Archives for Thursday, August 2, 2001newsWhen the Texas Education Agency
AUSTIN (AP)Most Texas public schools earned good grades last year, but tougher standards took their toll: 162 schools were tagged low-performing in 2002, up from 100 a year ago, the Texas Education Agency announced Thursday. In all, 17 of the state
Several hundred citizens turned out at the Temple City Council meeting Thursday at the Temple Public Library to voice concerns involving the future of the Railroad and Heritage Museum and Santa Fe Depot.What they heard during the session is that the city will keep operating hours and staffing intact, as a result of public reaction to the proposed city budget that would have trimmed hours and limited personnel.At a public comment session at the beginning of the meeting, almost two-thirds of the crowd stood up as Mayor Bill Jones III asked those who came to the meeting for the sole purpose to discuss the museum to stand.The concern arose due to plans in the proposed budget to cut back on hours of operation of the museum to Thursday through Sunday. The number of people riding The Hop on its first day of service in Temple was much greater than expected and all comments were positive, said Robert S. Ator, director of urban operations.
AUSTIN (AP)When the clocks struck 12:01 a.m. today, Texas shoppers were given a three-day holiday from local and state sales tax.Throughout the weekend, Aug. 2-4, no sales tax will be charged on most clothing and footwear priced under $100.Stores and area business have spent the past few weeks preparing for the crowds they are expecting to take advantage of the break before the school year starts. Extra employees have been hired, and special promotions have been made to spur business and revenues.State Comptroller Carole Rylander said in a press release that an estimated $42 million will be kept in consumers sportsAs major league baseball's July 31 trade deadline came and went on Tuesday, some contending teams made trades they hoped would bolster their squads for the final two-month stretch run.But the Houston Astros made two deals that must have left their fans wondering, "What were they thinking?"The Astros, who stand 5 games behind the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs and 2 behind the Arizona Diamondbacks in the wild card with 55 games remaining, traded a pair of young, up-and-coming right-handers for a pair veteran righties.The Astros picked up 31-year-old Pedro Astacio from the Colorado Rockies for Scott Elarton, 25, and got closer Mike Williams from the Pittsburgh Pirates for 1995 first-round draft pick and prospect Tony McKnight, 24.The Astros (58-49), winners of three straight NL Central Division titles from 1997-99, are hoping both Astacio and Williams will be the answers they need to overtake the Cubs (62-43).But it's clear from comments made Tuesday to reporters by general manager Gerry Hunsicker and manager Larry Dierker that neither of these players is what Houston needed, or that they're even essential."Astacio is a guy that obviously is not having a great year," said Hunsicker of Astacio, who is 6-13 with a 5.49 earned-run average and 1-8 in his last 10 starts. by Robert Hollier
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