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				<title><![CDATA[Interim Charges for House Committees]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2708</link> 
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				<pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 15:07:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[This week I will continue discussing interim charges. Interim charges are the issues that the Speaker asks committees to study during the time between regular legislative sessions in order to make recommendations for legislation for the following legislative session.  The charges are good indicators of what legislation the legislature will take up during the next session.  Legislators rely on public input when crafting legislation, and it is important that they hear from people during the interim. 

House Committee on State Affairs

&#42;             Examine the issue of resource adequacy in the Texas electricity market, federal and state interventions in the marketplace that may be negatively impacting future adequacy, and the best way to maintain resource adequacy. 
&#42;             Examine whether current law ensures broadband provider access to an electric cooperative&#39;s utility poles and facilities pursuant to reasonable, cost-based, and nondiscriminatory rates, terms, ]]>
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				<title><![CDATA[Online Food Handler Classes Offered for Huntsville, Texas]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2707</link> 
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				<pubDate>Tue, 8 May 2012 10:27:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[The Texas Department of State Health Services is on a mission to eliminate foodborne illness in throughout the state. One big component of their strategy is the implementation of Food Handler Safety training which requires people involved in the food service industry to be trained in the proper process and procedures involved in safe food handling.

But in today&#39;s economy, few retail establishments can afford the luxury of onsite training and testing. That&#39;s where HuntsvilleTX.FoodHandlerClasses.com comes in. This online courseware, offered by Food Handler Classes for the city of Huntsville, TX, food workers eliminates the need for physical classrooms, printed material, paid instructors, and clerical staff. It is self-contained, self-paced, available in both English and Spanish, and available 24/7. The curriculum covers all of the material required by the Texas Department of State Health Services and even allows the student to register for and take the test. Once the ]]>
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				<title><![CDATA[State Fire Marshal's Office]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2706</link> 
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				<pubDate>Mon, 7 May 2012 08:27:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[Over the next few weeks, I will be writing about the duties of various state agencies.  The Texas Department of Insurance not only oversees insurance companies in Texas, it also contains the State Fire Marshall, Workers&#39; Compensation Division, the Office of the Injured Employee Counsel, and the Office of Public Insurance Counsel.  This week, I will discuss the Office of the State Fire Marshal (SFMO). The mission of the SFMO is to reduce the loss of life and property due to fire and related hazards.
               The SFMO has four divisions: Prevention and Outreach; Fire Safety Inspections; Licensing and Enforcement; and Fire Investigations.  The Prevention and Outreach Division provides fire protection information and education, administers a statewide youth fire prevention and intervention program, maintains the Texas Fire Incident Reporting System (TEXFIRS), and manages the fire suppression rating system process.  The Fire Safety Inspections Division conducts fire safety insp]]>
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				<title><![CDATA[Austin College Choral Concert is Sunday]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2705</link> 
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				<pubDate>Wed, 2 May 2012 15:36:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[SHERMAN, TEXAS&#45;The Austin College Department of Music will present its Spring Choral Concert on Sunday, May 6, at 3 p.m. in Wynne Chapel on the Austin College campus. The event is free and open to the public.

This concert will feature the Austin College A Cappella Choir and Austin College Chorale as well as the Quartette and Consort. The concert will include a wide variety of music ranging from traditional classical music to spirituals and avant grade pieces. The choirs at Austin College are directed by, Dr. Wayne Crannell, associate professor of music, who is assisted by Nick Timmerman, a 2011 Austin College graduate currently involved in graduate study through the Austin Teacher Program.  

The Quartette and Consort will sing a selection of a cappella pop music, including music composed and arranged by Consort members senior Erin Slade and junior Evan Runyon.

Austin College is a leading national independent liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, ]]>
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				<title><![CDATA[Online Food Handler Classes Offered for Brazos County, Texas]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2704</link> 
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				<pubDate>Wed, 2 May 2012 15:11:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[The Texas Department of State Health Services is on a mission to eliminate foodborne illness in throughout the state. One big component of their strategy is the implementation of Food Handler Safety training which requires people involved in the food service industry to be trained in the proper process and procedures involved in safe food handling.

