Lone Star Deep Dive

In Episode 35, Tonya invited Laurie Higgins-Kerley onto the podcast to explore how her nonprofits, Dove Creek Equine Rescue and Led by Horses, have become a place where horses and humans heal together — and how anyone experiencing difficulty can find comfort and resilience in equine therapy.Laurie Higgins-Kerley is the Founder and Executive Director of Dove Creek Equine Rescue (DCER), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization she established in 2012 in Canyon, Texas. Inspired by her own profound healing with horses following the loss of her husband in 2008, Laurie built DCER into a thriving rescue and rehabilitation center dedicated to giving horses - who have experienced abuse, neglect, or surrender - a second chance at life. Under her leadership, Dove Creek has grown into a place where horses and humans heal together, each animal’s journey back to health mirroring the resilience and renewal she witnesses every day in the people who come alongside them. In 2017, Laurie earned her Equine-Assisted Coaching certification through the Academy of Coaching with Horses and founded Led By Horses, an equine-assisted coaching program at Dove Creek Equine Rescue. She has since received another certification from the EAL Academy in 2022 focusing on team building and is currently in the Equus Academy certification program with Kelly Wendorf. Drawing on horses’ extraordinary capacity to reflect human emotion and behavior with complete honesty and without judgment, Led By Horses creates transformative experiences for women veterans, first responders, grief groups, and corporate teams. Participants consistently describe breakthroughs in self-awareness, emotional regulation, and authentic leadership - discovering, through relationship with a horse, who they are when the noise of the world falls away. Laurie brings over two decades of experience as a retreat facilitator, holistic healing practitioner, and certified yoga teacher to everything she does. Her work is grounded in earth-based and indigenous wisdom traditions, and she holds a deep belief that healing is not a destination but a living, unfolding relationship, with ourselves, with the natural world, and with the horses who so generously show us the way. She makes her home in Canyon, Texas, with her husband Greg and their dogs and cat- where the high plains sky and the herd at Dove Creek remain her greatest teachers: "Our Vision is to heal the heart of humanity through authentic partnership with horses.”DIVE DEEPER!Dove Creek Equine Rescue

In Episode 34, Tonya joins the League of Women Voters of Dallas for their webinar, "Is Nuclear Right for Texas?," which took place in March 2026. This online event featured two professionals from the Nuclear Information and Resource Service (NIRS): Diane D’Arrigo and Tim Judson. They share their research and concerns about leaning on nuclear power as an environmental choice for Texas’ growing power needs.Diane D’Arrigo, Radioactive Waste Project Director, NIRS: Diane's main area of expertise is radioactive waste and radiation issues. In addition, she has considerable international experience. Diane has closely followed so-called “low-level” nuclear waste issues for decades, as well as national and international moves to deregulate nuclear waste that would allow it to be made into everyday household items and be dumped as regular trash. She has been with NIRS since 1986 and has a degree in chemistry and environmental studies and work experience in analytical chemistry and biological research.Tim Judson, Executive Director, NIRS: Tim joined NIRS in September of 2013 as the Associate Director, and he has served as Executive Director since 2014. Tim leads the organization's work on nuclear reactor and climate change issues, and he has written a series of reports on nuclear bailouts and sustainable energy. Tim also serves as chair of the Board of Citizens Awareness Network, one of the lead organizations in the successful campaign to close the Vermont Yankee reactor. He's also co-founder of the Alliance for a Green Economy.DIVE DEEPER!Nuclear Information and Resource Service (NIRS)League of Women Voters Dallas

In Episode 33, Tonya talks with Claudia Stravato about the Amarillo League of Women Voters study of Maternal Mortality & Morbidity and recent actions that have addressed concerns related to this issue. On February 2nd, The Amarillo Tribune reported on the 2024 Texas Health and Human Services report, quoting Dr. Teresa Baker, Regional Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at TTUHSC: "...in the local service area, 30% of pregnant people suffer from preeclampsia, and as high as 20% suffer from gestational diabetes; locally, seizure disorders and chronic hypertension have higher rates in our area than the rest of the state; overall, 5% to 20% of expectant mothers in our area experience one or more of these factors." Because of these high rates in the area, bringing awareness has become a priority!Claudia Stravato is currently a Political Science Adjunct Instructor of State & Local Government at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, and a former full-time faculty Political Science Instructor of State & Local Government. She earned her Master of Science in Government & Economics, and Bachelor of Science in Government & Economics from West Texas State University. Claudia did her post-grad work in Higher Education at Texas Tech University. In her earlier career, Claudia worked for Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock (Texas Senate). She was also Chief of Staff for Bob Bullock’s campaign for Lieutenant Governor and Campaign Director for State Comptroller of Public Accounts, including having served as Regional Field Manager in the Texas Panhandle. Claudia’s full list of achievements and honors is extensive and extraordinary, and we were honored to speak with this 50+ year League member and local community advocate.DIVE DEEPER! Amarillo Tribune coverage: Local efforts to combat maternal depression, mortality and morbidity.Amarillo Public Health / Women’s Health Clinic: The clinic is dedicated to supporting women’s health through confidential and compassionate care by offering a wide range of services — from cervical cancer screenings and contraception guidance to Medicaid navigation and resources for pregnancy support. The clinic offers services tailored to meet the needs of women in Potter and Randall counties. The Women’s Clinic can connect individuals with many different types of resources. Staff will walk you through a personalized assessment to understand your unique needs and circumstances. From there, the clinic can connect you with the most appropriate in-house services and/or trusted community partners, ensuring you receive the guidance, care, and resources needed. ~ Located at 850 Martin Road (off Amarillo Blvd.), Amarillo, TX, 79107. Ph: 806-378-6329

In Episode 32 we offer a replay of League 101, the monthly public presentation, given by the Amarillo League of Women Voters, February 28, 2026. Kimberly Anderson, current president moderates this informative discussion among 4 Amarillo LWV past presidents. The Co-Presidents before Kimberly are Jenny Inzerillo and Michelle Hoggatt. Preceding Jenny and Michelle is Sonya Letson and preceding Sonya is Claudia Stravato.

