A&M-Commerce Offers New Competency-Based Degrees
September 18, 2024 – The College of Innovation and Design (CID) at Texas A&M-Commerce has announced two new competency-based bachelor’s degree programs. Both degrees aim to help working professionals enhance their careers and transform their lives.
The undergraduate programs in city planning and human resource development continue CID’s mission of providing relevant, workforce-driven degrees.
Shaping tomorrow’s cities
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for skilled city planners is on the rise. Rapid urbanization, climate change and economic and infrastructure development are just some of the key issues driving this growth. Additional factors include affordable housing, access to services and community engagement.
A bachelor’s in city planning can provide a foundation for careers in city and regional government, state and federal agencies, housing, transit, nonprofits and more.
The competency-based, online BAAS in Public Administration, City Planning is designed to equip future city planners and administrators to tackle challenges, including rapid urbanization and economic development. The program also emphasizes the intersection of urban planning and rural development.
Howdy Lisenbee, city manager for the City of Commerce, Texas, is a member of the advisory board that contributed to the program’s development. He said it’s important for citizens and elected officials to have confidence that those serving the community have the education, experience and skills to succeed and serve well.
“Additionally, city staff need an effective yet affordable path to grow their education and skill base to serve their respective communities,” Lisenbee said. “We are excited to see this program open and even more excited to see students from communities around the region have access to this incredible opportunity.”
A bachelor’s degree in city planning serves as an entry point into the field. Professionals often go on to obtain a master’s degree to elevate into top roles. Urban and regional planners with a master’s degree can expect median wages to hit $81,800.
Growing and retaining a talented workforce
Another new competency-based program offered by CID helps students develop skills to become human resource development professionals.
The program, offered as a BAAS in Human Resource Development, prepares students to become professionals skilled at enhancing organizational efficiency and helping employees develop their knowledge, skills and abilities.
This robust program covers:
- Employee training and development
- Performance improvement
- Emotional intelligence
- Coaching
- Succession planning
- Employee career development and
- Organizational culture and development
Dr. Catherine Cockrell, the program’s instructor, says the bachelor’s in human resource development is a great opportunity to begin a career in human resources.
“The outlook for professionals in human resource development is growing due to the ever-changing global landscape,” Cockrell said. “These professionals are increasingly strategic partners at the highest level in organizations. They’re tech-savvy with varied specializations.”
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of human resource specialists is expected to grow eight percent between 2023 and 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. While entry-level employees can expect median wages to hit $67,650 annually, human resource managers average $136,350 per year.
Degree programs built for busy students
Both competency-based programs are offered fully online in seven-week terms. Students can transfer up to 84 credit hours and leverage prior learning to accelerate through coursework. The programs are offered at a flat rate of $1,000 per term and are eligible for financial aid.
“These new degree programs exemplify our commitment to providing accessible education that meets the evolving needs of today’s professionals,” said Dr. April Sanders, interim dean of CID. “By focusing on public administration and human resource development, we’re equipping our students with the skills and knowledge to make meaningful impacts in their communities and organizations.”
Explore the many degree programs and graduate certificates available through the College of Innovation and Design at Texas A&M-Commerce.
DPS Offers Saturday Driver License Appointments in September
September 17, 2024 – AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is adding Saturday appointments at select driver license offices statewide through the end of September.
Participating offices—located in all regions of Texas—will be open for half days each Saturday through the end of the month to serve additional customers needing driver license or identification card renewal or replacement services by appointment only. Appointments for new Texas resident driver license and identification card services may also be available depending on location.
Saturday appointments are available on Sept. 21 and 28, and customers can book them now online here.
You can find additional information about DPS driver license services, including what to bring to your upcoming appointment, here.
HUD Expands Housing Counseling Services to More Americans
The Department celebrates Housing Counseling by introducing new initiatives, including a partnership with Zillow, and the use of virtual methods to broaden access and reach more Americans seeking housing assistance.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a series of new actions to expand housing counseling services and strengthen pathways to homeownership for Americans. HUD is also launching a new partnership with Zillow to help attract the next generation of homebuyers. HUD also published a final rule to allow additional flexibilities to housing counseling agencies when delivering critical housing counseling services to potential homebuyers, homeowners, and renters. Today’s announcements reflect the Biden-Harris Administration and HUD’s commitment to expanding access to homeownership, particularly for disadvantaged communities and first-time homebuyers, and communities who have typically been shut out of homeownership opportunities.
“Every day, HUD’s counselors provide thousands of Americans with trusted advice about buying a home, avoiding foreclosure, and locating and sustaining affordable housing. But we know we can help even more people,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “Today’s announcements will help us do just that. Together, we will reach a new generation of homeowners, help more families build generational wealth, and continue our work to help Americans historically left out of the homebuying process.”
“We’re excited to raise awareness about the availability and benefits of housing counseling,” said Federal Housing Commissioner Julia Gordon. “These initiatives make it easier for households to access the assistance they need to navigate the homebuying process or to secure safe, affordable and stable housing.”
