WEDNESDAY VOLUME XXVIII NUMBER 18 Section 1 8 pages
May 3, 2023 Home of the ‘Lone Star Flag’ and Kaitlyn Churchill
Montgomery County’s Only Locally Owned Newspaper
Established 1995
Montgomery County News
Montgomery, Texas 77356
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PRE-SRT POSTAGE PD #80 MONTG. TX
PBOX Magnolia, TX 77353
Sheriff Rand The Daughters Of The Republic Texas Henderson Launches Of Texas, Celebrate An Outstanding Year Weekly Reelection
Gas Prices Average gasoline prices in Texas have fallen 12.0 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.14/g today, according to GasBuddy's survey of 13,114 stations in Texas. Prices in Texas are 1 cent per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 71.1 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has fallen 5.3 cents in the last week and stands at $4.07 per gallon. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Texas was priced at $2.49/g yesterday while the most expensive was $4.17/g, a difference of $1.68/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.49/g while the highest was $4.17/g, a difference of $1.68/g. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 6.3 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.58/g today. The national average is up 8.2 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 59.6 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: May 1, 2022: $3.85/g (U.S. Average: $4.17/g) May 1, 2021: $2.60/g (U.S. Average: $2.89/g) May 1, 2020: $1.52/g (U.S. Average: $1.77/g) May 1, 2019: $2.60/g (U.S. Average: $2.89/g) May 1, 2018: $2.56/g (U.S. Average: $2.81/g) May 1, 2017: $2.21/g (U.S. Average: $2.37/g) May 1, 2016: $1.97/g (U.S. Average: $2.22/g) May 1, 2015: $2.38/g (U.S. Average: $2.60/g) May 1, 2014: $3.47/g (U.S. Average: $3.69/g) May 1, 2013: $3.33/g (U.S. Average: $3.53/g) Neighboring areas and their current gas prices: Midland Odessa- $3.19/g, down 5.2 cents per gallon from last week's $3.24/g. San Antonio- $3.09/g, down 13.0 cents per gallon from last week's $3.22/g. Austin- $3.14/g, down 11.7 cents per gallon from last week's $3.26/g. "After declining the prior week at a slow pace, the drop in the national average has gained momentum. Oil prices have come under additional selling pressure alongside wholesale gasoline prices, giving retailers room to pass on the lower prices," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "Diesel prices have followed, falling to their lowest in over 13 months as demand remains weak due to concerns over the e c o n o m y. Wi t h r e f i n e r y maintenance wrapping up, we should see supplies start to build in the weeks ahead, just in time for the summer driving season, potentially putting more downward pressure on prices. However, while a majority of states saw gas prices drop, some, particularly in the Northeast, have yet to join in thanks to being the last to make the switch to summer gasoline - but relief will be on the way soon in areas that have resisted the fall thus far." SOURCE GasBuddy
Campaign Demonstrates Robust Grassroots and Broad Community Support CONROE TX - Sheriff Rand Henderson launched his reelection campaign last week before a packed room of local leaders and supporters. He highlighted his robust grassroots support and broad community backing. “Public safety is g o v e r n m e n t ’s f i r s t responsibility. The men and women of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office are here to protect and to serve. I’m proud of the work they do and am honored to lead this team to safeguard our community,” Henderson said.
Members of the Daughters of the the Republic of Texas, Judge Nathaniel Hart Davis chapter in Montgomery pose for a photo during their May, 2023 meeting. The chapter has experienced outstanding growth in the last two years under the leadership of President Jenny Lehr and her officers - Pat Spackey, Cheryl Bolt, Danean Myers, Kay Pontious, Elaine Collings, Paula Dossett and Deanna M a t h i e s o n a n d
Business Directory.............8
installation service with the assistance of Chaplain, Elaine Collings. The women who will serve for the 2023-2025 term are: Cheryl Bolt (President); P a t S p a c k e y ( Vi c e President); Nancy Smith (Secretary); Barbara Eddleman (Treasurer); Danean Myers (Registrar); Mollie Weber (Chaplain); Paula Dossett (Historian) Deanna Mathieson and Paula Dossett (Charles B. Stewart Chapter, Children of the Republic of Texas chapter co sponsors). The
highlight of the day was the Installation ceremony welcoming new members. Danean Myers, Registrar announced the recent new members: Cindy Ambergay, Eva Rains, Kristal Wood, Mary Beth Lozano, Sheila Codoloto, Shelly Humphrey, Cecelia Moore, Sharon Jones, Theresa Cawthon, Julie Ochs. Barbara Eddleman, Carolyn Worsham, Janice Cain, Christine Schoech,
See Texas, page 7
TPWD Provides Anglers with Best Practices for Catch and Release of Alligator Gar
AUSTIN — Alligator gar hold a special place in Texans’ hearts as the largest and longest-living freshwater species in the state. The Texas Parks and Wi l d l i f e D e p a r t m e n t (TPWD) works to ensure healthy populations remain i n Te x a s f o r f u t u r e generations to enjoy. As waters warm and alligator Community........2, 3, 4, 7, 8 gar fishing heats up this summer, TPWD is working Commentary.......................3, 4 with anglers, who play a Devotional..........................5 key role in conservation efforts through proper Legals.................................6 catch-and-release practices.