Placeholder

In Episode 30, Tonya talks with Julie Grimes, General Manager of Panhandle PBS. Julie tells us about the changes to PBS as a result of the federal funding recission that took place in 2025. They also discuss Panhandle leadership among Texas PBS affiliates and how public television stations are working to protect the unique, quality programing that viewers have enjoyed for more than five decades.Julie Grimes is a Texas-native, public media leader, and former food journalist who currently serves as general manager of Panhandle PBS, where she champions locally-produced storytelling that amplifies the voices and issues of the Texas Panhandle. Before joining Panhandle PBS, she built a national reputation as senior food editor for Southern Living and Cooking Light—work that continues to inform her community-focused projects. Grimes is a frequent voice in statewide conversations about the future of public broadcasting in Texas, advocating for collaboration among stations and sustainable models to keep trusted local journalism and educational content strong.

In episode 29 Tonya talks with Sheri Friemel about grief and resources. Tonya and Sheri go deep sharing about their loss of adult children and how they are personally changed from that moment forward, and Sheri shares about her position as Program Manager for the Amarillo LOSS team.Adopted to the Texas Panhandle, a Small Town Farm Girl and mother of three sons, Sheri Friemel graduated from West Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She also has Certifications in Youth Ministry, Theology, Healing and Recovery for Sexual Abuse Survivors, Discovering Spiritual Gifts and Equine Assisted Learning. After teaching and an extensive career in Youth Ministry and Pastoral Leadership and Management, she is now the Program Manager for the Amarillo Area LOSS Team with the City of Amarillo Public Health as well as an Equine Assisted Learning Coach at Dove Creek Equine Rescue. She specializes in Grief, Leadership and Crisis Response. She is honored to come along side others, as they heal, discern and discover a more purposed filled soulful journey.

Are you ready in the face of a disaster? What should you have on hand? In episode 28 Tonya talks with Max Dunlap, Amarillo’s Deputy Director for Emergency Management. He's the Yellow City' go-to professional for information regarding personal preparedness (i.e., what we should do, have and know), as well as management and response in the face of an emergency.Max hails from the small mountain town of Westcliffe, Colorado. While growing up, he split his time between his family’s land and a nearby, large-scale commercial horse ranch; he praises his ranching hometown for instilling in him the true meaning of public service. Since he was a teenager, he knew that he wanted a life in service, especially after feeling the effects of working as a volunteer youth firefighter. Continuing his commitment to service, Max enlisted in the military and later earned his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the Metropolitan State University of Denver.He came to the city in 2019 as the entry-level Emergency Management Planner, but he quickly rose to the Deputy Director position in 2020 and then became Director in December 2022. Max brings almost two decades of experience in crisis leadership, disaster response, civic communication, public safety, and compliance to his position. He believes that strong communities are built by engaged individuals, and emergency preparedness works the same way: take care of yourself so that you are in a position to help take care of others.Driven to help foster multi-agency cohesion and bridge gaps through knowledge, Max has dedicated his time at Emergency Management to informing as many residents as possible. When he's off the clock, Max enjoys working in his garden, tinkering on projects, and -- most of all -- spending time with his wife Caitlan and their son, Samuel.

In Episode 27, Tonya talks with Amarillo's own Timothy Ingalls about land regeneration, holistic range management, his deep family history in the Texas Panhandle, his work with the Tecovas Foundation, and so much more.Tim is fourth-generation owner and manager of the Frying Pan Ranch (Bush-Emeny Properties) in the Texas Panhandle, as well as a philanthropist. He is proud to have been born and raised in Amarillo, and he has spent his life working to make the city more efficient with its resources. Following high school, he spent five years traveling globally. When he returned to the United States, he attended college at Washington University in St. Louis, earning his degree in Economics. He later moved around a bit, trying out different lifestyles and regions -- but the call to home was strong, so he's been in the Yellow City ever since. Tim is an advocate for land rehydration, bike-friendly infrastructure, environmental management for range land, and conservation-minded municipal management. We had a lively discussion about Amarillo, our resources, and how best to protect them.

In Episode 26, Tonya Kleuskens talks with John Umphress about the 89th Texas Legislature passing HB14, which allows for $350 million to be used to increase nuclear power in Texas. About $120 million of this funding is earmarked for both Texas Tech University and Abilene Christian University (for research on a molten salt reactor). The bill also establishes the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office to oversee this support.John Umphress is a life-long resident of Texas with more than four decades of experience in public policy, mostly in the fields of water and energy resources. Prior to his retirement, John spent 14 years at Austin Energy, where he developed the residential energy code for the city of Austin. His goal for the code was to encourage the design and construction of net-zero energy homes. He is currently an apiarist, or beekeeper, running 240 colonies and building a net-zero home in Burnet County. DIVE DEEPER! Learn more about HB14, including written text and sponsors.

In Episode 25, we continue our updates with Dr. Evgenia Spears, by exploring the changes enacted by the 89th Texas Legislature. Dr. Spears will explain to us about the shift in oversight for produced water and desalination discharge.Evgenia Spears is the Water Program Coordinator at the Sierra Club's Lone Star Chapter, where she leads advocacy efforts to protect access to clean water resources in Texas. Through grassroots organizing, water education, and legislative advocacy at the Texas capitol, she works to ensure that communities across the state have a voice in shaping a sustainable water future.Having lived in rural Ukraine, suburban Russia, and now in the U.S., Evgenia brings a unique perspective on water management, viewing water not simply as a resource to manage but as a relationship to nurture. Guided by this philosophy, one of the new initiatives Evgenia is leading is the Sierras Club Water for People & the Environment Committee, created to educate Texans about water issues across the state and empower them to become stronger advocates in their communities. Through her leadership, this committee brings together Texans from diverse backgrounds and geographic regions, united by a shared commitment to protecting our water resources.Prior to joining Sierra Club, Evgenia spent several years at Texas A&M University in College Station where she earned a doctorate with a focus on natural resource management, taught undergraduate courses on natural resource policy, served as a watershed coordinator with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and collaborated with Texas A&M and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to develop strategic natural resource planning documents for the state.Outside of her work, Evgenia enjoys being with her family, spending time in nature, and traveling.DIVE DEEPER!Desalination study done by the Texas GLO and TPWD.Sierra Club Lone Star ChapterSierra Club's action alert and petition to TCEQ to strengthen the surface water quality standards in Texas.