But in today&#39;s economy, few retail establishments can afford the luxury of onsite training and testing. That&#39;s where BrazosCoTX.FoodHandlerClasses.com comes in. This online courseware, offered by Food Handler Classes for Brazos County TX, food workers eliminates the need for physical classrooms, printed material, paid instructors, and clerical staff. It is self-contained, self-paced, available in both English and Spanish, and available 24/7. The curriculum covers all of the material required by the Texas Department of State Health Services and even allows the student to register for and take the test. Once the test is pass]]>
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				<title><![CDATA[Online Food Handler Classes Offered for Cherokee County, Texas]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2703</link> 
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				<pubDate>Wed, 2 May 2012 14:25:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[The Texas Department of State Health Services is on a mission to eliminate foodborne illness in throughout the state. One big component of their strategy is the implementation of Food Handler Safety training which requires people involved in the food service industry to be trained in the proper process and procedures involved in safe food handling.

But in today&#39;s economy, few retail establishments can afford the luxury of onsite training and testing. That&#39;s where CherokeeCoTX.FoodHandlerClasses.com comes in. This online courseware, offered by Food Handler Classes for the Cherokee County, TX, food workers eliminates the need for physical classrooms, printed material, paid instructors, and clerical staff. It is self-contained, self-paced, available in both English and Spanish, and available 24/7. The curriculum covers all of the material required by the Texas Department of State Health Services and even allows the student to register for and take the test. Once the tes]]>
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				<title><![CDATA[Online Food Handler Classes Offered for College Station, Texas]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2702</link> 
				<guid isPermaLink="false">PortalArticles2702</guid> 
				<pubDate>Wed, 2 May 2012 14:07:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[The Texas Department of State Health Services is on a mission to eliminate foodborne illness in throughout the state. One big component of their strategy is the implementation of Food Handler Safety training which requires people involved in the food service industry to be trained in the proper process and procedures involved in safe food handling.

But in today&#39;s economy, few retail establishments can afford the luxury of onsite training and testing. That&#39;s where CollegeStationTX.FoodHandlerClasses.com comes in. This online courseware, offered by Food Handler Classes for the City of College Station, TX, food workers eliminates the need for physical classrooms, printed material, paid instructors, and clerical staff. It is self-contained, self-paced, available in both English and Spanish, and available 24/7. The curriculum covers all of the material required by the Texas Department of State Health Services and even allows the student to register for and take the test. ]]>
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				<title><![CDATA[15th Annual Boyz to Men 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2701</link> 
				<guid isPermaLink="false">PortalArticles2701</guid> 
				<pubDate>Tue, 1 May 2012 14:26:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[Get your team ready for the 15th Annual Boyz to Men 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. Boy or girl teams will compete in the following age groups:  6-8 years, 9-11 years, 12-14 years, and 15-18 years.  Each game will have a 30 minute time limit with the first team reaching 15 points with a two-point margin winning the game. Register your team at the Glennie O. Ham Center 1002 N Music St (building is located in M.L.K., Jr. Park)

Date:         Saturday, May 19, 2012
Time:         8:00am
Cost:          $5 per player
Location:    M.L.K., Jr. Park
             922 N East St.
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				<title><![CDATA[Austin College Students Host Community Cinco de Mayo Celebration]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2700</link> 
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				<pubDate>Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:29:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[SHERMAN, TEXAS&#45;Austin College&#39;s Hispanic student group Los Amigos will host a community-wide Cinco de Mayo celebration on Saturday, May 5, from 1 to 5 p.m. on the north lawn of Wright Campus Center. In the event of rain, the celebration will move to Sid Richardson Center in Robert T. Mason Athletic/Recreation Complex in. All community members are invited to attend.

The celebration will incorporate free authentic Mexican food, entertainment including a DJ and bounce houses, a raffle for Texas Rangers tickets, and a Health Fair and blood drive. The afternoon will include games and contests as well.

Junior Ariel Rodriguez of McKinney, Los Amigos president, said the event is designed to bring together the campus and community in celebrating Mexican heritage and pride. Through the Health Fair, the group hopes to present information and preventative advice on medical topics. 

