Still No End To Drought, Wildfires and Pipes Busting
The Texas Forest Service says drought conditions and the potential for more wildfires persist across the state. Of the state’s 254 counties, 247 are under a burn ban including all Central Texas counties. Since the fire season started in November wildfires have scorched more than three million acres across across the state.
State forest officials are asking landowners to use the “Texas 8-1-1” hotline to avoid bursting water pipes or interrupting utility lines when digging. The TFS estimates more than 60,000 damaged utility lines are reported each year. Many happen after landowners are digging on their property after a wildfire. TFS explained in a press release how the 8-1-1 line works:
"When you call 811, you will be asked for the location and description of the project. The utility companies will locate and mark the approximate location of utility lines within 48 hours. Once lines have been marked, you can begin to carefully dig, taking care to avoid damage to the marked lines."
Pearce Students Could Move To Reagan
A meeting tonight will discuss a plan to move eighth grade Pearce Middle School students to Reagan High School. The Austin-American Statesman reports the proposed move was announced at the end of last school year. The middle school students would attend a new college prep school at Reagan.
The meeting tonight will be held in the cafeteria at Reagan High School beginning at 6 p. m.
Tejano Culture
A future monument on the State Capitol grounds will honor early Tejano settlers in Texas and the state's long-standing Tejano culture. KUT’s Mose Buchele reports there is a growing interest in Tejano culture, tracing ancestry, and celebrating Texas’ early beginnings.