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Enough with the anonymous letters

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From The Editors Desk Emily WootenWe all enjoy receiving positive feedback and praise, hearing that we are doing a good job. And though it is not as thrilling or rewarding to receive negative feedback or complaints, if presented and accepted constructively, negative feedback can be useful and productive. Do I like it when people criticize my work? No. However, I do recognize that there is always room for improvement, always something to learn, and if I am falling short in some area, I appreciate someone kindly – kindly being the key word here – pointing it out to me.

As editor of this newspaper, I receive a fair share of mail that usually falls into one of four different categories. It may be actual “letters to the editor” to be published on this opinion page. Sometimes it is kudos for a job well done or appreciation for something that we covered. Other times it is negative – someone is upset that we didn’t cover something or perhaps upset that we did. The fourth category is anonymous letters.

The advent of social media and the general division regarding just about everything these days has resulted in “armchair quarterbacks” or “keyboard warriors,” as my husband likes to call them. Everyone has an opinion and everyone wants to share it. There is nothing wrong with having opinions and there is nothing wrong with sharing them if done cordially. But the vitriol being spewed so regularly these days is not productive, does not provide solutions, but only further divides.

It amazes me when someone feels strongly enough about something to take the time to type or handwrite a letter, put it in an envelope, lick the envelope, place an expensive stamp on it and place it in the mail – only to not sign it. Do I read these anonymous letters? Yes, I do. And then I put them in the trash can. If you think it’s important enough to write to me about it, then it should be important enough for you to sign it. I’ve received several anonymous letters recently and the subject matter runs the gamut – from complaints about local law enforcement to complaints about politics to complaints about misperceived biases of the media.

On the outside of one such recent letter, the letter-writer admonished, “News media not supposed to be biased!” This is true and I am aware of it. I hold a degree in English and journalism from a major university where I took – and excelled in – a class called “The Laws and Ethics of Journalism.”

The letter-writer refers to a story I wrote that ran in the June 22 issue of the newspaper covering the June 8 Polk County Democratic 2023 Summer Celebration at the Polk County Commerce Center. The letter-writer takes exception with numerous statements made in the article, says much of the article “was lies,” accuses me of having a bias and hopes that I can “do better.”

The problem with that is that every single statement the letter-writer took issue with was a statement in quotation marks – direct quotes from the speakers at the event, not me. In closing, the letter-writer expresses their hope that I will cover the Republican Club meeting and speaker on August 7. The problem with that is the letter is dated August 7 and postmarked August 8. I received it on August 9. I cannot cover an event that has already happened that I was unaware was occurring.

The letter prompted me to conduct some research – the results of which proved interesting. I have served as editor of this newspaper since May 5, 2021. In those 27 months I have written five stories covering the local Democratic party, including the April 2022 visit by Beto O’Rourke. During those same 27 months I have written 14 stories covering the local Republican party, including the January 2022 visit by Ted Cruz. That’s five stories about Ds and 14 stories about Rs.

There’s an old saying – “I don’t make the news. I just report it.”

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Back to school is around the corner

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My Five CentsSummer is in full swing, but back to school is right around the corner. Be sure to stay cool during these hot Texas days. Here are five things happening around your state:

Property tax reliefmeasures passed, signed

by Governor Abbott

This month, the Texas Senate and House of Representatives came together and made a deal to deliver property tax relief to homeowners across the state. The $18 billion package is the largest tax cut in Texas history. Senate Bill 2, by Senator Paul Bettencourt and Representative Morgan Meyer, includes an increase in the homestead exemption from $40,000 for most homes to $100,000. It will go into effect on this year’s property tax bill if the accompanying proposed constitutional amendment is passed by the voters in November. The bill also includes $7 billion for the reduction of school district maintenance and operations tax rates statewide. Senate Bill 2 also includes a 3-year pilot project for non-homesteaded property valued at $5 million or under to receive a 20% circuit-breaker on appraised value increases. It also includes a change to County Appraisal District boards of directors to include three county-wide, elected director positions in counties with a population of 75,000 or more.

