WEDNESDAY VOLUME XXVIII NUMBER 8 Section 1 14 pages
February 22, 2023 Home of the ‘Lone Star Flag’ and Gloria Mercedes Jarosso
Montgomery County’s Only Locally Owned Newspaper
Established 1995
Montgomery County News
Montgomery, Texas 77356
50 Weekly
PRE-SRT POSTAGE PD #80 MONTG. TX
PBOX Magnolia, TX 77353
National Invasive Article by Mark Hooker Species Awareness Week
Texas Familiar Territory Weekly Gas Prices Average gasoline prices in Texas have risen 1.9 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.96/g today, according to GasBuddy's survey of 13,114 stations in Texas. Prices in Texas are 1.1 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 22.3 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has fallen 6.9 cents in the last week and stands at $4.45 per gallon. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Texas was priced at $2.55/g yesterday while the most expensive was $4.17/g, a difference of $1.62/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.55/g while the highest was $4.17/g, a difference of $1.62/g. The national average price of gasoline is unchanged in the last week, averaging $3.37/g today. The national average is down 2.7 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 14.5 cents per gallon lower than a year ago, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country. Historical gasoline prices in Texas and the national average going back ten years: February 20, 2022: $3.19/g (U.S. Average: $3.52/g) February 20, 2021: $2.28/g (U.S. Average: $2.64/g) February 20, 2020: $2.15/g (U.S. Average: $2.46/g) February 20, 2019: $2.10/g (U.S. Average: $2.38/g) February 20, 2018: $2.27/g (U.S. Average: $2.52/g) February 20, 2017: $2.07/g (U.S. Average: $2.28/g) February 20, 2016: $1.52/g (U.S. Average: $1.71/g) February 20, 2015: $2.11/g (U.S. Average: $2.27/g) February 20, 2014: $3.19/g (U.S. Average: $3.38/g) February 20, 2013: $3.63/g (U.S. Average: $3.77/g) Neighboring areas and their current gas prices: Midland Odessa- $3.05/g, down 3.2 cents per gallon from last week's $3.08/g. San Antonio- $2.96/g, up 8.5 cents per gallon from last week's $2.87/g. Austin- $2.99/g, up 3.4 cents per gallon from last week's $2.96/g. "Motorists across many areas of the country have seen gas prices inching down for another week, while some states have moved higher. We've seen some refinery challenges in pockets of the country, while others are starting the transition to summer gasoline, weighing on prices. For diesel, the outlook remains bright with prices continuing to fall, " said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "Oil prices have softened over the last week, helping to limit any upside at the pump, with strong economic data leading to concern that the Fed will continue to use interest rates to slow the economy. This could weaken demand as we head into the peak summer driving season. For diesel, the great news is that the most common price in the U.S. for diesel is now $3.99 per gallon, with average prices continuing to drop. In the next couple of weeks, diesel will finally flip to deflationary compared to a year ago, which is excellent news for the economy." SOURCE GasBuddy
The MISD Fishing Team, as well as 22 other High Schools and Programs in the Houston Division of the Texas High School Bass Association, descended upon Lake Livingston this past Saturday February 18th for the 4th Divisional Tournament of the year. What everyone found, was a stingy Lake Livingston bite, with very few limits, or even fish caught by the 150 Teams in attendance. At stake going into this tournament are crucial points to be earned by both Individual Teams, as well as High School Programs. I n d i v i d u a l Te a m s a r e looking to earn their way into the Regional Championship, and the High Schools are looking to win the Divisional Championship.
