Latest news with #KevinSparks
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former USAF Lt. Col. Larry Brock Jr. speaks to Amarillo Republicans
The oldest Republican Club in Amarillo held a kick-off celebration leading up to the 250th anniversary of the United States with a patriotic 'Celebrate Freedom' event Thursday evening, July 17, at Starlight Ranch. Among dignitaries at the event were State Rep. John Smithee, R-Amarillo, State Sen. Kevin Sparks, R-Midland, and later, State Rep. Caroline Fairly, R-Amarillo, as well as Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley. The group brought in retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Larry Brock, Jr., a former A-10 pilot who served more than 20 years in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria, as well as other turbulent areas. Brock is a Texas native, father, Christian and self-described lifelong patriot. Festivities at the Amarillo fundraiser included food trucks, music, dancing and family-friendly games. Connie Brown, president of Amarillo (Women's) Republicans, said that instead of the annual picnic, they thought they would host a community event. 'We had met Mr. Brock at other events and thought his story was quite interesting, so we just decided to do that and the thing kind of grew," she said. "We thought, let's make it fun and have miniature golf and cornhole and playground for the kids and have it at the Moon Palace at Starlight Ranch." 'Then we brought in music and thought, well, we could do dancing, too," Brown added. "We wanted to be with good people and talk about conservative values of the Panhandle along with other things, and his story is very interesting.' Men now included in Amarillo (Women's) Republican Club Brown said that recently the Amarillo Republican Women started to bring men into the tribe, although they've always been at meetings. "They now have the ability to serve on the board and work with us, because we just really cherish every individual that wants to help in conservative causes, and they bring a lot to the table," Brown said. 'What we do is to educate and inspire," Brown added. "We have Texas Supreme Court Justice James D. Blaylock coming in, and he'll be speaking on issues that affect all of us. We have all our district judges who are going to do a panel here in a few weeks and speak on a issue that is confusing to a lot of us, 'deferred judication,' and why that's a better way to go sometimes. Recently, we had Randall County Judge Christy Dyer speak and tell us what all the county judge does. Our 47th District Potter Court Judge Dee Johnson spoke a while back and explained the process for judges and what levels there are." Sparks said it's important that communities are engaged in the political process. "So I drove up from Midland this afternoon, not just for this community, but to my whole Senate district. We're going to talk about politics for a little bit, but they've got a great keynote speaker tonight,' he said ahead of the event. 'Obviously we're going into a special session starting next week. So, this is an opportunity to socialize with folk, so I'm thankful they plan plenty of time to visit.' 'So God has provided us with a great evening for this,' Sparks said. Brock Jr. talks about experiences, announces run for legislature 'Amarillo Republic Women's Club invited me to come and speak about my experiences as a military officer in combat, but more they want to hear about my time as a political prisoner of the illegitimate and criminal Biden regime,' Brock Jr. said before the speech. Brock Jr. was sentenced and imprisoned for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot and served 372 days in federal custody, including 131 days in solitary confinement. 'I am a born-again Christian, and Romans: 8:28 governs my life. I believe this experience was to set a course correction in my own heart and get me back into the Bible, but more importantly, to keep me focused on public service because I was moving into just running my own company, minding my own business and doing things," Brock Jr. said. "I believe God used this ill opportunity to try and refocus me on the things He wanted." 'Now I intend to run for the Texas Legislature, and I intend to win," he said. Brock Jr. announced he is running against State Rep. Jared Patterson from the 106th District, noting HB 106, which regards authorization of a penalty relating to maintenance of overhead electrical power lines associated with oil and gas development. "I think we need real conservatives with real values in the Texas House, and that's where I want to be. We have some, but we need about 10 more," Brock Jr. said. In speaking about the Jan. 6 events, Brock Jr. said, 'It was a very, very cold day. By the time I got to the Capitol, all the ski fencing had been removed by an unindicted man. All the barriers had been removed. I saw absolutely no violence as I walked right by four Capitol Policemen in open doors. While I was inside the Capitol, and this is all documented on my website and in court records … I picked up trash." 'I actually protected a police officer at one point, though I didn't know he was a police officer," he added. "I saw a man in black chasing an African-American gentleman in a coat and tie and I got in between them, put my arms out. Officer Nairobi Timberlake (sergeant at the U.S. Capitol) testified in my trial that I had protected both him and his partner." 'After that, I went on to the Senate floor, told the man to get out of Vice President Pence's chair,' he said. 