The accompanying legislation, Senate Bill 3, by Senator Paul Bettencourt and Representative Charlie Geren, includes a doubling of the franchise tax exemption for businesses from $1.23 million to $2.47 million. An estimated 67,000 businesses will no longer pay a franchise tax. It also eliminates a “nuisance-tax” for 1.7 million business owners who previously had to file no-tax-due forms for franchise taxes. I was proud to co-author and vote for both bills and thrilled that the governor signed the package.

Lamar State College Port Arthur opens new industrial training facility

This month Lamar State College Port Arthur opened a new $6 million, 33,000-square-foot industrial training facility that has been in the works since 2018. The facility will train soon-to-be electricians, pipe fitters, or other essential workers, including training for jobs at the nearby petrochemical facilities. Courses can range in length from one to six months and at the end of each course students will receive certificates, which may open doors to new job opportunities. The space was once used as a National Guard armory and was converted using federal and city grants.

TxDOT, law enforcement launch Operation

Slow Down

This month, TxDOT teamed up with law enforcement to urge drivers to “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” – a speeding awareness campaign aimed at saving lives. According to TxDOT, speed was a contributing factor in more than 162,000 roadway crashes in Texas in 2022, resulting in 1,469 deaths. It is the number one factor contributing to roadway crashes in Texas. Safe driving goes beyond just observing the speed limit. It also means matching speed to road conditions if there is bad weather or road construction, slowing down and allowing for more space to stop when traffic is heavy, and watching for road signs indicating reduced speed limits ahead. Operation Slow Down and “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” are both components of #EndTheStreakTX, an effort to end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways. The last deathless day on Texas roads was November 7, 2000.

Texas drawn huntapplications openfor 2023-2024

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department opened applications for their drawn hunt permits program for the 2023-2024 season. The program, which issues permits for drawn hunts on both public and private lands statewide, issues almost 10,000 permits in more than 60 high quality hunt categories. Hunts available include white-tailed and mule deer, pronghorn, turkey, alligator, and dove and guided packages for exotic species and bighorn sheep. Last year there were more than 278,000 applications. Application fees range from free to $10, depending on the hunt category. Applications are due by the 1st and 15th of each month between August 1 and November 1. A full list of categories, maps, and deadlines can be found online at https://tpwd.texas.gov/.

SFA hosts rural economic development forums

Stephen F. Austin State University Center for Applied Research and Rural Innovation and the Texas Forest Country Partnership hosted forums on Rural Economic Development this month in San Augustine County and Polk County. Future forums are planned in Nacogdoches County, Angelina County, Trinity County and Newton County throughout early August. The forums include discussions on workforce, economic development, education, industry, and community needs. I was happy to attend the forum in San Augustine and discuss important topics facing business owners and the community.

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Methods change, message not so much

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Chris MetitationsBy Chris Edwards
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Recently I read something from one of my colleagues in the field of community newspapers here in Texas that provided some good points to chew on as much as it made me want to give the Dionysian/Hook ‘em Horns salute and say “Right on!”

In an excellently penned op-ed piece, the writer explained the need for downsizing his newspaper’s physical space. On one hand, the piece acted as an explanation to the public; to say, “No, we’re not closing our doors. We just don’t need as much space to run a newspaper these days.” On the other hand, it allowed him to reflect on the major changes regarding the production of newspapers, as he had grown up in the business.

The walk down memory lane for the writer contained requisite recollections of lead type and references of burning negatives onto plates from paste-up pages in order to print, and then a marvel at the way desktop computers revolutionized newspaper production.

So, the three or four of you who read my scrawlings faithfully, are likely three sentences into this thinking, “What a bunch of navel-gazing nonsense!”, so I won’t continue rattling on about the seemingly esoteric world of newspaper production; got to keep some secrets about how the alchemy is done behind the scenes, right?

The how did change, and continues to evolve, sure, but the rationale for doing so here in America is the same as it’s been since April 24, 1704, when the Boston News-Letter was first published.

