More than 5 million barrels of oil that were part of a historic U.S. emergency reserves released to lower domestic fuel prices were exported to Europe and Asia last month, according to data and sources, even as U.S. gasoline and diesel prices hit record highs.

Nazareth Landry Kleman was recently named vice president of the 2022-2023 North American Limousin Junior Association Board of Directors. He joined other newly elected officers and board members Shelby Hubbard, president; Samantha Moore, secretary; Riley Smith II, treasurer; and directors Wiley Fanta, Mikayla Askey, Ryleigh Morris, Nikki Keeton, Eliza Truel and Lily Mitchell. Kleman was active in Texas FFA throughout high school showing barrows and cattle among other events. A graduate of Nazareth High School, he will be attending Kansas State University and will be majoring in animal science and industry with a focus on beef production and management.

Two pioneers of higher education in Texas are joining forces to make the transition easier into West Texas A&M University’s acclaimed Graduate School. Weatherford College President Tod A.

Governor Greg Abbott and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism announced the opening of applications, beginning July 6, for the Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program (TTIR) established by Senate Bill 8 and signed into law by the Governor following the 87th Legislative Session to administer $180 million of funds received from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

A federal appeals court has kept the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal employees blocked until at least September. The 5th U.S.

Hometown pride and spirit is alive and well in the small rural town of Hart, Texas as the community gears up for its annual tradition of Hart Days. Hart Days is set for July 28-30.

All the best of the wurst is upcoming for Texas Master Naturalists and playa enthusiasts Saturday, July 9 as a playa training and tour will kick of the 50th observance of the Nazareth German Festival.

Castro County treasurer Elaine D. Flynt attended the 2022 Conference of the County Investment Academy June 27-29 in Galveston, presented by the Texas Association of Counties (TAC).

Nathan Ivey, the Hart Days committee chairman, and community volunteers have been busy preparing for the local celebration and the 3rd Annual Hart Mud Bogs. The Hart Volunteer Fire Department has presented the event for two years, with a hiatus due to Covid but it back with the thrills, muddy fun and competition. Hart Days offers many other activities including the Ms. Hart Pageant, tournaments, and a North Ridge Band Concert.