Austin College is a leading national independent liberal arts college located north of Dallas in]]>
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				<title><![CDATA[Office of Injured Employee Counsel]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2699</link> 
				<guid isPermaLink="false">PortalArticles2699</guid> 
				<pubDate>Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:30:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[Over the next few weeks, I will be writing about the duties of various state agencies.  The Texas Department of Insurance not only oversees insurance companies in Texas, it also contains the State Fire Marshall, Workers&#39; Compensation Division, the Office of the Injured Employee Counsel, and the Office of Public Insurance Counsel.  This week, I will discuss the Office of Injured Employee Counsel. In 2006, the Office of Injured Employee Counsel (OIEC) was created within the Texas Department of Insurance.  The mission of the Counsel is to assist, educate, and advocate on behalf of the injured employees of Texas. 
                The Counsel&#39;s website is a wealth of information for workers.  An employee can report an injury, find out their rights and responsibilities, and request assistance from the OIEC through an ombudsman.  An Ombudsman is a specially trained employee of the Office of Injured Employee Counsel (OIEC) who can assist an employee with a dispute with the employer&#39;]]>
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				<title><![CDATA[Striper Master Lake Fishing Report 4/27/2012]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2698</link> 
				<guid isPermaLink="false">PortalArticles2698</guid> 
				<pubDate>Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:48:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[It&#39;s been a little over three weeks since my last post. Lake Texoma water elevation is 616.90 and the water temperature is 69-70 degrees. The past two weeks I&#39;ve fished shallow flats, ditches, humps and deepwater ledges from 10ft to 60ft of water and can tell you that if your using live bait the stripers will find you.

Although alot of the fish we have been catching were smaller males but as of they last few days we are seeing quite a few spawned out female stripers also. I look to see the better spawned out stripers to show up in full force any day now. Threadfin shad are spawning on the main lake rocks so if you see the birds on the banks dancing around try some soft plastic swim baits or even topwater lures and you should be able to pull some fish.

We&#39;ve had alot more traffic out the past few weekend so remember to be courteous to you fellow boaters and make sure your Texoma fishing permit is current. Weather is beautiful and Texoma striper fishing is getti]]>
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				<title><![CDATA[Austin College Faculty Discuss Research and Teaching  ]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2697</link> 
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				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:46:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[Philip Barker, Austin College associate professor of political science, will discuss "Religion and Nationalism in the Modern World" on Wednesday, April 25, at 4;30 p.m. in Caruth Administration Building, Room 201. The presentation is one of three faculty research and pedagogy lectures sponsored this spring by the Robert and Joyce Johnson Center for Faculty Development and Excellence in Teaching. The presentation is free and open to the public.

The topic comes from Barker&#39;s 2009 book, Religious Nationalism in Modern Europe: If God be for Us. Included in the Routledge Studies in Nationalism and Ethnicity series, the book examines the enduring nature of religious nationalism in modern Europe. Through in-depth case studies in Ireland, England, Poland, and Greece, Barker illustrates that religious frontiers, or geographic lines of division between different and unique religions, are central to the formation of religiously-based national identities.

Barker said that as states d]]>
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				<title><![CDATA[Austin College Students Shave Heads for Cancer Research]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2696</link> 
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				<pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:35:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[SHERMAN, TEXAS&#45;A large group of young men and women, all with shaved heads, likely will get some second looks and perhaps be asked some questions. 

That&#39;s exactly the response a group of Austin College students hope to get.  

Twenty-five students had their heads shaved at Rotaract&#39;s fourth annual St. Baldrick&#39;s event April 12 in support of children&#39;s cancer research. Volunteers sought donations individually in advance of the event and Rotaract also collected donations on campus. The group raised more than $3,000. Local stylists Eric Mitchell Ross and Julia Anderson donated their time to shave the heads of the students.  