Transcript HereIn Episode 24 of the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast, Dr. Ken Kramer explains the water infrastructure funding bill passed by the Texas Legislature, and the November Constitutional Amendment to allow for funding, which will be on our November 2025 ballot.Dr.Kramer is a writer and Texas water policy specialist who currently serves as the “public” representative on the Region H Water Planning Group which conducts water supply planning for the 15-county area that includes Houston. He's also a representative on the stakeholder committees for environmental flows for the Brazos, Trinity, and San Jacinto River Basins, as well as Galveston Bay. In addition, he serves as the treasurer for the Texas Water Foundation board.Dr. Kramer received a BA in History with a minor in Government from Texas Lutheran University in 1969. He was awarded an M.A. in Political Science from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1971 and then served in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso. He received his PhD in political science in 1979 from Rice University. For 45 years Dr. Kramer was a volunteer or professional advocate for the Lone Star chapter of the Sierra Club -- an association that began as an elected member of the Chapter Executive Committee as chair of "Legislative" and "Water Resources" committees. He then served for over seven years as the Sierra Club's contract lobbyist in Austin, TX. He became the first Director of the Lone Star Chapter in January 1989 and served in this capacity through July 2012. Upon his retirement as Director, he again became the Chapter’s volunteer water resources chair for over 10 years. Transcript Here

In Episode 23, we continue our updates with Lauren Bick by exploring the changes enacted by the 89th Texas Legislature. Lauren will explain the changes to Child Welfare intervention and support of older children in Foster Care.After graduating from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX with undergraduate degrees in Public Health and Psychology, Lauren returned to her hometown of San Antonio, TX. Lauren has worked under a judge in the Bexar County Children’s Court Division, conducting research on critical issues impacting foster youth and families in the area, including access to healthcare and housing, support for kinship caregivers, and older youth access to continuing education benefits through the College Bound Docket.Lauren joined the local League soon after returning to San Antonio in September 2024. As the Issue Chair, she has been advocating for policies to address the most pressing challenges of at-risk youth. Having spent much of her academic career working on issues far from home, she found it both refreshing and rewarding to advocate for beneficial change in her own community. To stay engaged with her community and local government, she plans to attend law school in the near future.Lauren reminds us, that the Legue of Women Voters supports only policies that “Promote the well-being, full development, and safety of all children.”DIVE DEEPER!LWVSA June Newsletter Article providing a more complete legislative update on bills impacting children.Bexar County College Bound Docket program supporting older foster youth pursuing continuing education.

On this episode of the Lone Star Deep Dive, your regular host is traveling, so Jenny Inzerillo is filling in for Tonya with an interview about Texas Senate Bill 37 (SB 37), which was passed by the 89th Texas Legislature and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025. The bill, effective September 1, 2025, with most provisions applicable from January 1, 2026, concerns the governance of public institutions of higher education in Texas.Today’s guest for episode 22 is Dr. Chris Hudson, a professor of English at Amarillo College who also happens to have served in the state house in a former life. (He was the Director of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee AND the Chief of Staff for State Senator Judith Zaffirini – the dean of the Texas Senate.) He’s also the current president of the Factulty Senate at Amarillo College -- well, until SB 37 kick in on September 1st of this year, effectively dissolving it. He also serves as a representative for the Texas Community College Teachers Association .Dr. Chris Hudson, Professor of English, holds several degrees from the University of Texas at Austin: a BA, Plan II (Philosophy); MA, Latin American Studies; and PhD, English. He has been teaching at Amarillo College since 2018, where he has also worked on the AC Rank, Tenure, and Promotion Committee; Faculty Senate (Senator 2023-24, Vice-President 2024-25, President 2025-26); and various other department and college-wide committees. He also directs the Creative Mind Lecture Series. Before AC, he taught at UT Austin, St. Mary-of-the-Woods College (where he chaired the Languages and Literature Department), and WTAMU. He teaches Freshman Comp I and II, American Literature, Shakespeare, and Selected Topics (Border Literature, Southern Gothic and Grotesque Stories, and the Stories of George Saunders). An Amarillo native, he has lived in Austin; San Antonio; New York City; Xalapa, Mexico; Buenos Aires, Argentina; São Paulo, Brazil; and Indiana. While in Austin, Dr. Hudson worked as Director of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and Chief of Staff for State Senator Judith Zaffirini, Dean of the Texas Senate. His interests include contemporary literature, politics, and rowing.

In Episode 21, we are hearing from Teri Marsh of the League of Women Voters of Texas. We are exploring the changes enacted by the 89th Texas Legislature. Teri will explain the new support for water infrastructure and conservation. A native Texan, Teri Marsh exchanged the big city lights of Houston for tiny Brackettville, Texas in 2020 upon retiring after 23 years of teaching in the Houston ISD. A Fort Worth native and the mother of two adult sons, Teri holds degrees from Baylor University and the University of Houston. After retirement, Teri discovered the League of Women Voters as a way to engage as a citizen in her new community. She especially enjoys registering first-time voters at nearby community colleges. As concerns grew about the drying of Las Moras Springs beginning in 2022, Teri began attending groundwater conservation district meetings and educating herself about groundwater law and science. Recognizing the importance of a stable water supply for all Texans (and for the future of our state), she agreed to serve as the Water Advocacy Chair for the LWV of Texas in 2024.Teri and Jack, her husband of 45 years, enjoy being surrounded by nature, history, and wildlife on Fort Clark Springs, where they reside. When not at home with their four cats, you’ll probably find them in their RV touring a national forest, visiting a state park, or visiting their two grandchildren in Houston.DIVE DEEPER! League of Women Voters of Texas, Take ActionLeague of Women Voters AmarilloSB7 Financing of certain water infrastructure matters under the jurisdiction of the Texas Water Development Board.

In Episode 20, we talk with Lauren Bick from the League of Women Voters of Texas. Lauren is the state League's Issue Chair on Child Welfare for the 89th legislative session. We discuss how our state’s legislative proposals will affect foster youth and families, as well as other vulnerable youth in Texas. After graduating from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX with undergraduate degrees in Public Health and Psychology, Lauren returned to her hometown of San Antonio, TX. Lauren has worked under a judge in the Bexar County Children’s Court Division, conducting research on critical issues impacting foster youth and families in the area, including access to healthcare and housing, support for kinship caregivers, and older youth access to continuing education benefits through the College Bound Docket.Lauren joined the local League soon after returning to San Antonio in September 2024. As the Issue Chair, she has been advocating for policies to address the most pressing challenges of at-risk youth. Having spent much of her academic career working on issues far from home, she found it both refreshing and rewarding to advocate for beneficial change in her own community. To stay engaged with her community and local government, she plans to attend law school in the near future.Lauren reminds us, that the Legue of Women Voters supports only policies that “Promote the well-being, full development, and safety of all children.”DIVE DEEPER! LWVTX Take Action Webpage with Action Alerts: https://lwvtx.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=979482&module_id=465924#/LWVSA April Newsletter Article on “Supporting Vulnerable Children” Published 18 April 2025: https://lwvsa.org/content.aspx?page_id=5&club_id=571900&item_id=114604&LWVTX Children’s Issues Priorities One-Pager: https://1drv.ms/w/c/d88724bf311b3aeb/EXPQ-fh2-O5BsNhofcIhHh4BJLu6HUoG3yE2VuRORbV0twSan Antonio Express-News Article on College Bound: https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/bexar-county-college-bound-docket-foster-care-19499043.phpTexas Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Bill Tracker: https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/texas-casa-bill-tracker/

