SBA low-interest disaster loans offered due to drought

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Texas to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning April 22.

PUCT has new online system for Public Information Act

Texans requesting public information from the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) can now do so quickly and easily using the new online JustFOIA portal.

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Lawmakers agree on $8 billion school funding package Leaders from the Texas House and Senate have agreed on an $8 billion school funding package, which is being called the largest in state history, The Dallas Morning News reported.

Parks & Wildlife launching new podcast

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is launching a new podcast, “Better Outside.”Podcast listeners will travel the woods and waters of Texas through an array of aweinspiring stories about conservation, recreation and the outdoors.

Vandever earns certificate in public management

Fayette County EMS Director Josh Vandever has successfully completed a Graduate Certificate in Public Management from the George Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M University.

Great State Republicans to hear from TSCRA member

The Great State Republicans will have Cody Webb, currently serving as a member of the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA), as the guest speaker for the meeting on Tuesday, May 27 at 7 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church’s fellowship hall, 101 North Market St., Hallettsville.

Sales tax holidays for water & energy efficient items

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar is reminding families and businesses that they can save on the purchase of certain products during the state’s Water-Efficient Products and Energy Star sales tax holidays.

Flatonia multi-sport field gets grant thru LCRA program

Flatonia Youth Sports & Events soon will be able to upgrade a multi-sport field at 7-Acre Park, thanks to a $19,805 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of Flatonia. The project includes adding benches, bleachers, a scoreboard and a water fountain to the popular park.

Police Report

Schulenburg Police Chief Troy Brenek reports that during the week of May 4-9, officers responded to 74 calls for services and four reportable incidents were investigated as follows: •May 4 – Sgt. McFadden responded to the 1100th block of James Ave.

Sales tax allocations for May total $1.3 billion

Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced on Wednesday, May 7 that he was sending send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose districts $1.3 billion in local sales tax allocations for May, 4.5 percent more than in May 2024.