Texoma Connect

Governor Abbott, First Lady Cecilia Abbott Honor 2016 Texas Women’s Hall Of Fame Inductees

Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott today inducted five new honorees into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame at Texas Woman’s University in Denton. Established in 1984, the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame recognizes women who have attained significant achievements in areas such as the arts, community service, education, leadership, health, science and business. The biennial award winners are selected by a bi-partisan, independent panel of judges, based on nominations submitted by Texas residents.

“In Texas, we believe in the unlimited potential of women,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “We celebrate today’s five honorees not only for their individual achievements, but also for their unique contributions to the strength of this great state. When women succeed in Texas, Texas succeeds.”

The Office of the Governor released the following video highlighting the stories and accomplishments of the 2016 Texas Women’s Hall of Fame honorees:

• Emma Carter Browning (Aviation)
• Susie Hitchcock-Hall (Business)
• Ginger Kerrick (STEM)
• Dr. Renu Khator (Public Service)
• Selena Quintanilla (Arts)

For more information about the Governor’s Commission for Women, click here.

For a list of past honorees and information on the Texas Women’s Hall of fame, visit http://www.twu.edu/twhf/.

Biding is open for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s surplus property auction on the Internet.  Potential bidders can see the Auction items and photos through the link at www.wildlifedepartment.com/outdoor-news/odwc-auction.

Vehicles included in the auction are 21 pickup trucks, a utility van as well as a few boats and four wheelers.  Details about the vehicles are included in the listing.  Other items are up for bid include law enforcement equipment, automotive parts and an Army-style tent.

Bidding will be accepted online until at least 10 am November 2, 2016.  Bidding may be extended for items that are generating a lot of activity.  Bidders must register at the online auction site before bidding. A 10 percent buyer’s premium will be added to all winning bids.  Bidders are cautioned to consider this additional fee when submitting their bids.

Items will be sold to the highest bidder as-is, where-is.  All of the auction vehicles have undergone scheduled maintenance from the time the Wildlife Department gets them until they are sold.  Potential bidders can inspect the items by appointment only by contacting Hill at johnny.hill@odwc.ok.gov or (405) 910-9863 or by contacting Chris Wolfe at christopher.wolfe@odwc.ok.gov or (405) 508-1231. For more information, call (405) 521-4600 or (405) 521-4618.

Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Department.

The Northeast Texas Children’s Museum celebrated an exciting year at the annual Donors’ Open House. With record-setting attendance and giving, the year 2016 should be recognized. Summer attendance set a record with 7,249 visitors. As of September 30, attendance for the first nine months was over 25,000 visitors. The goal for the year is to have 30,000 visitors by December, 2016.

“This kind of success can only happen with a team effort that includes all our Board of Directors, volunteers, donors, and staff, ” said Sharline Freeman, Children’s Museum Director. A highlight of the year was the donation of the ship S. S. Good Neighbor by Bob and Dixie Stachowiak of State Farm Insurance. The development of the outdoor area also included the completion of Sullivan River, the dry river bed, in the Great Outdoor Discovery Area.

A group of donors who have supported the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum since 1994 was also recognized. This group, led by David Gibson, met and planned for a children’s museum for eight years before opening in 2002. Other continuous donors for twenty-three years included Dr. Keith and Nancy McFarland; Dr. Howard and Freda Lambert; Wyman and Harriet Williams; and Pat and Janet Skauge.

As the Children’s Museum begins its fifteenth year of operation, the focus of the museum is to continue to develop new and exciting exhibits for children. The mission of the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum is to inspire imagination, enhance creativity and build confidence in children. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 to 4:30.