In Episode 19, we are taking with Teri Marsh from the League of Women Voters of Texas and Evgenia Spears of the Lone Star Sierra Club. We discuss our state’s plans to supply water for a growing population in an unpredictable future. A native Texan, Teri Marsh exchanged the big city lights of Houston for tiny Brackettville, Texas in 2020 upon retiring after 23 years of teaching in the Houston ISD. A Fort Worth native and the mother of two adult sons, Teri holds degrees from Baylor University and the University of Houston. After retirement, Teri discovered the League of Women Voters as a way to engage as a citizen in her new community. She especially enjoys registering first-time voters at nearby community colleges. As concerns grew about the drying of Las Moras Springs beginning in 2022, Teri began attending groundwater conservation district meetings and educating herself about groundwater law and science. Recognizing the importance of a stable water supply for all Texans (and for the future of our state), she agreed to serve as the Water Advocacy Chair for the LWV of Texas in 2024.Teri and Jack, her husband of 45 years, enjoy being surrounded by nature, history, and wildlife on Fort Clark Springs, where they reside. When not at home with their four cats, you’ll probably find them in their RV touring a national forest, visiting a state park, or visiting their two grandchildren in Houston.Evgenia Spears is the Water Program Coordinator at the Sierra Club's Lone Star Chapter, where she leads advocacy efforts to protect access to clean water resources in Texas. Through grassroots organizing, water education, and legislative advocacy at the Texas capitol, she works to ensure that communities across the state have a voice in shaping a sustainable water future. Having lived in rural Ukraine, suburban Russia, and now in the U.S., Evgenia brings a unique perspective on water management, viewing water not simply as a resource to manage but as a relationship to nurture. Guided by this philosophy, one of the new initiatives Evgenia is leading is the Sierras Club Water for People & the Environment Committee, created to educate Texans about water issues across the state and empower them to become stronger advocates in their communities. Through her leadership, this committee brings together Texans from diverse backgrounds and geographic regions, united by a shared commitment to protecting our water resources. Prior to joining Sierra Club, Evgenia spent several years at Texas A&M University in College Station where she earned a doctorate with a focus on natural resource management, taught undergraduate courses on natural resource policy, served as a watershed coordinator with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and collaborated with Texas A&M and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to develop strategic natural resource planning documents for the state. Outside of her work, Evgenia enjoys being with her family, spending time in nature, and traveling.

In Episode 18, we are taking a deep dive into what Charter Schools have to teach us about publicly funding private schools in Texas. Thanks to a webinar sponsored by the Leagues of Women Voters of Dalla& Tarrant County, we're able to listen in on a discussion by leading experts on the topic. The event, titled "Facing Facts: Charter Schools in Texas," was held on April 7th, 2025. It featured Patti Everitt, a consultant on state education policy with a focus on the impact of charter schools on public education. Her work on a recent report, "Texas Board of Directors: Our Schools Our Democracy," highlights new information about the impact of charter schools on local public school districts and students. With taxpayer-funded private school vouchers on the legislative agenda, it is even more important to understand how these expanded school choice programs affect the future of public education.DIVE DEEPER! Texas Board of Directors, Our Schools Our DemocracyTexas Education Agency: Financial ReportsLeague of Women Voters of Texas: Take ActionJournalist Krys Boyd, host of Think Podcast interviews Josh Cowen, author of The Privateers: How Billionaires Created a Culture War and Sold School Vouchers.Texas House Bill 3 full text

On Episode 17, the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast talks with Rachel Hanes, Policy Director of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in both Political Science and Spanish from Trinity University in San Antonio, TX, as well as a Master of Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. Rachel has multiple years of experience in environmental and water policy, and she's worked extensively with nonprofits and all levels of governent. Before joining GEAA, Rachel served for three years as a program analyst for the U.S. Department of Interior's Bureau of Reclamation in their Reclamation Law Administration Division. She also worked with the Colorado River Binational Program helping to manage and conserve water in the West. Rachel is a Texas native, having grown up in Fort Worth with frequent trips to Hill Country. Now, after short stints living and working out of state, she's thrilled to be back in San Antonio where she can merge her interests in water and environmental policy with her love of her home state and adopted city. According to the State’s 2022 water plan, water availability is expected to decline by 18%, with groundwater seeing the steepest drop. If water supply can’t keep pace with demand, estimates suggest that Texas water supply could be in big trouble by 2030. Governor Abbott has declared a water emergency for the current legislative session and there are multiple water bills to watch and encourage. So, we took advantage of our time with Rachel to discuss the potential legislation in the 2025-2026 Texas Legislature. DIVE DEEPER!To view articles related to the water fund & water supply or Water research/quality/conservation issues, please visit our website: lonestardeepdivepodcast.org/

On Episode 16, the Lone Star Deep Dive chats with Dr.Tim Bowman, Professor of History and department head at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. He is the author of two books: Blood Oranges: Agriculture and Colonialism in the South Texas Borderlands (2016) and You Will Never be One of Us: A Teacher, a Court Case, and the Rural Roots of Radical Conservatism (2022). He is currently working on a book about the Texas farmworkers movement during the 1960s, 70s and 80s.DIVE DEEPER! Texas Standard: You Will Never Be One of Us shows how a small town teacher’s fight in 1975 is relevant today

