join several other city services, including Austin Municipal Court and the city's animal shelter, in moving from the downtown area.

City officials say that the city's population center is now several miles north of the current downtown and regardless of where services go, downtown will remain the music and tourism center of Austin. The resolution said that the current police headquarters is aging and that Municipal Court, where officers file many of their arrest warrants, is already moving. The current five-story, 100,000-square-foot police headquarters opened in 1982.

Kerrville gets citizen input on future facilities

The City of Kerrville held a public meeting recently to seek citizen input on future city facilities including the library, city parks, city hall, police station and municipal court building. The city service yard and water/wastewater facilities were also discussed.

Kerrville City Manager Paul Hofmann (pictured) said it is important to involve citizens in the planning process. In October 2007, the Kerrville City Council hired an architectural and engineering firm to develop a facility master plan, including a chapter dedicated to the library and to update the parks, recreation and open space master plan. Both considered the current inventory of buildings and parks and provided an evaluation of those facilities for current and future use.

Hofmann said that later this summer, the city will host an open house at City Hall to give residents the opportunity to tour facilities, learn more about city departments and provide input on how city staff can better serve the community.

College Connections program cites impressive statistics

A 32-percent increase in enrollment at Alamo Community College over the last year is being attributed in part to the College Connections program partnership between ACC and the San Antonio ISD. That increase represents enrollment of 737 SAISD students in fall 2007, compared to 559 for the same period in 2006.

"The enrollment increase that we have experienced due to the College Connections program is evidence that our partnership with SAISD has been very effective," said Alamo Community Colleges' Chancellor Dr. Bruce Leslie (left). "This increase speaks to our mission, which is to graduate our students prepared for success in higher education," said Dr. Robert J. Duron (right), SAISD superintendent.

The program allows SAISD seniors to apply to ACC schools online with representatives available to assist them. Then, if necessary, they can take online college readiness assessment exams. It also guarantees them a place reserved for them at ACC. The program was initiated to encourage more SAISD students to pursue a higher education.

Dallas County facing $17 million budget shortfall

Nearly $6 million over what was budgeted for overtime pay in the county sheriff's office is one of the contributing factors to Dallas County facing a $17 million budget deficit. Sheriff Lupe Valdez's (pictured) department is projected to spend some $8.3 million for overtime pay this year, most of which is for the county jail. The county's 70 guard vacancies are contributing to increased overtime costs.

County officials note that the county was $9.9 million over budget for the first six months of this fiscal year. With revenues projected to be down more than $10 million, county officials are asking employees and department heads to cut spending as much as possible. County employees could be facing not getting raises for the first time since 1996.

Some of the costs may be rolled over to the 2009 budget, which would put county officials looking for ways to cut next year's expenses as well.

Tech Medical school to benefit from scholarships

Increased medical student loans will be available to students in the Texas Tech University Health Science Center's Paul L. Foster School of Medicine after a $1.25 million grant was made available from the Paso del Norte Heath Foundation. Foundation officials are hopeful that the loan program will increase the number of physicians practicing in the region.

Terms of the loans provide that they will be forgiven if students practice medicine in the El Paso region for five years. It is the second time the Paso del Norte Health Foundation has been involved in a scholarship program for the medical school. Seven years ago, the foundation joined the Hunt Family Foundation and the Wolslager Foundation in presenting a combined $2 million gift to create a scholarship program for local students to attend the medical school.

Oil industry says it is more prepared for hurricanes

When hurricane season begins on June 1, the oil and gas industry will be much better prepared to deal with hurricanes than it was during the 2005 season when major storms whipped through the Gulf of Mexico, damaging many offshore operations. At a briefing in Houston last week, government and industry officials said oil companies now are following new regulations designed to keep offshore facilities in place during even the biggest storms. Armed with improvements in scientific knowledge about storm behavior in the Gulf, officials have also beefed up hurricane response measures since 2005.

Officials with the department of the Interior, Coast Guard and the American Petroleum Institute gave an update last week, noting that the industry and government groups have spent the last three years studying problems exposed by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Gulf infrastructure was still smarting from 2004's Hurricane Ivan when Katrina and Rita destroyed more than 100 platforms and shut in 92 percent of oil and 83 percent of natural gas output. The storms forced regulators, the Coast Guard and the offshore oil and gas industry to take more seriously the threats posed by hurricanes, the officials said. The Gulf of Mexico accounts for 25 percent of domestic crude oil production and 15 percent of the nation's natural gas output, according to the Minerals Management Service, which regulates the offshore oil and gas industry in the Gulf.

UH plans $57 million science facility lab renovations

The University of Houston is planning a $57 million renovation of three of the campus' older science facilities to better serve UH's ongoing research efforts. The plan has been approved by the UH System Board of Regents and submitted to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for final authorization.

It calls for significant improvements to the Lamar Fleming Jr. Building, Science Building and Science and Research Building 1. Dave Irvin (pictured), associate vice president for plant operations, said many of the buildings do not meet current fire and mechanical codes, and their structural layouts are not conducive to contemporary lab spaces.

Irvin said the current situation causes a dilemma for students trying to graduate and hurts student retention because they often are frustrated by not getting into required classes. He said the improvements of the buildings would aid the university as it moves toward Tier 1 status.

Tidehaven ISD names lone finalist for superintendent

The Tidehaven ISD board of trustees has named Dr. Suzanne Wesson as the lone finalist for the superintendent position. Wesson was nominated for the position after Superintendent Tom Jones announced his upcoming retirement on April 14.

Wesson has just finished her first year as assistant superintendent with TISD. She has been an educator for about 24 years - 13 of those years were spent in a classroom, and 11 in administrative positions.

Tyler ISD studies possible November bond election

The Tyler Independent School District is studying the possibility of asking taxpayers to foot the bill for between $110 million and $185 million to pay for new facilities in a November bond election. District officials estimate it will cost $112 million to replace five elementary schools, and remodeling others will cost $77 million.

Trustees met this week to discuss cost estimates for projects that might be included in the next bond proposal, review the potential tax impact of various scenarios and look at aerial views of campuses to consider the possibilities for building schools on current sites.

TISD Superintendent Dr. Randy Reid (pictured) suggested naming a community committee to help in the process of deciding how much to include in the next bond. He said the longer the district waits to make the improvements, the more the cost will increase.

Corpus Christi airport to receive $2.5 million grant

The Corpus Christi International Airport will receive a $2.5 million grant to upgrade and build new facilities and infrastructure. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation - Federal Aviation Administration.

Included in the improvements to be paid for with the grant are the drainage system, taxiway lighting and the perimeter road around the airport. The grant also will pay for repairing and expanding the airport's aircraft rescue and firefighting facility.