'Then when I was going to leave, you can see me (in footage) put my arms around a man that was confronting the police as well. So, my actions were entirely peaceful, but it didn't fit the FBI's narrative." Brock Jr. said the FBI dug into his private conversations with military personnel and found one where they were talking about a hypothetical situation. "I honestly did nothing to merit two years in jail," he said. 'However, I will freely admit, I should have known better not to go into the building, but my actions other than that were pure," Brock Jr. said. He was given a two-year sentence, but the Supreme Court later threw out the felony conviction. He said, 'God worked for the good and I'm in a unique position of being pardoned for crimes I now technically did not commit. On the 20th, I received a pardon from President Trump and on the 23rd, because an appeal was pending, all charges were dropped. So technically, I was never convicted of anything even though I spent time in a jail.' This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo Republicans hear from Larry Brock Jr. at 'Celebrate Freedom' Solve the daily Crossword
Associated Press
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Texas creating task forces to target Permian Basin oil field thefts
ODESSA, Texas (AP) — At least three times a week, Darin Mitchell gets the call. Oil drums have been stolen. Copper wires were yanked. Other field equipment at an oil and gas facility was pilfered. The Winkler County Sheriff dispatches his officers to investigate, but they rarely catch the crime in the act or find the stolen product, worth tens of thousands of dollars. The West Texas county's ten deputies are overextended, policing 841 square miles, a combination of neighborhoods, a downtown area and the oil and gas facilities surrounding them. He doesn't have the manpower — or the money, he said — to investigate every instance. 'I don't have a dedicated person to just sit out there,' he said. 'The county can't afford just to hire somebody full-time to do oil field thefts.' The Texas Legislature has stepped in, passing a suite of bills that lawmakers, the sheriff, and oil and gas industry leaders said are crucial to combat what they say is a billion-dollar loss in oil field thefts in the Permian Basin, the state's largest oil field. Gov. Greg Abbott signed all three this month in Midland, saying in a statement that Texas is 'bringing the full weight of the law to crack down on oil theft in the Permian Basin to protect the critical role energy development plays in fueling our economy.' Written by state Rep. Drew Darby, R-San Angelo, and Sen. Kevin Sparks, R-Midland, the bills instruct the Department of Public Safety and the Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates the state's oil and gas industry, to create task forces that will investigate oil field robberies. The effort will cost taxpayers nearly $5 million. House Bill 48, by Darby, establishes a DPS-created oil field theft prevention unit. The members comprising it can enforce existing laws, in addition to providing training, resources and strategies specific to deterring such thefts. The task force is also charged with conducting public awareness campaigns. Every two years, the body must report back to the legislature. In a statement to The Texas Tribune, Darby called oil field theft 'a complex, highly coordinated criminal enterprise, often with direct connections to cartels. This escalating threat poses serious risks not only to the oil and gas industry — a cornerstone of our state's economy — but also to the safety of our communities and the survival of small, hardworking businesses.' He said his bills are meant to 'systematically take apart' criminal networks profiting from energy infrastructure. Senate Bill 494, authored by Sparks, directs the Railroad Commission to create a second task force to prevent the theft of petroleum products. This body must consist of proxies from the oil and gas industry, an oil and gas trade association and law enforcement agencies. They will conduct ongoing studies regarding theft, review the effectiveness of laws and analyze whether local and county governments are losing money in sales taxes as a result. Another Sparks bill, Senate Bill 1806, authorizes DPS to inspect oil field cargo tanks they suspect of being used to transport stolen oil, take samples from the vehicle and study them in a crime laboratory. The bill authorizes apprehending officers to return the product or sell it and reimburse the company from which it was stolen. The bill also increases the penalties for oil and gas theft. Transporting petroleum products to a waste disposal location is a felony with a penalty of at least $100,000; purchasing petroleum products without authorization from railroad commission can bring a penalty of up to $100,000; storing, purchasing or trading a petroleum product without authorization from the railroad commission can result in in a penalty of up to $10,000. Ed Longanecker, president of the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association, a trade group, said the bills were their top priority. He said one of their largest members lost $1.1 million in crude oil and equipment theft and damages between 2023 and 2024. 'And, again, this is just one of thousands of operators in Texas that have been victims of these crimes,' Longanecker said. A task force led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, he said, estimated that operators in the Permian Basin lose up to $300,000 a month in stolen tools, pipes and valves. 'Considering more than 2 billion barrels of oil and condensate were produced in Texas in 2024, the loss is estimated to be in the billions of dollars annually,' he said. ___ This story was originally published by The Texas Tribune and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.