This week, we are actually bringing you an episode from a podcast hosted by journalist Krys Boyd: It's called Think, and it dives deep on topics that would be of interest to those who enjoy Lone Star Deep Dive. Plus, it's based out of KERA studios in Dallas, so it has Texas roots. On the episode we're sharing here, Krys interviews Josh Cowen, author of The Privateers: How Billionaires Created a Culture War and Sold School Vouchers.In the book, Cowel lays bare the surprising history of tax-funded school choice programs in the United States and warns of the dangers. A former evaluator of state and local school voucher programs, Cowen demonstrates how, as such programs have expanded, so too has the evidence-informed case against them.DIVE DEEPER! Think is a national, talk radio program, hosted by acclaimed journalist Krys Boyd and produced by KERA — North Texas’ PBS and NPR member station. Each week, listeners across the country tune in to the program to hear thought-provoking, in-depth conversations with newsmakers from across the globe. Previous guests on the program include former Secretaries of State Madeleine Albright and John Kerry, actor Bryan Cranston, Sen. John Cornyn and Sen. Ted Cruz, Melinda Gates, author Malcolm Gladwell, Jane Goodall, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Rev. Jesse Jackson and more.Since launching in November 2006, Think and Krys Boyd have earned more than a dozen local, regional and national awards, including the 2013 Regional Edward R. Murrow award for breaking news coverage. To date, Think can be heard on more than 200 public radio stations across the country, from Alaska to New York City.In addition to the radio program, Think also is among the most-downloaded local podcasts in the public radio system.Krys Boyd is host and managing editor of Think from KERA in Dallas If you are listening in the Amarillo, Texas area, you can catch Think on air on High Plains Public Radio's all-news and information station, HPPR Connect (94.9 FM). Think airs every weekday at 11:00 am CT; it's also streaming online at that time. (For the stream, visit the HPPR home page, click "All Streams" at the top of the page, and select "HPPR Connect.") For on-demand listening of current and past episodes, visit their show page.

On Episode 14, the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast spotlights Dr. Brian M. Ingrassia, an associate professor of history at West Texas A&M University. We asked him to join us to talk about a new series of articles about the Comstock Law of 1873 that is being published by the Society for Historians of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era (SHGAPE), and why that and similar laws may be relevant in today’s politics (especially with regards to proposed restrictions on women's reproductive freedom). In addition to his work as an educator, Brian is a prolific author and editor. He has published two books on the cultural aspects of American sports: The Rise of Gridiron University: Higher Education's Uneasy Alliance with Big-Time Football (published by the University Press of Kansas in 2012) and Speed Capital: Indianapolis Auto Racing and the Making of Modern America (published by the University of Illinois Press in 2024). He also edits The Journal of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, published by Cambridge University Press. Brian lives in Amarillo, Texas.DIVE DEEPER! Visit the SHGAPE blog for the series of articles about Anthony Comstock and the laws he helped get passed in 1873. The inaugural post is live now, and new installments will appear in coming months. These articles will be published in the aforementioned Journal of theGilded Age and Progressive Era under the name "The History and Legacy of Anthony Comstock and the Comstock Laws."

On Episode 13 of the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast, we talked to an Amarillo College student that started a voting advocacy group on campus. Danna Gonzalez, President of the Voters Voice Club, shared with us her passion for getting young people involved in politics, engaged with elections, and empowered by making their opinions heard at the polls. Voters Voice is a nonpartisan club open to Amarillo College students with a goal of educating, mobilizing, and spreading awareness to the student body about voting, civic duties, and current affairs.The group currently has 10 Volunteer Deputy Registrars ready to help any student looking to register to vote, and they'll be hosting a table at a resource fair on Tuesday, Sept. 17th -- National Voter Registration Day.DIVE DEEPER!Follow Voters Voice AC on Instagram!

On Episode 12 the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast features Catlow Shipper presenting “Utilizing the Run-Off: Shifting to a “Hydro-Local” Approach”, during the Stewarding Our Water Future Conference this year.Catlow Shipek has a MSc in Watershed Management from the University of Arizona and over 15 years of experience in applied watershed management and planning, and policy specializing in urban applications like water harvesting, green infrastructure, stream restoration, and eco-sanitation. Catlow serves as the co-lead of the Santa Cruz Watershed Collaborative and has served on the Citizens’ Water Advisory Committee for Tucson Water including Chair of the Conservation & Education subcommittee, Tucson’s Complete Streets Coordinating Council, and on the University of Arizona’s School of Natural Resource and the Environment’s Advisory Board.DIVE DEEPER!Major grant support provided from the Tecovas Foundation.Learn more about Ogallala Commons.For access to complete recordings from the Stewarding Our Water Future Conference, March 2024, contact Darryl Birkenfeld at [email protected]

On Episode 11 the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast features David Hauls Ph.D. presenting “Playas: Keystone Ecosystems of the Southern High Plains”, during the Stewarding Our Water Future Conference this year.David Haukos Ph.D. is currently the Unit Leader of the Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Kansas State University. Previously, he was the Regional Migratory Management specialist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. David developed a deep appreciation and strong connection with playa wetlands during nearly three decades of researching, managing, and educating others on playas in the Southern High Plains of Texas and New Mexico.DIVE DEEPER!Major grant support provided from the Tecovas Foundation.Learn more about Ogallala Commons.For access to complete recordings from the Stewarding Our Water Future Conference, March 2024, contact Darryl Birkenfeld at [email protected]

On Episode 10 the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast features Andrew Millison presenting “Practices to Move from Water Scarcity to Water Abundance”, during the Stewarding Our Water Future Conference this year.Andrew Millison is the founder of Oregon State University’s Permaculture Design program, where he introduced a revolutionary ecological design system into the mainstream university establishment, educating tens of thousands of students. His popular YouTube Channel boasts hundreds of thousands of subscribers with tens of millions of views, where he documents the most impactful ecological projects on Earth and presents them in both an artistic and technical manner.DIVE DEEPER!Major grant support provided from the Tecovas Foundation.Watch Andrew Millison on his YouTube Channel.Learn more about Ogallala Commons.For access to complete recordings from the Stewarding Our Water Future Conference, March 2024, contact Darryl Birkenfeld at [email protected]

On Episode 9 the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast features Sam Hege presenting “Migrating to the Ogallaga: Using Historical Analysis to Imagine New Hydrologic Cycles”, during the Stewarding Our Water Future Conference this year.Sam Hege Ph.D. is a Postdoctoral Associate in the Program in Agrarian Studies at Yale University. He received his Ph.D. in History from Rutgers University-New Brunswick, NJ, and his research broadly examines the history of the Ogallala Aquifer as a source of profit, migration, work, and activism.DIVE DEEPER!Major grant support provided from the Tecovas Foundation.Learn more about Ogallala Commons.For access to complete recordings from the Stewarding Our Water Future Conference, March 2024, contact Darryl Birkenfeld at [email protected].