On a high note for the MISD Fishing Team was the Individual Team of Lucas and Brad Scogin. This pair are Cousins, and according to their Captain Matt Scogins, “have been fishing together since they could barely walk.” They have been wanting to be part of the MISD Fishing Team as long as they can r e m e m b e r, a n d t h e y brought in one of less than a handful of limits, coming in 2nd place out of 150 Teams. Team Scogins total weight was 12.85, narrowly missing 1st place for the event by less than a quarter of a pound. Mr. Scogins went on to say that “Lucas and Matt spent a lot of time with both map and satellite imagery study, as well as practice on the water.” The team added that “all 5 of their keepers
came on Texas Rigged Soft Plastics and Jigs in dark colors, and that patience was the key.” Coming in 10th place overall for your MISD Fishing Team were Tanner Galik and Sterlin Driver. They were able to bring 4 fish to the scales that weighed 8.23 pounds. This high finish will definitely solidify their chances of qualifying for the Regional Tournament. Following very closely in 11th place was the Team of Jaxson Carnine and Karson Nelson. They were also able to manage 4 keepers, which weighed in at 8.09 pounds. This brought the Top 3 Teams combined weight to 29.17 for the MISD Fishing Team, which was good for a 2nd place finish out of 22 Programs.
Also doing well were the current points leaders in the coveted Anglers of the Year Race for the Division, Curtis McCauley & Nate Millner. They landed in 12th place with 6.10 pounds on one fish, which was the largest caught by 150 Teams. According to their Captain Sean Hoerneke, “Nate and Curtis had a gut check moment out there on the water today, as at 2:00, they did not have a fish in the livewell.” Knowing that if they did not catch a keeper, and zeroed for the tournament, they would lose their number one ranking. Hoerneke added that “I was Super Proud of the boys, as they never quit,
See MISD, page 2
Connor, Miller, Taglienti, Win Tx Division Annual Endowment Doll The lovely Rebel Joan Of Arc Belles stand proudly with the Texas Division Annual Endowment Doll at their UDC Forum in College Station. The proud chapter were so pleased to have their beauty, “Belle”, back in their arms for this coming year to display her for their education and history purposes. “Belle” was purchased originally by RJOA LYN HOWARD and donated to the Texas Division of the UDC as the Endowment Doll for the Children of the
Index Community......2, 3, 4,13,14 Commentary.......................3, 4 Standing Left to Rt: Dianne Kebodeaux, Danean Myers, Donna Summers, Charlotte
Devotional..........................5 Belin, Sue Mennell, Karen DeBerry, Katherine Taglienti, “BELLE”, Mary Beth Legals....6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Lozano, Anita Stevens, and RJOA President Jenny Lehr. Seated Left to Rt: Elaine Business Directory...........14
Collings, Lyn Howard, Cynthia Connor, Evelyn Miller, and TX Div Pres. Louann Rubel.
Doll, page 13
National Invasive Species Awareness Week Feb. 20-26 Promotes Action to Combat Harmful, NonNative Plants and Wildlife AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) asks Texans to join the fight against invasive species that negatively impact the state’s natural resources and economy. National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW), slated for Feb. 20–26, is an initiative to raise awareness of the threats and provide solutions on how to prevent the spread of invasive species. "During National Invasive Species Awareness Week, and throughout the year, we want to encourage all Texans to take time to prevent new introductions and spread of invasive species and help to protect our natural resources for the enjoyment of future generations,” said Monica McGarrity, TPWD Senior Scientist for Aquatic Invasive Species. Invasive species are nonnative to an ecosystem and can cause environmental or economic damage and harm to human health and quality of life. In addition, invasive species are expensive to control and can be impossible to eradicate once established, and can inflict costly damage to crops, fisheries, forests and more. According to recent estimates, these costs total approximately $219 billion across the United States every year. Many invasive species are spread (inadvertently or intentionally) by humans, who play an important role in preventing their spread to new areas. A variety of non-native plants, animals, insects and even diseases can become invasive when they enter a new environment, growing or reproducing rapidly and potentially outcompeting native species. This allows them to become established and problematic across large areas. They can be introduced by humans in a variety of ways, including intentional introduction through aquarium dumping, live bait releases or outdoor plantings, or accidentally as “hitchhikers” carried through recreational activities. These risky recreational activities can include hauling firewood long distances for a campfire or moving a boat from one reservoir to another without properly cleaning, draining and drying it first. Once introduced, some species can harm native species and ecosystems, impact recreational activities, damage infrastructure and
See Invasive, page 13