Partnership with Zillow to Broaden Reach of HUD’s Let’s Make Home the Goal campaign
Zillow-which reaches 217 million visitors a month-will display “Let’s Make Home the Goal” advertisements on its digital platforms. The multi-year “Let’s Make Home the Goal” campaign generates awareness of the availability and benefits of pre-purchase housing counseling provided by HUD-certified housing counselors and is designed to reach communities of color that have historically faced more difficulties with the homebuying process due to systemic barriers. Access to quality housing counseling services helps bridge the racial homeownership and knowledge gap for first-time homebuyers and communities of color seeking to buy a home and build generational wealth.
Originally launched in June 2023, the “Let’s Make Home the Goal” campaign has reached nearly 5 million diverse, prospective homebuyers in 15 media markets. This year’s initiative, with the support of Zillow, intends to reach more than 8 million potential homeowners across 42 media markets.
“We are thrilled to partner with Zillow to expand our reach and tout the importance of comprehensive housing counseling services,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Housing Counseling David Berenbaum. “This collaboration allows us to use Zillow’s innovative platform, ensuring that more individuals and families receive the support they need to achieve their housing goals.”
“At Zillow, we are committed to getting more people home. We were founded with a focus on transparency and providing access to the data and information needed to find housing. We’re expanding on that foundation by helping consumers get connected to the right resources, helping to reduce the barriers they face to securing affordable housing,” said Jennifer Butler, Vice President of Government Affairs at Zillow. “Partnering with HUD on their ‘Let’s Make Home the Goal’ campaign and increasing access to quality credit counseling services is an important step to help bridge the homeownership gap and build generational wealth for more families.”
New Final Rule to Expand Critical Offerings at Housing Counseling Agencies
The Modernizing the Delivery of Housing Counseling Services final rule now allows HUD-approved housing counseling agencies to use alternative communication methods, including meeting virtually and by phone, to engage and educate homebuyers and renters seeking support with their housing needs. Implementing the rule will increase accessibility for people who have difficulty obtaining in-person services due to linguistic, physical, geographic or other barriers such as transportation and childcare costs. Expanding these options is also a more cost-effective and efficient way for housing counseling agencies to meet with their clients, as they no longer need to maintain multiple facilities for in-person engagements. Participating agencies that are unable to provide virtual and/or remote meeting flexibilities or in person counseling to clients who need them are required to refer those in need of services to other agencies. Industry and public feedback on the rule indicated an overwhelming preference to be able to provide online education and counseling virtually or by telephone.
The effective date of the rule is October 16, 2024.
To locate a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency nationwide, please visit www.hud.gov/findacounselor.
A chat with SSISD Superintendent Dr. Steeber on this Episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark had a visit from Sulphur Springs ISD Superintendent Dr. Deana Steeber. John Mark and Dr. Steeber talked about such subjects as false threats on social media, school safety procedures, how school officials learn about false threats on Social Media, and so much more. Give the segment a viewing and learn what the school district is doing for student safety.
Voter Registration Drive Discussed on this Episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark had a chat with Ricky Godbolt and Tommy Harrison with Columbia Lodge #81. The three discussed the Voter Registration Drive Columbia Lodge #81 is having at Pacific Park in Sulphur Springs, Texas. John Mark, Harrison, and Godbolt talked about what is required to register to vote, what forms of ID are accepted, where residents of Hopkins County will be able to vote come November 5th, 2024, and much more. Be sure to check out the segment below.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Appeals Dismissal of Lawsuit Challenging Bexar County’s Unsolicited Voter Registration Form Mailout Program
September 17, 2024 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a notice of appeal to continue an Office of the Attorney General (“OAG”) lawsuit challenging a Bexar County program that unlawfully mailed thousands of unsolicited voter registration applications to unverified recipients.
On September 2, Attorney General Paxton warned the Bexar County Commissioners Court that its proposed plan to employ a third-party vendor to mail voter registration forms to individuals regardless of the eligibility of the recipients would violate the law. Nevertheless, Bexar County approved the program the next day over the objection of its own voter registrar. Attorney General Paxton immediately sued and the OAG attempted to schedule a hearing on a motion for a temporary restraining order with Bexar County attorneys. Bexar County claimed that it needed more time to prepare for litigation and agreed to a consolidated preliminary hearing on September 16.
Bexar County assistant district attorney argued that those unregistered voters targeted by the county had already “received those forms, and perhaps have already returned them.”
However, on the Friday before the rescheduled hearing Bexar County filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit—in which they revealed that they had been acting in secret to expedite the mass mailouts. Because the unsolicited voter registration forms had already been distributed to residents regardless of the legality of the contract or the eligibility of the recipients, the judge dismissed the State’s motion as moot. The Office of the Attorney General is appealing this ruling and will continue seeking appropriate remedies.
“In a display of bad faith, Bexar County engaged in dirty tricks to avoid appropriate judicial review of a clearly unlawful program that invites voter fraud,” said Attorney General Paxton. “These actions demonstrate that Bexar County knew what they were doing was wrong, yet expedited the mailout of unsolicited registration forms before the issue could be argued in court. I will fight every step of the way to hold them accountable and uphold the integrity of our elections.”