On Episode 8 of the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast, host Tonya Kleuskens talks with Darryl Birkenfeld Ph.D., Deputy Director, Ogallala Commons about the Darryl’s 30 plus years of experience with Ogallala Commons, the Stewarding Our Water Future Conference and featured speakers.After serving as Executive Director of Ogallala Commons for twenty years, Darryl Birkenfeld Ph.D., is currently the Ogallala Commons Deputy Director and Stewarding Natural Resources Program Coordinator. He liven in Nazareth, Texas with his wife Joann.DIVE DEEPER!Major grant support provided from the Tecovas Foundation.Learn more about Ogallala Commons.For access to complete recordings from the Stewarding Our Water Future Conference, March 2024, contact Darryl Birkenfeld at [email protected].

On Episode 7, (Part 2) of the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast, host Tonya Kleuskens talks with Dr. Ken Kramer, Ph.D., a writer and Texas water policy specialist.Dr. Kramer currently serves as the “public” representative on the Region H Water Planning Group, which conducts water supply planning for the 15-county area that includes Houston. He is also an “environmental” representative on the stakeholder committees on environmental flows for both the Brazos River Basin and the Trinity & San Jacinto River Basins & Galveston Bay. Dr. Kramer is also a member of the board and Treasurer of the Texas Water Foundation.Dr. Kramer received a B.A. in History with a minor in Government from Texas Lutheran University in 1969. He was awarded an M.A. in Political Science from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1971 and then served in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso. He received his Ph.D.in Political Science in 1979 from Rice University.For 45 years Dr. Kramer was a volunteer or professional advocate for the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club, the Texas state arm of the national environmental organization. He began his association with the Sierra Club as an elected member of the Chapter Executive Committee and as its volunteer Legislative Chair and Water Resources Chair. He then served for over seven years as a contract lobbyist for the Chapter at the Texas State Capitol in Austin. He became the first Director of the Lone Star Chapter in January 1989 and served in that capacity through July 2012. He then became the Chapter’s volunteer Water Resources Chair for over 0 years. Currently he serves as the volunteer History Chair for the Lone Star Chapter. DIVE DEEPER! For more information about the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club, the Texas Water Foundation and the Texas Water Board visit their websites athttps://www.sierraclub.org/texas https://www.texaswater.orghttps://www.twdb.texas.gov

On Episode 7 (Part 1) of the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast, host Tonya Kleuskens talks with Dr. Ken Kramer, Ph.D., a writer and Texas water policy specialist, about Water Planning in Texas, Texas water sheds environmental flow and much more.Doctor Kim Kramer, Ph.D., is a writer and Texas water policy specialist. He currently serves as the “public” representative on the Region H Water Planning Group which conducts water supply planning for the 15-county area that includes Houston. Dr. Kramer is also an “environmental” representative on the stakeholder committees on environmental flows for both the Brazos River Basin, the Trinity & San Jacinto River Basins, and Galveston Bay. In addition, he is a member of the board and treasurer of the Texas Water Foundation. Dr. Kramer received a B.A. in History with a minor in Government from Texas Lutheran University in 1969. He was awarded an M.A. in Political Science from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1971, and then served in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso. He received his PhD in political science in 1979 from Rice University. For 45 years Dr. Kramer was a volunteer or professional advocate for the Lone Star chapter of the Sierra Club. He began his association with the Sierra Club as an elected member of the Chapter Executive Committee and as it's volunteer Legislative Chair and Water Resources Chair. He then served for over 7 years as a contract lobbyist for the Chapter at the Texas State Capitol in Austin. He then became the first Director of the Lone Star Chapter in January 1989 and served in this capacity through July 2012. Upon his retirement as Director, he again became the Chapter’s volunteer water resources chair for over 10 years.” DIVE DEEPER!For more information about the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club, the Texas Water Foundation and the Texas Water Board visit their websites athttps://www.sierraclub.org/texas https://www.texaswater.orghttps://www.twdb.texas.gov

On Episode 6 of the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast, host Tonya Kleuskens talks with Caroline Petti and Leon Lowery about the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 and how the search for a Nuclear Waste Repository was derailed by political agendas and poor nuclear waste siting decisions. In the amending of the NWPA December 22, 1982, Caroline and Leon advocated for the MRS-linkages - that is, the provisions of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act linking the Monitored Retrievable Storage (MRS) to an existing repository. It was this law that supported the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing for a site in Texas did not meet the conditions of the NWPA.Caroline Petti has had a lengthy career in the field of environmental protection, much of it devoted to protecting people and the planet from the hazards of radioactive waste. Ms. Petti grew up in Washington DC and began her career there in the early 1980s as an environmental lobbyist. She enthusiastically joined the conversation having been personally affected by poor nuclear waste siting decisions, focusing her efforts on long-term disposal best practices, science-based site selection process, strong environmental protections, and meaningful citizen engagement — and many of the fruits of her efforts were successfully incorporated into the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982. Ms. Petti directed the task force which advocated a four-point plan of correction: a temporary program pause, establishment of an independent review commission, to determine how best to keep the program rightly focused on long-term disposal best practices, disapproval of the DOE's “Monitored Retrievable Storage” alternative, and increased funding for safe at reactor storage technologies. It was this advocacy that led to successful negotiations of the MRS-linkages - that is, the provisions of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act linking the MRS to the repository. Though many would have them repealed, the MRS linkages have stood the test of time and figured prominently in the Fifth Circuit’s recent rulings overturning Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing for nuclear waste storage in Andrews County, Texas, and in Lee County, New Mexico.In 1989, Ms. Petti went to work for the EPA. After nearly 20 years there, working to defend strong health standards for nuclear waste and clean air, Ms. Petti retired in 2007. She continues to be very active in civic and political affairs including being an active member of the DC League of Women Voters in the quest for DC statehood. Leon Lowery was born in Arab, AL. He was an army brat and grew up all over the US and the world. (Germany, Japan, and Turkey). After graduating from the University of Tennessee, he worked as a Carpenter around East Tennessee for a few years while pursuing a career playing music. In 1986 while he was living in Kingston, TN and raising a daughter, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced its intention to build a nuclear waste storage facility in nearby Oak Ridge. It was known as the Monitored Retrievable Storage facility or MRS. He became active in opposing this facility. Then formed the Southern Environmental Network with like-minded environmentalists from the southeast and joined Ms. Petti and the National Nuclear Waste Task Force, whose efforts culminated in the enactment of the MRS linkages described earlier.Mr. Lowry began to turn his attention to electricity and renewable energy issues, and in 1994, went to work for the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee, Energy and Power Subcommittee. In 1995, he went to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as Assistant to the Director of the Office of Electric Power Regulation, and in 2000, he went to the US Senate, Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Leon retired from the committee in 2013.