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appreciation to Anita Stevens (Membership Directory). President Jenny Lehr presented the new President, Cheryl Bolt with her Presidents pin and Cheryl Bolt thanked Mrs. Lehr and presented her with her Past Presidents pin, in appreciation for her service as President 20212023. Pat Spackey, Chair of the nominating committee, Introduced the new board of officers for the 2023-2025 term. Shelly Lane, past president performed the Officer
“Catch-and-release fishing for alligator gar has become quite popular and data from a current evaluation in progress indicates high survival rates for released fish,” said Dan Daugherty, TPWD Inland Fisheries senior scientist. “We’ve even recorded some fish being caught and released three or four times over multiple years.” TPWD biologists have put together some best practices for anglers to follow when they head out to the water in search of
these massive fish. Alligator gar can grow up to eight feet long and weigh more than 300 pounds. The best available science suggests gar anglers follow these key guidelines to maximize survival: 1. Use non-stainlesssteel tackle and hooks no larger than 3/0. TPWD recommends the use of single hook styles no larger than 3/0 when fishing for alligator gar. Larger hooks are more likely to result in damage to internal organs, particularly for smaller fish. Stainless steel hooks and leaders have been shown to persist in fish for years, while bronze hooks and leaders degrade relatively quickly. 2. Land large fish on shore rather than on a boat. Whenever possible, landing the fish on shore is a better practice than lifting the fish over the gunnel and onto a boat deck. The use of lassos or snares to lift a fish over a boat gunnel may
result in internal injury to a heavy fish like alligator gar. If possible, keep the fish in or near the water; fully support the weight of the fish when taking photos before release. Minimize handling time. 3. Cut the line or leader on deeply hooked fish. Hooks lodged beyond the mouth cavity (in the throat, gullet or stomach) should not be removed — most studies suggest additional damage is often caused by attempting to remove a deep hook. Longterm survival is more likely if the line or leader is cut and the hook left in place. Non-stainless-steel hooks degrade relatively quickly and can be more easily shed by a gar. TPWD’s alligator gar webpage provides comprehensive information on the species, including management practices and additional tips for anglers.
Sheriff Henderson has gained support of a majority of the Republican grassroots leadership and party officials. He begins his campaign with a war chest of over $600,000. “The support from Commissioners Court, District Attorney Brett Ligon and from across the law enforcement community is gratifying. It’s a team effort and I appreciate their trust in me. The tremendous support from the community is humbling. That’s why I entered law enforcement. It is their backing that calls me to seek reelection and gives me confidence we will be successful in this reelection campaign,” Henderson concluded. Sheriff Rand Henderson was first elected as Sheriff in Montgomery County in 2016 and is up for his third full term in November 2024. More information about Sheriff Henderson is available at www.RandHenderson.or g.
Charles B. Stewart West Branch Library Book Sale Charles B. Stewart-West Branch Library 202 Bessie Price Owen, Montgomery, TX 77356 May 4, 9-12 First choice: Free entry to Friends members. All others $15 May 4, 12-7 Open to all. May 5, 9-4:30 May 6, 9-2 Silent Auction ends at noon. Friends of the Library have supported the Charles B. Stewart-West Branch Library since its inception 30 years ago. As local volunteers, we donate our time and efforts to help the library enrich the community in which we live. Our current priorities are the library services, resources, and benefits for Children, Young Adults, and Adults - especially activities not supported by county funds.