Freshman Anika Nichols-Payne was the most successful fundraiser among the women. She took part on behalf of two children with cancer, Tracy and Ryan, whom she knows. Other student and faculty participants were David Aiello, Abdurrahman Allawala, Katy Allen, Lance Barton, James Benson, Jordan Benson, Thomas Boyanton, Christopher Burke, Brittnay Conn]]>
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				<title><![CDATA[Don't Barrel Through Work Zones! Drive Smart to Arrive Alive.]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2695</link> 
				<guid isPermaLink="false">PortalArticles2695</guid> 
				<pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:34:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[Observing National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 23-27

Navigating construction can be difficult, not to mention risky for both drivers and workers. 

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) manages more than 1,000 highway projects at any given time on 80,000 miles of Texas roads. To remember victims and raise safety awareness for workers and motorists, TxDOT will join the Federal Highway Administration and other transportation partners April 23-27 to observe the 13th annual National Work Zone Awareness Week.

Work zones can be hazardous for both motorists and highway crews working to improve Texas&#39; highways. However, because of increased safety measures and public outreach, TxDOT has seen a decline in work zone fatalities for two consecutive years. 

In 2010, 100 people were killed in highway construction and maintenance zones in Texas, down from 108 the previous year. While there has been a decline in work zone fatalities and crashes, there is sti]]>
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				<title><![CDATA[Interim Charges for House Committees]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2694</link> 
				<guid isPermaLink="false">PortalArticles2694</guid> 
				<pubDate>Mon, 9 Apr 2012 15:36:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[This week I will discuss the interim charges recently issued to the House Committee on Redistricting.  Interim charges are the issues that the Speaker asks committees to study during the time between regular legislative sessions in order to make recommendations for legislation for the following legislative session.  The charges are good indicators of what legislation the legislature will take up during the next session.  Legislators rely on public input when crafting legislation, and it is important that they hear from people during the interim. 

House Committee on Redistricting

&#42;             Study State Board of Education districts to determine whether the size of the districts inhibits the ability of board members to provide representation to their constituents and whether a change to the number of districts or the makeup of the board would enhance the ability of the board to perform its duties.  
&#42;             Gather information regarding the commissions used by oth]]>
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				<title><![CDATA[Striper Master Lake Texoma Striper Fishing Report 4/4/2012]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2693</link> 
				<guid isPermaLink="false">PortalArticles2693</guid> 
				<pubDate>Wed, 4 Apr 2012 09:56:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[Lake Texoma elevation is 618.03 and water temperature is 68 degrees. With the mild winter, warmer water temperature and the lake level above normal, I believe that the Lake Texoma striper fishing for 2012 looks to be extremely good. I have mainly fished north of Highport the past couple weeks working river channel ledges from 30-55 feet of water using live bait. Threadfin shad are about as thick as I&#39;ve ever seen them and have already started their spawn along the boat houses and main lake areas along the rocky banks. 

Anchor fishing can be fast and furious but I&#39;ve started doing a little more drifting because we&#39;re starting to see small schools of good stripers working the surface and you can&#39;t waste any time getting to them. They will work the surface for short amount of time and then they&#39;re gone. For the topwater action soft plastics swim baits 1oz sassy shad and cojo minnows have worked well for me. Cast into the action, rod tip up a good steady retrieve and hol]]>
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				<title><![CDATA[Austin College Hosts Environmental Issues Forums  ]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2692</link> 
				<guid isPermaLink="false">PortalArticles2692</guid> 
				<pubDate>Tue, 27 Mar 2012 10:22:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[SHERMAN, TEXAS&#45;Several Austin College students and faculty, plus one guest, will share experiences and expertise in environmental issues during the College&#39;s Environmental Issues Lunch Forums this spring. The forums are sponsored by the Center for Environmental Studies. The sessions, all held at noon in Wright Campus Center, Room 231, are free and open to the public. Members of the public may bring a lunch or purchase one in the campus dining hall in Wright Campus Center. 

Senior Michael Mortenson of Lucas, Texas, completing majors in environmental studies and political science, presents "The Presidential Impact on Environmental Policy" on March 27. 