In the digital age, where information travels at scary-fast speeds and often factually devoid social media posts dominate the dissemination of news, the role of newspapers might seem diminished to some, but in this day and age, the connections offered by publications such as this one are vital.

Too many communities are losing their newspapers, and that is bad. It is bad for economic viability of said communities. It is bad for the accountability of elected officials.

One report, released in 2022 by the Local News Initiative at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, noted that more than one-tenth of the 254 counties in Texas no longer have a local newspaper.

Some have accused me of being a Luddite, as I don’t have much to do with social media, beyond whatever minimal requirements are occasional levied on me, nor is my cellphone current (or smart) enough to download every app that every business or organization attempts to force upon me, or dance across multiple social media platforms, even if I had an interest in such, but I digress. The reason why I make mention of all of that is to cite the fact that newspapers nourish connections; connections that social media does not.

From the cornerstone of preserving the integrity of elected officials to showcasing the triumphs and documenting tragedies within communities, newspapers do all of that and help readers make informed decisions on what they consume.

Civic engagement is another facet in which newspapers prove their worth in small communities. They provide a platform for citizens to voice their opinions, concerns, and ideas. Letters to the editor; guest op-ed columns and community announcements empower individuals to participate in public discourse. This engagement can lead to meaningful discussions, and sometimes even prompt local authorities to address pressing issues. Newspapers thus serve as intermediaries between the community and its leaders, promoting open dialogue and constructive change.

The real representation of the people is not always found in the politicians in office (or with those who pump money into their campaign war chests), but lies within newspapers, chambers of commerce and any organization concerned with honesty and accountability.

As technology continues to do its dance across our culture and within our lives, the newspaper still remains as an integral, vital part of the fabric binding communities.

To paraphrase the main takeaway of the op-ed I cited earlier, sure, the “how” may have changed, but the “why,” not so much.

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Still waiting for the endgame

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FromEditorsDesk Tony CroppedWhen is a solution not a solution?

When it’s something that comes from the government. State or federal, county or city, makes little difference.

Not that all decisions are terrible, but trying to solve problems through legislation, as far as I can tell, hasn’t produced results. I say that because the legislation keeps coming.

The chief example of this is the tax code, which has over the years become such a miasma that it takes lawyers, accountants, forensic wiccans and Ouija boards to figure out what’s owed, but that doesn’t stop the changes or the need for other people’s money.

Throughout the decades, we’re told by legislators that “something needs to be done” and that in order to do it, you have to re-elect me, we’ll tax you into oblivion and the world will be full of puppies and rainbows.

But has it really?

For instance, the policy, or really, the lack of policy, regarding immigration and border crossings has been in place in some form or another for a long time, but why? What is the expected result, and will it be something beneficial for the country?

Counties in East Texas are scrambling for grant funds to increase law enforcement capabilities to combat crime linked to illegal immigration, telling me that the net effect of immigration law is opposite to what was intended.

Casting our gaze to the Department of Energy, there have been rules and regulations on power consumption, types of power and recommendations for renewable and sustainable energy for who knows how long. I’ve not seen any of the promised changes, and the rules keep getting changed.

Same thing with the EPA, who has been tightening the screws on industry for the longest time, continues to demand more and more emission controls and target outputs. That has trickled down to the people, since gas stoves, pizza ovens, gas water heaters, gas heating and air conditioning — basically anything that burns — are under the gun and will more than likely be abolished. Over the years, though, has their meddling made a difference?

The Department of the Interior simply takes lands it wants to “protect,” but that continues unabated.

These are just some things off the top of my head, but they only serve to illustrate that constant lawmaking has not produced the expected results, especially in the areas that seem to be most important.

Multiply this by the length of time laws have been added, and the question becomes, “Have we done what we expected?”

This isn’t intended to debate the efficacy of government, but of policy.

I’ve thought for a long time that we as a people, either through like-minded legislators or through a Convention of States, that there needs to be a bookmark placed where we are, and an independent commission be appointed to review the efficacy of laws and regulations. Those that don’t meet the expected results, or that no longer have any bearing on society, must be removed. We can call it a Sunset Commission.