On Episode 5 (Part 1) of the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast, host Tonya Kleuskens and Mark Nair talk with Karen D. Hadden about her work as the Executive Director of the Sustainable Energy & Economic Development (SEED) Coalition, which aims to prevent high-level nuclear waste from being stored above ground in Andrews County Texas.Karen D. Hadden is a former high school science teacher. She has a passion for clean air, water, and energy to protect public health and minimize climate impacts. As Executive Director of the Sustainable Energy & Economic Development (SEED) Coalition, she advocated for clean-up of coal plant pollution, especially toxic mercury. Together with Public Citizen, SEED fought 22 proposed Texas coal plants. When TXU’s eight proposed coal plants were simultaneously defeated, the news resounded globally. Then came proposals for new Texas nuclear reactors, the start of an attempted nuclear renaissance. SEED Coalition led successful efforts to defeat proposed nuclear reactors at South Texas Project and Comanche Peak. Karen worked with allies statewide to advocate for new solar plants instead. The successful "Solar Si, Nuclear No" campaign led to a 400 MW solar project commitment by San Antonio’s CPS Energy. SEED then worked to get Austin Energy to commit to 600 MW of solar power, helping boost the new Texas solar boom. Karen worked with Public Citizen, League of Women Voters of Texas and Fasken Oil and Ranch to fight a nuclear waste dump proposal; all but three Texas legislators supported a ban on high-level radioactive waste disposal, a rare bipartisan victory. SEED Coalition helped garner resolutions against this dangerous nuclear waste from numerous cities and counties, collectively representing over 5 million Texans, and participated in legal challenges. Strong decisions by the 5th Circuit Court in New Orleans were a big victory. The licenses for high-level radioactive waste dumps proposed for Texas and New Mexico were declared invalid, but the cases may yet go to the US Supreme Court. Karen loves spending time with family and friends, hiking, traveling and hearing live music whenever possible. DIVE DEEPER! For more information about the SEED Coalition, visit their website at nonuclearwaste.org.

On Episode 5 (Part 1) of the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast, host Tonya Kleuskens and Mark Nair talk with Karen D. Hadden about her work as the Executive Director of the Sustainable Energy & Economic Development (SEED) Coalition, which aims to prevent high-level nuclear waste from being stored above ground in Andrews County Texas.Karen D. Hadden is a former high school science teacher. She has a passion for clean air, water, and energy to protect public health and minimize climate impacts. As Executive Director of the Sustainable Energy & Economic Development (SEED) Coalition, she advocated for clean-up of coal plant pollution, especially toxic mercury. Together with Public Citizen, SEED fought 22 proposed Texas coal plants. When TXU’s eight proposed coal plants were simultaneously defeated, the news resounded globally. Then came proposals for new Texas nuclear reactors, the start of an attempted nuclear renaissance. SEED Coalition led successful efforts to defeat proposed nuclear reactors at South Texas Project and Comanche Peak. Karen worked with allies statewide to advocate for new solar plants instead. The successful "Solar Si, Nuclear No" campaign led to a 400 MW solar project commitment by San Antonio’s CPS Energy. SEED then worked to get Austin Energy to commit to 600 MW of solar power, helping boost the new Texas solar boom. Karen worked with Public Citizen, League of Women Voters of Texas and Fasken Oil and Ranch to fight a nuclear waste dump proposal; all but three Texas legislators supported a ban on high-level radioactive waste disposal, a rare bipartisan victory. SEED Coalition helped garner resolutions against this dangerous nuclear waste from numerous cities and counties, collectively representing over 5 million Texans, and participated in legal challenges. Strong decisions by the 5th Circuit Court in New Orleans were a big victory. The licenses for high-level radioactive waste dumps proposed for Texas and New Mexico were declared invalid, but the cases may yet go to the US Supreme Court. Karen loves spending time with family and friends, hiking, traveling and hearing live music whenever possible. DIVE DEEPER! For more information about the SEED Coalition, visit their website at nonuclearwaste.org.

On Episode 4 (Part 2) of the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast, host Tonya Kleuskens talks with League of Women Voter’s of Amarillo member Katie Paul about as she provides an overview of the Civics 101 Program Slide Presentation. Claudia and Katie created Civics 101 to explain the functions of county, city, and state government, along with elections.The Civics 101 Program is available to Civic Groups and educational organizations. To request a program for your group contact the League of Women Voter’s Amarillo at [email protected] Stravato is currently a Political Science Adjunct Political Science Instructor – State & Local Government at West Texas A&M University, and a former Full-Time Faculty Political Science Instructor – State & Local Government. Claudia earned her Master of Science in Government and Economics, and Bachelor of Science in Government and Economics from West Texas State University and studied her Post Graduate Work in Higher Education at Texas Tech University. In her earlier career, Claudia worked for Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock - Texas Senate. She was also Chief of Staff for Bob Bullock’s Campaign for Lieutenant Governor, and Campaign Director for State Comptroller of Public Accounts, including having served as Regional Field Manager in the Texas Panhandle. Claudia’s list of achievements and honors is extensive and extraordinary.Katie Paul is a former city manager for the Villages of Lake Tanglewood and Timbercreek Canyon. She holds a bachelors and masters degree in History from West Texas A&M University and is a Certified Public Manager through Texas Tech University. She previously held a position at the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission, assisting cities and counties in the Texas Panhandle with a variety of projects including infrastructure, historic rehabilitation, parks and recreation, municipal staff recruitment, and complex procurements. She currently works as the Plant Historian at Pantex. Katie is a volunteer with the League of Women Voters of Amarillo and the instructor for Civics 101.