On Tuesday, April 3, junior Lauren Levine of Coppell, Texas, completing a major in environmental studies and a minor in anthropology, will share experiences from her January Term 2012 internship focusing on energy efficiency and efficiency consulting, along with senior Christopher Donovan of Mansfield, Texas, completing major]]>
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				<title><![CDATA[Windham School District]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2691</link> 
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				<pubDate>Tue, 27 Mar 2012 10:20:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[                Recently, I had the opportunity to speak at a GED graduation ceremony at the Choice-Moore Unit in Bonham.  This most recent class was combined from the Choice-Moore Unit and the Buster Cole Unit.  The youngest graduate was 18 years-old and the oldest was 50.  The GED program and vocational program within the Texas Criminal Justice system are administered by the Windham School District (WSD).  The goal of these programs is to provide appropriate educational programming and services to meet the needs of the eligible offender population in Texas Department Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and reduce recidivism by assisting offenders in becoming responsible, productive members of their communities. 
        The district, which began operation in 1969, was established by the Texas Legislature and was named by the Texas Board of Corrections for the late James M. Windham, a 24-year member of the Board. It is the first education system of such scope to be established within a statewi]]>
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				<title><![CDATA[Austin College Exhibit Displays Shoe Shine Boxes as Art]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2690</link> 
				<guid isPermaLink="false">PortalArticles2690</guid> 
				<pubDate>Fri, 23 Mar 2012 09:16:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[SHERMAN, TEXAS&#45;The Austin College Department of Art and Art History will host the exhibit "Shine: Vintage Photographs and Shoe Shine Boxes" March 26 &#45; April 20 in the Forster Art Studio Complex&#39;s Dennis Gallery on campus. The show is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at no charge. For more information, call 903-813-2048.  

The exhibit, courtesy of Photographs Do Not Bend Gallery in Dallas, is curated by Burt Finger, PDNB director. The unique show combines objects and photographs from the 1930s through 1970s, depicting shoe shine entrepreneurs practicing what usually is their first job.

A special addition in the exhibition is the vintage shoe shine boxes, collected by the curator as works of functional sculpture over the past eight years. The collection began with a gift from of friend of a shoe shine box given as a special piece of folk art. The collection of photographs with the same subject became an integral part of the compilation as well.

Man]]>
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				<title><![CDATA[Online Food Handler Classes Offered for Brownsville, Texas]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2689</link> 
				<guid isPermaLink="false">PortalArticles2689</guid> 
				<pubDate>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:20:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[The Texas Department of State Health Services is on a mission to eliminate foodborne illness in throughout the state. One big component of their strategy is the implementation of Food Handler Safety training which requires people involved in the food service industry to be trained in the proper process and procedures involved in safe food handling.

But in today&#39;s economy, few retail establishments can afford the luxury of onsite training and testing. That&#39;s where BrownsvilleTX.FoodHandlerClasses.com comes in. This online courseware, offered by Food Handler Classes for the City of Brownsville, TX, food workers eliminates the need for physical classrooms, printed material, paid instructors, and clerical staff. It is self-contained, self-paced, available in both English and Spanish, and available 24/7. The curriculum covers all of the material required by the Texas Department of State Health Services and even allows the student to register for and take the test. Once th]]>
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				<title><![CDATA[Professor George Diggs Shares 'Antarctica: Continent of Extremes']]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2688</link> 
				<guid isPermaLink="false">PortalArticles2688</guid> 
				<pubDate>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:19:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[SHERMAN, TEXAS&#45;Austin College professor of biology George Diggs will present "Antarctica: Continent of Extremes" on April 10 at 4:30 p.m. in Wright Campus Center, Room 231. The lecture, based upon his study in a recent sabbatical, is presented by Austin College&#39;s Robert and Joyce Johnson Center for Faculty Development and Excellence in Teaching. A reception will be held at 4 p.m. in Wright Campus Center&#39;s Johnson Gallery. The reception and lecture are free and open to the public.   