Associated Press
03-06-2025
- General
- Associated Press
What Texas lawmakers did after the state's largest wildfire
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Texas lawmakers approved a series of bills this year that aim to better prepare Texas for wildfires and to mitigate their damage. The legislation includes a study on wildfire risk zones, increasing funding for rural volunteer fire departments, and creating a statewide inventory of firefighting equipment that is accessible to all fire departments in Texas. The legislative package was inspired by the state's largest wildfire in history. The Smokehouse Creek fire scorched more than 1 million acres in the Panhandle and killed three people. A special House committee was formed following the fires to investigate the cause and make legislative recommendations. Senate Bill 34, filed by state Sen. Kevin Sparks, R-Midland, is the most sweeping proposal. It includes a study on fuel loads, which is material that is likely to catch fire in a specific area, such as dry grass or vegetation. The study would also establish wildfire risk zones for residents, homes and businesses. The bill also creates a statewide database of firefighting equipment and increases funding to volunteer fire departments in areas at high risk for large wildfires. Rep. Ken King, a Republican who lives in Canadian where much of the damage from the wildfires took place, co-sponsored the bill. King led the House committee that investigated the fires and later released a detailed report about the disaster. 'We took a lot of testimony, and a lot of work went on to do what's right for our volunteer firefighters,' King said. 'Senate Bill 34 combines several volunteer firefighter priorities.' The bill requires that at least 10% of the money in the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance program go to volunteer fire departments in areas at high risk for large wildfires. Texas A&M Forest Service and West Texas A&M University will launch a study to determine wildfire risk zones based on fuel loads of flammable material like vegetation. Most of the wildfires that burned through the Panhandle started when power lines came into contact with dry vegetation. The Smokehouse Creek fire started when a rotten utility pole snapped and the power lines landed on dry grass. The bill requires that researchers consider several factors when determining these risk zones, including the projected loss of life, property and natural resources should a wildfire occur in the zone and the financial impact of costs associated with recovering after a wildfire. This study is due by Dec. 1, 2026, and would be submitted to the governor, lieutenant governor, and the Legislature. 'Constant wildfire threats that require preparation, coordination, and resources is the most pressing issue for the Panhandle,' Sparks said in a previous statement. Another recommendation from the House committee report was the statewide inventory of firefighting equipment that is available during a wildfire. According to the report, there was an uncoordinated response between responding agencies during the Panhandle fires, and a lack of knowledge about what equipment agencies had and what was needed. Texas A&M Forest Service, the state agency that manages Texas' forests and natural resources, will operate and maintain the database. Fire departments will be able to see equipment descriptions, search by location and equipment types, and have contact information for fire departments listed in the database. Volunteer stations will also have access to the inventory. One of King's bills also addresses what he and other lawmakers have deemed a regulatory 'no man's land,' as state agencies lacked the authority to inspect power lines at oilfield well sites and facilities. Lawmakers identified this as a problem after the investigative committee concluded that unmaintained electrical lines for oilfield equipment started the Smokehouse Creek Fire and others in that same week. Data from the Forest Service shows power lines have caused roughly 60% of fires throughout the Panhandle since 2006. Under King's bill, the Railroad Commission, which oversees the oil and gas industry, will notify the Public Utility Commission when it identifies substandard power lines at well sites or at other facilities used for oil and gas production. The notification must include a description of the condition and whether the well is abandoned. The Railroad Commission must also notify the landowner. The two agencies will then work together to request that a state fire marshal or local authority to inspect the site, and request that the electric service provider disconnect service. While the Legislature made a lot of progress toward improving the state's response to wildfires, one bill that failed to pass would have created a statewide network to connect all first responders and state agencies. House Bill 13, by King, sought to create the Texas Interoperability Council, which would be tasked with the implementation of a statewide plan for emergency communication use. The proposal was praised by first responders during the legislative process. Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd testified to lawmakers in March that it was the 'boldest move' he's seen in his career. That bill passed the House in April, but was not taken up by the Senate. ___ This story was originally published by The Texas Tribune and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
What Texas lawmakers did after the state's largest wildfire
LUBBOCK — Texas lawmakers approved a series of bills this year that aim to better prepare Texas for wildfires and to mitigate their damage. The legislation includes a study on wildfire risk zones, increasing funding for rural volunteer fire departments, and creating a statewide inventory of firefighting equipment that is accessible to all fire departments in Texas. The legislative package was inspired by the state's largest wildfire in history. The Smokehouse Creek fire scorched more than 1 million acres in the Panhandle and killed three people. A special House committee was formed following the fires to investigate the cause and make legislative recommendations. Senate Bill 34, filed by state Sen. Kevin Sparks, R-Midland, is the most sweeping proposal. It includes a study on fuel loads, which is material that is likely to catch fire in a specific area, such as dry grass or vegetation. The study would also establish wildfire risk zones for residents, homes and businesses. The bill also creates a statewide database of firefighting equipment and increases funding to volunteer fire departments in areas at high risk for large wildfires. Rep. Ken King, a Republican who lives in Canadian where much of the damage from the wildfires took place, co-sponsored the bill. King led the House committee that investigated the fires and later released a detailed report about the disaster. 