On Eposide 4 (Part 1) of the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast, host Tonya Kleuskens talks with League of Women Voter’s of Amarillo members, Claudia Stravato and Katie Paul about their Civics 101 Program. Claudia and Katie created Civics 101 to explain the functions of county, city, and state government, along with elections. To request the program for your group contact the League of Women Voter’s Amarillo at [email protected] Stravato is currently a Political Science Adjunct Political Science Instructor – State & Local Government at West Texas A&M University, and a former Full-Time Faculty Political Science Instructor – State & Local Government. Claudia earned her Master of Science in Government and Economics, and Bachelor of Science in Government and Economics from West Texas State University and studied her Post Graduate Work in Higher Education at Texas Tech University. In her earlier career, Claudia worked for Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock - Texas Senate. She was also Chief of Staff for Bob Bullock’s Campaign for Lieutenant Governor, and Campaign Director for State Comptroller of Public Accounts, including having served as Regional Field Manager in the Texas Panhandle. Claudia’s list of achievements and honors is extensive extraordinary.Katie Paul is a former city manager for the Villages of Lake Tanglewood and Timbercreek Canyon. She holds a bachelors and masters degree in History from West Texas A&M University and is a Certified Public Manager through Texas Tech University. She previously held a position at the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission, assisting cities and counties in the Texas Panhandle with a variety of projects including infrastructure, historic rehabilitation, parks and recreation, municipal staff recruitment, and complex procurements. She currently works as the Plant Historian at Pantex. Katie is a volunteer with the League of Women Voters of Amarillo and the instructor for Civics 101.

On Episode 3 (Part 2) of the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast, host Tonya Kleuskens and co-host Mark Nair continue the conversation with Dr. Craig Nazor.Dr. Craig Nazor is originally from Ashtabula, Ohio, but has been a resident of Austin, Texas for 36 years. He has a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Texas at Austin, and he has composed, performed, and taught music for most of his life. However, he is also a dedicated environmentalist; that work began when he was in high school, living on the shores of Lake Erie. His past positions include President of a Louisiana Audubon Chapter, Education Director on the board of the Alexandria Zoo, and Horticulture Consultant for the Hartman Prehistoric Garden at Zilker Botanical Gardens in Austin, Texas. More recently, he has been very active on conservation issues with the Sierra Club, Austin Regional Group, and most recently, the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club. He is the current Conservation Chair of the Lone Star Chapter. In the spring of 2023, he assisted the State Sierra Club Conservation Director, Dr. Cyrus Reed, in lobbying at the Texas State Legislature for improvements to the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality, advocating for more state parks, speaking out against rapid Space X expansion in the Rio Grande Valley, defending the Sea Turtle Science and Recovery Program at Padre Island National Seashore, advocating for fixing the Texas electrical grid, supporting renewable fuels, defending Texas wildlife, protecting Texas water, and fighting Climate Change.DIVE DEEPER! Explore Wanted! Mountain Cedars by Elizabeth McGreevy. She explains in authoritative detail how we can reimagine the benefits of Mountain Cedars to our aquifers and valued springs.Why I Wrote a Book About Mountain Cedars by Elizabeth McGreevy - Hill Country Conservancy.Gov. Abbott Vetoes Energy Efficiency Building Codes Bill, Sierra Club.Check out the Lone Star Chapter Sierra Club. You will find 2024 endorsements, events and blog.Read more about the Grasslands Keystone Initiative.Find out more from the Texas Legislative Recap from the Sierra Club Lobby Team.Always your resource for voting information Vote411.org, the user-friendly database developed by the League to get answers fast. To do a deep dive of your own, learn more about what’s going on in Texas government.

On Episode 3 (Part 1) of the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast, host Tonya Kleuskens and co-host Mark Nair speak with Dr. Craig Nazor. Dr. Craig Nazor is originally from Ashtabula, Ohio, but has been a resident of Austin, Texas for 36 years. He has a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Texas at Austin, and he has composed, performed, and taught music for most of his life. However, he is also a dedicated environmentalist; that work began when he was in high school, living on the shores of Lake Erie. His past positions include President of a Louisiana Audubon Chapter, Education Director on the board of the Alexandria Zoo, and Horticulture Consultant for the Hartman Prehistoric Garden at Zilker Botanical Gardens in Austin, Texas. More recently, he has been very active on conservation issues with the Sierra Club, Austin Regional Group, and most recently, the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club. He is the current Conservation Chair of the Lone Star Chapter. In the spring of 2023, he assisted the State Sierra Club Conservation Director, Dr. Cyrus Reed, in lobbying at the Texas State Legislature for improvements to the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality, advocating for more state parks, speaking out against rapid Space X expansion in the Rio Grande Valley, defending the Sea Turtle Science and Recovery Program at Padre Island National Seashore, advocating for fixing the Texas electrical grid, supporting renewable fuels, defending Texas wildlife, protecting Texas water, and fighting Climate Change.DIVE DEEPER! Explore Wanted! Mountain Cedars by Elizabeth McGreevy. She explains in authoritative detail how we can reimagine the benefits of Mountain Cedars to our aquifers and valued springs.Why I Wrote a Book About Mountain Cedars by Elizabeth McGreevy - Hill Country Conservancy.Gov. Abbott Vetoes Energy Efficiency Building Codes Bill, Sierra Club.Check out the Lone Star Chapter Sierra Club. You will find 2024 endorsements, events and blog.Read more about the Grasslands Keystone Initiative.Find out more from the Texas Legislative Recap from the Sierra Club Lobby Team.Always your resource for voting information: Vote411.org, the user-friendly database developed by the League to get answers fast. To do a deep dive of your own, learn more about what’s going on in Texas government.

On episode 2, Lone Star Deep Dive, host Tonya Kleuskens and co-host Mark Nair, talk with Susybelle Gosslee about her experience as the League of Women Voters Texas State Hazardous Waste Chair, her founding of Our Friends Place, a home for girls with little or no personal support, and why she feels it is important for every citizen to vote.Susybelle Gosslee is a member of the League of Women Voters of Dallas. She has served as President for three terms and been chair of numerous committees. She is currently chair of the LWVD Education Committee.Susybelle was on the LWVTX board a number of years ago. She currently serves as issue chair for Hazardous Waste and Nuclear Waste and Capital Punishment Issue Chair for LWVTX.Susybelle was part of the advocacy for the last 20 years to stop high-level radioactive waste coming to Texas. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in the fall of 2023 that no waste will be coming to and through Texas to Andrews County in West Texas to a temporary storage facility.

On this first-ever episode of the new podcast, Lone Star Deep Dive, host Tonya Kleuskens sits down with the current co-presidents of the Amarillo League of Women Voters to check in on what’s going on with the organization during an important election year. Michelle Hoggatt and Jenny Inzerillo discuss the upcoming primary, the importance of the Nonpartisan Voters Guides and Candidate Forums, and the League’s concerted efforts to “Get Out the Vote” in 2024. They also discuss some of the projects on which the League is working, including their new Civics 101 course, the 2024 Youth Voter Registration Project, and maternal morbidity & mortality interventions.