For too long, the people who are mentioned in the quote, “of the people, by the people, for the people,” have not paid close enough attention. To right the ship of state, that needs to change.

Tony Farkas is editor of the San Jacinto News-Times and the Trinity County News-Standard. He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Back to school is around the corner

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My Five CentsSummer is in full swing, but back to school is right around the corner. Be sure to stay cool during these hot Texas days. Here are five things happening around your state:

Property taxrelief measures passed, signed by Governor Abbott

This month, the Texas Senate and House of Representatives came together and made a deal to deliver property tax relief to homeowners across the state. The $18 billion package is the largest tax cut in Texas history. Senate Bill 2, by Senator Paul Bettencourt and Representative Morgan Meyer, includes an increase in the homestead exemption from $40,000 for most homes to $100,000. It will go into effect on this year’s property tax bill if the accompanying proposed constitutional amendment is passed by the voters in November. The bill also includes $7 billion for the reduction of school district maintenance and operations tax rates statewide. Senate Bill 2 also includes a 3-year pilot project for non-homesteaded property valued at $5 million or under to receive a 20% circuit-breaker on appraised value increases. It also includes a change to County Appraisal District boards of directors to include three county-wide, elected director positions in counties with a population of 75,000 or more.

The accompanying legislation, Senate Bill 3, by Senator Paul Bettencourt and Representative Charlie Geren, includes a doubling of the franchise tax exemption for businesses from $1.23 million to $2.47 million. An estimated 67,000 businesses will no longer pay a franchise tax. It also eliminates a “nuisance-tax” for 1.7 million business owners who previously had to file no-tax-due forms for franchise taxes. I was proud to co-author and vote for both bills and thrilled that the governor signed the package.

Lamar State College Port Arthur opens new industrial training facility

This month Lamar State College Port Arthur opened a new $6 million, 33,000-square-foot industrial training facility that has been in the works since 2018. The facility will train soon-to-be electricians, pipe fitters, or other essential workers, including training for jobs at the nearby petrochemical facilities. Courses can range in length from one to six months and at the end of each course students will receive certificates, which may open doors to new job opportunities. The space was once used as a National Guard armory and was converted using federal and city grants.

TxDOT, law enforcement launch Operation Slow Down

This month, TxDOT teamed up with law enforcement to urge drivers to “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” – a speeding awareness campaign aimed at saving lives. According to TxDOT, speed was a contributing factor in more than 162,000 roadway crashes in Texas in 2022, resulting in 1,469 deaths. It is the number one factor contributing to roadway crashes in Texas. Safe driving goes beyond just observing the speed limit. It also means matching speed to road conditions if there is bad weather or road construction, slowing down and allowing for more space to stop when traffic is heavy, and watching for road signs indicating reduced speed limits ahead. Operation Slow Down and “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” are both components of #EndTheStreakTX, an effort to end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways. The last deathless day on Texas roads was November 7, 2000.

Texas drawn hunt applications open for 2023-2024

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department opened applications for their drawn hunt permits program for the 2023-2024 season. The program, which issues permits for drawn hunts on both public and private lands statewide, issues almost 10,000 permits in more than 60 high quality hunt categories. Hunts available include white-tailed and mule deer, pronghorn, turkey, alligator, and dove and guided packages for exotic species and bighorn sheep. Last year there were more than 278,000 applications. Application fees range from free to $10, depending on the hunt category. Applications are due by the 1st and 15th of each month between August 1 and November 1. A full list of categories, maps, and deadlines can be found online at https://tpwd.texas.gov/.

SFA hosts rural economic development forums

Stephen F. Austin State University Center for Applied Research and Rural Innovation and the Texas Forest Country Partnership hosted forums on Rural Economic Development this month in San Augustine County and Polk County. Future forums are planned in Nacogdoches County, Angelina County, Trinity County and Newton County throughout early August. The forums include discussions on workforce, economic development, education, industry, and community needs. I was happy to attend the forum in San Augustine and discuss important topics facing business owners and the community.

Sen. Robert Nichols represents Senate District 9, which includes Polk County, in the Texas Legislature.

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