'We took a lot of testimony, and a lot of work went on to do what's right for our volunteer firefighters,' King said. 'Senate Bill 34 combines several volunteer firefighter priorities.' The bill requires that at least 10% of the money in the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance program go to volunteer fire departments in areas at high risk for large wildfires. Texas A&M Forest Service and West Texas A&M University will launch a study to determine wildfire risk zones based on fuel loads of flammable material like vegetation. Most of the wildfires that burned through the Panhandle started when power lines came into contact with dry vegetation. The Smokehouse Creek fire started when a rotten utility pole snapped and the power lines landed on dry grass. The bill requires that researchers consider several factors when determining these risk zones, including the projected loss of life, property and natural resources should a wildfire occur in the zone and the financial impact of costs associated with recovering after a wildfire. This study is due by Dec. 1, 2026, and would be submitted to the governor, lieutenant governor, and the Legislature. 'Constant wildfire threats that require preparation, coordination, and resources is the most pressing issue for the Panhandle,' Sparks said in a previous statement. Another recommendation from the House committee report was the statewide inventory of firefighting equipment that is available during a wildfire. According to the report, there was an uncoordinated response between responding agencies during the Panhandle fires, and a lack of knowledge about what equipment agencies had and what was needed. Texas A&M Forest Service, the state agency that manages Texas' forests and natural resources, will operate and maintain the database. Fire departments will be able to see equipment descriptions, search by location and equipment types, and have contact information for fire departments listed in the database. Volunteer stations will also have access to the inventory. One of King's bills also addresses what he and other lawmakers have deemed a regulatory 'no man's land,' as state agencies lacked the authority to inspect power lines at oilfield well sites and facilities. Lawmakers identified this as a problem after the investigative committee concluded that unmaintained electrical lines for oilfield equipment started the Smokehouse Creek Fire and others in that same week. Data from the Forest Service shows power lines have caused roughly 60% of fires throughout the Panhandle since 2006. Under King's bill, the Railroad Commission, which oversees the oil and gas industry, will notify the Public Utility Commission when it identifies substandard power lines at well sites or at other facilities used for oil and gas production. The notification must include a description of the condition and whether the well is abandoned. The Railroad Commission must also notify the landowner. The two agencies will then work together to request that a state fire marshal or local authority to inspect the site, and request that the electric service provider disconnect service. While the Legislature made a lot of progress toward improving the state's response to wildfires, one bill that failed to pass would have created a statewide network to connect all first responders and state agencies. House Bill 13, by King, sought to create the Texas Interoperability Council, which would be tasked with the implementation of a statewide plan for emergency communication use. The proposal was praised by first responders during the legislative process. Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd testified to lawmakers in March that it was the 'boldest move' he's seen in his career. That bill passed the House in April, but was not taken up by the Senate. Disclosure: Texas A&M University and West Texas A&M University have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. First round of TribFest speakers announced! Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Maureen Dowd; U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio; Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California; and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas are taking the stage Nov. 13–15 in Austin. Get your tickets today!
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Rep. Smithee introduces bill to transfer management of PPHM
A new bill filed in the Texas Legislature seeks to transfer management of the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum (PPHM) in Canyon from West Texas A&M University to the Texas Historical Commission (THC), aiming to strengthen preservation and operation of one of the state's key cultural institutions. Filed as an amendment to the Texas Government Code, HB 5554, introduced by State Rep. John Smithee (R-Amarillo), would authorize the THC to contract with the Panhandle-Plains Historical Society, which owns the museum's collection, for day-to-day management. The bill also allows the THC to enter into agreements with West Texas A&M University or The Texas A&M University System for the maintenance, renovation, and expansion of the museum facilities on the university's campus. A key provision of the bill is the establishment of the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum Fund, a dedicated source of funding outside the state treasury. This fund would be supported through admissions, gift shop sales, and donations, allowing the THC to use the funds for operational expenses, repairs, and growth without the need for legislative approval. If the bill is passed, museum staff currently employed by West Texas A&M would transition to the THC by Sept. 1, 2025. For the bill to take effect immediately, it must pass with a two-thirds majority vote in both the Texas House and Senate. Otherwise, it would go into effect on the specified date. The bill is aimed at securing the future of the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, ensuring it remains a vital part of Texas' cultural heritage. Supporters of the measure argue that transferring management to the Texas Historical Commission would provide the focused expertise needed to preserve the museum's collection and address its long-term operational needs. This legislative effort follows the recent closure of the museum after a State Fire Marshal report highlighted critical fire and life safety concerns. According to West Texas A&M, the museum shut its doors indefinitely to address issues such as sprinkler system deficiencies, dead-end hallways, and inadequate exits. The total cost of the required renovations is estimated at nearly $100 million. State Sen. Kevin Sparks (R-Midland) has filed an identical companion bill in the Senate, and both bills will be reviewed in the coming months. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Texas bills filed on Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum Management