Diggs traveled to Antarctica in January 2010 for sabbatical study to explore the vastness, raw beauty, and extreme conditions on the world&#39;s coldest, driest, and windiest continent. During his April lecture, he will share findings about the fascinating animal life and the remarkable landscapes and ice formations he encountered. "I&#39;ll cover a number of penguin species including the Emperor, who can dive more than 1,800 feet and hold its breath for 23 minutes; the wandering albatross, with the largest ]]>
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				<title><![CDATA[Online Food Handler Classes Offered for Longview, Texas]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2687</link> 
				<guid isPermaLink="false">PortalArticles2687</guid> 
				<pubDate>Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:07:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[The Texas Department of State Health Services is on a mission to eliminate foodborne illness in throughout the state. One big component of their strategy is the implementation of Food Handler Safety training which requires people involved in the food service industry to be trained in the proper process and procedures involved in safe food handling.

But in today&#39;s economy, few retail establishments can afford the luxury of onsite training and testing. That&#39;s where LongviewTX.FoodHandlerClasses.com comes in. This online courseware, offered by Food Handler Classes for the City of Longview, TX, food workers eliminates the need for physical classrooms, printed material, paid instructors, and clerical staff. It is self-contained, self-paced, available in both English and Spanish, and available 24/7. The curriculum covers all of the material required by the Texas Department of State Health Services and even allows the student to register for and take the test. Once the test]]>
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				<title><![CDATA[International Justice Mission Director at Austin College ]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2686</link> 
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				<pubDate>Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:44:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[SHERMAN, TEXAS&#45;Andy Hein of the International Justice Mission (IJM) will visit Austin College March 28 and 29, providing several opportunities for interested individuals to hear his comments. He is the Central South Director of Church Mobilization for IJM, a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation, and other forms of violent oppression. The organization&#39;s vision is to "rescue thousands, protect millions, and prove that justice for the poor is possible." &trade;

Hein will be the featured speaker at the Amnesty International dinner March 28 at 5:30 p.m. in Wright Campus Center&#39;s Mabee Hall. The student organization has invited members of the community to attend, but reservations are required and a minimum donation of $7 per person is requested to cover the meal costs. Any additional donations will support IJM. To make a reservation for the dinner, contact senior Hannah Alexander, president of the campus chapter of Amnesty International, at ha]]>
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				<title><![CDATA[Interim Charges for House Committees]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2685</link> 
				<guid isPermaLink="false">PortalArticles2685</guid> 
				<pubDate>Fri, 9 Mar 2012 16:37:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[                This week I will discuss the interim charges recently issued to the House Committee on Natural Resources.  Interim charges are the issues that the Speaker asks committees to study during the time between regular legislative sessions in order to make recommendations for legislation for the following legislative session.  The charges are good indicators of what legislation the legislature will take up during the next session.  Legislators rely on public input when crafting legislation, and it is important that they hear from people during the interim. 

House Committee on Natural Resources

&#42;	Monitor the ongoing statewide drought and the performance of state, regional, and local entities in addressing it. Examine the impact of the drought on the state water plan, including an evaluation of how well the state&#39;s existing water resources can meet demand, the need for additional funding sources to implement the plan, and the effectiveness of current drought pl]]>
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				<title><![CDATA[Austin College Allen-Head Lectures Address "The Bible and Human Rights"]]></title> 
				<link>http://www.planoland.com/articles/2684</link> 
				<guid isPermaLink="false">PortalArticles2684</guid> 
				<pubDate>Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:01:00 CST</pubDate> 				
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					<![CDATA[SHERMAN, TEXAS&#45;Tina Pippin of Agnes Scott College will present "The Bible and Human Rights: &#39;Occupying&#39; Texts and Contexts" in the annual Austin College Allen-Head Lecture Tuesday, March 20, at 7 p.m. in Mabee Hall of Wright Campus Center. The lecture is free and open to the public. 

Pippin is professor and chair of religious studies at Agnes Scott College, a liberal arts college for women, in Decatur, Georgia. As an activist educator she teaches in the areas of biblical studies, ethics and social justice, women&#39;s studies, and human rights.

Her publications include Death and Desire: The Rhetoric of Gender in the Apocalypse of John (Westminster/John Knox, 1992) and Apocalyptic Bodies: The Biblical End of the World in Text and Image (Routledge, 1999). She was a member of the collaborative writing group The Bible and Culture Collective that produced The Postmodern Bible (Yale University Press, 1995), and a co-editor, with David Jobling and Ron Schleifer, of The Postmodern Bi]]>
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