WEDNESDAY VOLUME XXIX NUMBER 11 Section 1 10 pages
March 20, 2024 Home of the ‘Lone Star Flag’ and Micheal Walding
Montgomery County’s Only Locally Owned Newspaper
Established 1995
Montgomery County News
Montgomery, Texas 77356
50 Weekly PBOX Magnolia, TX 77353
Texas Payton Riley Appears Weekly
Gas Prices Average gasoline prices in Texas have risen 14.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.04/g today, according to GasBuddy's survey of 13,114 stations in Texas. Prices in Texas are 15.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 2.8 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has declined 2.2 cents in the last week and stands at $4.00 per gallon. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Texas was priced at $2.29/g yesterday while the most expensive was $3.99/g, a difference of $1.70/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.29/g while the highest was $3.99/g, a difference of $1.70/g. The national average price of gasoline has risen 4.4 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.44/g today. The national average is up 18.7 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 1.6 cents per gallon higher 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: March 18, 2023: $3.01/g (U.S. Average: $3.43/g) March 18, 2022: $3.92/g (U.S. Average: $4.27/g) March 18, 2021: $2.64/g (U.S. Average: $2.87/g) March 18, 2020: $1.93/g (U.S. Average: $2.16/g) March 18, 2019: $2.32/g (U.S. Average: $2.56/g) March 18, 2018: $2.31/g (U.S. Average: $2.54/g) March 18, 2017: $2.07/g (U.S. Average: $2.29/g) March 18, 2016: $1.82/g (U.S. Average: $1.98/g) March 18, 2015: $2.22/g (U.S. Average: $2.42/g) March 18, 2014: $3.29/g (U.S. Average: $3.52/g) Neighboring areas and their current gas prices: Midland Odessa- $3.19/g, up 23.1 cents per gallon from last week's $2.96/g. San Antonio- $2.95/g, up 16.6 cents per gallon from last week's $2.79/g. Austin- $2.98/g, up 14.5 cents per gallon from last week's $2.83/g. "Most Americans continued to see average gasoline prices march higher last week. The reason is the season: gasoline demand is rising as more Americans are getting out, combined with the summer gasoline switchover, which is well underway, and continued refinery maintenance," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "The madness should slow down in the next few weeks as we've seen positive data that refinery output is starting to increase, a sign that the peak of maintenance season could be behind us. In some positive news for Midwest motorists, the bp refinery in Whiting, Indiana that can process 440,000 barrels of oil per day is finally back to normal operations for the first time since an electrical failure happened in early February. For now, gas prices will likely continue to trend higher, but the fever may break soon. When it comes to diesel, the news has been good - above average temperatures have lowered heating oil demand, and average diesel prices are on the cusp of falling back below $4 per gallon." SOURCE GasBuddy
on American Idol b y R u b e n B o r j a s about the breakup with her J r. M C N c o n t r i b u t i n g boyfriend several years ago. The song will be writer released on May 3rd. Idol judge Katy Perry When you are chosen to sing in front of Lionel appeared to take a liking to Richie, Katy Perry, and the young Riley, and Luke Bryan, that would be empathized with her plight a lifetime achievement for w h e n i t c a m e t o most singers, but for it to be boyfriends. Perry, a singer shown on ‘American Idol’ and songwriter herself, and aired nationally on recognized Payton’s talent their ‘Night 4 Auditions’ and urged her to continue show, that’s an entirely on her quest in making d i ff e r e n t c u p o f t e a . entertaining and inspiring M o n t g o m e r y ’ s o w n music. “If you are doing this at Payton Riley, 15, appeared on the show that aired 1 5 , y o u a r e o n t o Sunday evening on ABC, something,” said Perry. showcasing her talent as a “Keep singing and writing, singer and songwriter, with and know that God has a her new song ‘Fireflies,’ a plan for your life.” Riley’s performance tune she penned herself,
received accolades statewide, being named the 2023 Young Artist of the Year (18 and younger) by the Texas Country Music Association. But this national attention is just another step for Payton, a high school kid from Montgomery County. She is an amazing talent, and still holds her elders and fans in the greatest of respect. Her humility is her superpower, and she will rise above as she continues to develop her singing and songwriting ability. “Unfortunately, things didn't pan out for me on American Idol this time,” said Riley. “I respect the judges' decisions and agree that I still have room for growth.” The Idol judges asked Riley to come back in a few See Riley, page 2
The Daughters of The Republic of Texas, Hosts Outstanding Texas History Speaker Submitted by Pat Spackey
