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Walking billboards promote pedestrian safety

If you happen to visit a high-traffic area in one of the state’s larger cities, you might come across some folks wearing sandwich boards, such as one sees during tax season or mattress sales. The Texas Department of Transportation has adopted this marketing device to promote its “Be Safe. Drive Smart” pedestrian safety campaign this month.

Woodson FFA attends State Convention

Fourteen members of the Woodson FFA attended the 94th Texas State FFA Convention held July 11 through July 15 in Fort Worth. Pictured left to right are: Shirlie Stephens (Delegate), Taylor Crook (Delegate, Ambassador, Courtesy Corps), Dan Mills (Delegate), Gevin Beauchamp (Delegate, Lone Star Degree), Claire Ellis (Delegate, 7th Junior Prepared Public Speaking), Nicolas Romo (Delegate), Baylee Gray (Delegate), Myia Jackson (Delegate, 9th in Senior Prepared Public Speaking, Lone Star Degree, State Officer Nominating Committee), Sam Mills (Delegate, Courtesy Corps), Elizabeth Singleton (Delegate), Noah Leverton (Delegate), Ella Hearne (Delegate, Ambassador), and Wesley Mills (Chorus, $3000 Scholarship Winner). Not pictured: Kylie Deaton ($20,000 Scholarship Winner); and Advisor Brittany Kuykendall. The entire chapter was recognized with the Golden Horizon Award, which makes the chapter one of the top five single teacher departments in the state. All attendees participated in LDEs and CDEs, advancing beyond district level, some beyond area and qualifying for, and placing at, state level, earning “chapter points” and eligibility to attend the convention. Contributed photo

Wildfire danger continues to rise

As we cross the halfway point of July, wildfire danger continues to increase across the state. On Friday, Texas A&M Forest Service firefighters responded to 15 new wildfires that burned 651 acres. As of Sunday, there were eight active wildfires; the largest was the Nethery Road Fire in Kimble County, involving an estimated 3,500 acres. It has been 70% contained.

Prices continue dropping at pumps

Average gasoline prices in Texas have fallen 19.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.00/g today, according to Gas- Buddy’s survey of 13,114 stations in Texas. Prices in Texas are 64.7 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand $1.16/g higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has declined 10.8 cents in the last week and stands at $5.54 per gallon.

988 suicide hotline launched

A new, easier-to-remember phone number to help those suffering a mental health crisis went live Saturday, July 16. Following the passing of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, 9-8-8 is the nationwide telephone number for the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. The previous number 1-800-273-8255 will remain active.