Paxton’s suit was part of a broader Republican campaign against Democratic voter registration efforts as the Senate and presidential races begin to tightened. Critics point to the propagation false claims and conspiracy theories of a grand Democratic plot to steal the election with a wave of ballots cast by voters who are in the country illegally.
Buy a Coffee and Help Children Across NE Texas on Friday
September 17, 2024 – Swing by Dutch Bros in Sulphur Springs on Friday, September 20th and purchase your favorite drink… or several drinks… or maybe drinks for everyone at your workplace.
Dutch Bros will donate $1 from every drink purchased to help children in foster care right here in our community!
The funds go to Lake Country CASA. Find out more about this worthy non-profit organization dedicated to helping children in foster care in NE Texas by clicking here.
White-tailed Deer Population Looks Strong Ahead of Archery-Only Season
AUSTIN — Good news for hunters! Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists anticipate an exceptional white-tailed deer season this fall. The 2024-25 archery-only season kicks off Sept. 28 and hunters should expect to have good harvest numbers and opportunities for quality bucks.
“Given that over half the state experienced excellent habitat conditions this spring, it will be another great season to pull the bow out and spend time hunting,” said Blaise Korzekwa, TPWD White-tailed Deer Program Leader. “Whether you’re looking to fill the freezer with venison or harvest the trophy of a lifetime, it will be time well spent in the field this year.”
Much of the state received drought-quenching rain in the spring, which allowed for excellent habitat growth during the initial part of the growing season. Even those regions that missed out on spring rainfall will still have a good number of mature bucks this season.
Spring forb (weeds and flowering plants) production, which is a critical component of a deer’s diet coming out of winter, was abundant and offered essential nutrients to boost antler development in bucks and aids does in meeting lactation demands for nursing fawns. Additionally, the improved habitat conditions over the summer helped keep fawns healthy enough to survive their first few months (also known as fawn recruitment).
While the archery-only and Managed Lands Deer Program seasons begin Sept. 28, the general season opens more than a month later, on Nov. 2. The general season runs through Jan. 5, 2025, in the North Zone and Jan. 19, 2025, in the South Zone. A youth-only gun deer season is set in both zones for Oct. 25-27 and Jan. 6-19. For additional late season deer hunting opportunities, county specific regulations and information on how to properly tag and report a harvest, consult the 2024-25 Outdoor Annual.
Landowners and hunters play a critical role in managing Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Before heading to the field, hunters are reminded that several new CWD zones are in place for the 2024-25 season, and some have transitioned to voluntary sampling. New carcass disposal requirements are also in place this license year, so Texas hunters harvesting white-tailed deer and mule deer must comply with carcass disposal requirements when transporting the carcass away from the property of harvest.
The most effective way to help slow the spread of CWD is by reporting sick deer, properly disposing of unused carcass parts and voluntarily testing harvests. More information about carcass disposal requirements, zone boundaries and requirements, and check station dates and hours of operations can be found on TPWD’s CWD website.
Archery hunters are required to purchase an Archery Endorsement in addition to their hunting license. Hunters taking advantage of Texas Public Hunting Lands must have the Annual Public Hunting Permit. Public land hunters should also consult the Public Hunting Lands Map Booklet to review regulations that may apply to specific areas. The Texas Hunt & Fish app (formerly My Texas Hunt Harvest) can be used to complete on-site registration electronically at a public hunting area.
Those interested in learning more about archery and bowhunting, or anyone who is looking to brush up on their skills ahead of the season, are encouraged to explore Bowhunter by Fall, a newsletter series presented by TPWD’s Community Archery Program.
Sen. Cruz Introduces Legislation to Increase Pensions for Medal of Honor Veterans
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, filed the Monetary Enhancement for Distinguished Active Legends (MEDAL) Act. The MEDAL Act increase the monthly pension for living Medal of Honor recipients to $100,000 annually. The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest military decoration. There are only 61 living recipients.
About the legislation, Sen. Cruz said, “Our Medal of Honor recipients are true heroes whose acts of valor inspire and humble us. Our nation owes an unpayable debt to our Medal of Honor recipients. I am proud to lead the charge in ensuring that our nation supports them in return. The Senate should expeditiously take up and pass this legislation.”
Reps. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.-1) and Troy Nehls (R-Texas-22) filed bipartisan companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Read the legislation here.
BACKGROUND
On April 27, 1916, Congress passed legislation to create the Army and Navy Medal of Honor Roll and entitled Medal of Honor recipients to a special pension of $10 per month for life. The current base rate is $1,489.73 per month plus cost of living adjustments. Eligibility for this pension is based solely on receipt of the Medal of Honor. Receipt of this special pension does not reduce any other benefits under U.S. law. The program is significantly smaller than the Veterans Pension and Survivors Pension programs, as there are only 61 living Medal of Honor recipients.
Continuation of the Chat About Preparing A Fall Garden Continues on this Episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee
In this second episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey with guest Hopkins County Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson, John Mark and Ronnie continue their discussion on preparing your Fall gardens. The two discuss fertilizer, taking care of your lawn, planting trees, watering, and more. Check out the episode down below and see what you learn. You may be surprised.