Cheryl Bolt, president of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Judge Nathaniel Hart Davis chapter, and all the chapter members were Blessed to welcome Ron McAnear, Vi c e P r e s i d e n t o f t h e "Friends of the Lone Star Monument and Historical Park” as their speaker during the March Meeting, held The Heritage Museum of Montgomery County, Strake House. McAnear is a member of the Lone Star Chapter Sons of the Republic o f Te x a s a n d t h e t w o organizations, along with the Children of the Republic of Texas, Charles B. Stewart Chapter, volunteer year around promoting Texas History. McAnear presented a very educational and Community........2, 3, 4 informative program titled Commentary...................3, 4, 5 "Texas Revolution Battle Church Directory..............5 Flags” as he shared the history of each flag on Legals...........................6,7,9 display! The program was a Business Directory...........10 tribute to March 2nd, Texas
Index
Payton Riley singing her original song “Fireflies” to the American Idol judges this past Sunday on ABC. Photo Credit: Disney/Eric McCandless was the sole original song exhibited on the show, and Payton really put her heart and soul into the opportunity. She was the youngest contestant by several years. “You have a promising future, and just take the time and grow,” said Richie. “But as far as your career is concerned, my dear, the sky’s the limit.” American Idol is Riley’s biggest break so f a r. T V I n s i d e r. c o m labeled her as “another Ta y l o r S w i f t i n t h e making,” but we here in Montgomery County want her to be ‘The First’ Payton Riley, with someone else modeling themselves on her in the coming decades. “You’re an emotional person,” said Bryan. “And that’s what it takes to be an amazing songwriter and artist.” Riley has already
PHOTO: Officers Seated on the Front Row L to R: - Pat Spackey (Vice President); Mollie Weber (Chaplain); Danean Myers (Registrar); Ron McAnear (Speaker); Cheryl Bolt (President); Barbara Eddleman (Treasurer); Nancy Smith (Secretary) Shelly Lane (Past President).
Independence Day and Flag Day. The organizations had just returned from c e l e b r a t i n g Te x a s Independence Day at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Site on March 2nd and Alamo
Heroes Day at the Alamo in San Antonio on March 6th and look forward to celebrating Goliad Heroes Day on March 27th. For information on membership in the Daughters of the Republic of
Texas, Judge Nathaniel Hart Davis Chapter and the Children of the Republic of Texas, Charles B. Stewart Chapter, contact Danean Myers, Registrar at danean.myers1@gmail.com .
This Ad Space Available 4 column x 1.5 inch 936-449-NEWS
PRE-SRT POSTAGE PD #80 MONTG. TX
HCA Houston Conroe As Center Of Excellence In Surgical Safety: Smoke Evacuation CONROE, Texas – The Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN), representing more than 200,000 surgical nurses across the country, has named HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe as a Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Smoke Evacuation. This award recognizes the hospital for its commitment to patient and workplace safety by taking a comprehensive approach to ensuring a smoke-free environment wherever surgical smoke is generated. Information about the award AORN's Go Clear Award signifies that surgical teams at HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe have successfully c o m p l e t e d t h e comprehensive, evidencebased program and adopted technologies to ensure a surgical smoke-free environment for its patients and staff. “Surgical smoke occurs every day in operating rooms and poses health risks to those exposed to it. AORN created this program so that every facility can understand the urgency and take steps to protect the health and safety of patients, nurses, doctors and support staff,” said AORN CEO & Executive Director Linda Groah, MSN, RN, CNOR, NEA-BC, FAAN. “This Center of Excellence for Surgical Safety designation shows the community that the surgical teams at HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe are committed to providing high-quality care.” Why the award is important · Surgical smoke is a hazardous byproduct of any surgery involving a laser or an electrosurgical unit. · Although research, professional organizations, and the federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) identified surgical smoke as harmful many years ago, this byproduct continues to be a safety hazard in the operating room. · The Center of Excellence in S urgical Safety: Smoke Evacuation (Go ClearTM) Program was developed to help perioperative teams improve safety efforts and protect staff and patients from the hazards of surgical smoke. Message from hospital “We are extremely proud to have received the Go ClearTM award that designates us as a Center of Excellence in S urgical Safety: Smoke Evacuation. O u r s u rg i c a l t e a m h a s worked diligently to ensure they are providing a smokefree environment for our patients and colleagues. This award further demonstrates HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe's commitment to patient safety,” said Matt Davis, CEO at HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe.