Local News
Appeals court to hear Fastrill case
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans is expected today to hear oral arguments in an appeal of an earlier decision which stymied efforts to create the Lake Fastrill Reservoir in Anderson and Cherokee counties.
In late June, U.S. District Judge Jorge Solis ruled in favor of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, essentially blocking efforts by the City of Dallas and Texas Water Development Board to create the reservoir which would provide water for Dallas residents.
A memorandum opinion issued by Solis at the time denied motions by Dallas and state officials to block creation of the approximately 25,000-acre Neches River Wildlife Refuge which was initially approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in summer 2006.
Shortly after the 2006 approval, the City of Dallas and Texas Water Development Board filed lawsuits, seeking to halt the refuge's development. The suits alleged the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had failed to issue an adequate environmental assessment; fully consider alternate locations on the river for the refuge; perform an economic impact study on the effect of the refuge's creation on the City of Dallas' water needs; and use the most recent data in making its decision to allow the refuge.
Following the judge's ruling this summer, Dallas and state officials then attempted to get an injunction to prevent transfer of the land to the refuge which currently consists of a single acre. Both entities ultimately appealed the decision to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
On Tuesday, attorneys representing both sides will have 20 minutes to make their arguments.
The Circuit Court of Appeals will likely take several months before issuing an opinion in the case.
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Sheriff’s Office gets crime scene van to help with investigations
Thanks to the generosity of some local entities, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office now boasts a fully-outfitted crime scene van which will allow the agency to more easily work major investigations.
- Animal seizure hearing set
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PHS student wins Dogwood Queen title
Palestine High School senior Ashley Conner topped 11 other contestants to win the title of 2010 Dogwood Queen Thursday night at the Palestine Civic Center.
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Memorial fund set up for accident victim Eggen
A memorial benefit fund has been set up for the family of Troup construction worker Zach Eggen, who died in an accident Thursday at Palestine High School.
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Conner named 2010 Dogwood Queen
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Our Town: Dogwood Jamboree begins sixth year Saturday
The Dogwood Jamboree will begin its sixth year of production with its March show “Magic Moments in Country Music” at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Palestine Civic Center.
- YMCA looking for new director
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Three in custody after burglary
Three Palestine residents are in custody after allegedly getting caught in the act of burglarizing a residence north of the city limits Wednesday afternoon.
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Dogwood Trails volunteer meeting set
The Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a volunteer meeting for those wanting to help with the Dogwood Trails Celebration. The volunteer meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Chamber office, 401 W. Main St.
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12 vie for title of Dogwood Queen
Twelve local girls will vie for the title of the 2010 Dogwood Queen Thursday night, March 11. The winner also will receive a $2,000 scholarship.
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