Chambers County Library System now offers free access to hundreds of thousands of songs from Sony Musics catalog of artists. The library has joined Library Ideas newest service called Freegal, which stands for Free and Legal music.
Under the terms of the agreement, registered card holders with the Chambers County Library System can download 3 songs per week from a select number of Sony Music tracks in MP3 format at no direct cost from within any of the Chambers County Library System branch libraries. Music is paid for with your tax dollars through the county budget. In order to access the Freegal site, users must have a library card with an account in good standing.
Patrons are invited to bring in their portable devices or CDs to transfer music.
For more information call or visit your local branch or check them out at www.chambers.lib.tx.us
Posts published in “Day: June 2, 2011”

BAYTOWN- After three years of dedicated service, Lee College President Michael Murphy has announced that he will not request an extension of his contract from the Lee College Board of Regents.
Dr. Murphys contract expires on Jan. 4, 2012.
The eighth president of Lee College, Dr. Murphy took office on Jan. 5, 2009. He brought more than 20 years of experience to the position. Prior to joining Lee College, Dr. Murphy served as a consultant for the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). During his tenure at ACCT, he served as interim president at three institutions.
Additionally, Dr. Murphy has also served as president/CEO of the College of DuPage, in suburban Chicago, one of the nations largest community colleges. He also served as president/district officer at St. Louis Community College; chief academic officer at Harford Community College and dean at Towson Universitys College of Continuing Studies in Baltimore.
He has also taught business and behavioral sciences at university and community college levels. Dr. Murphy holds a doctorate in higher education administration and a masters degree in student personnel administration from Indiana University, Bloomington; a masters of business administration from Loyola College; a bachelors degree in health and physical education from Towson University; and a certificate in educational management from Harvard University.
As his time on campus draws to a close, Dr. Murphy cannot help but fondly reflect upon his experiences here.
I am grateful for having had the opportunity to serve Lee College, its students, and the citizens of Baytown, he said.
HIGHLANDS On May 26, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that a $50,000 grant would be awarded to assist in the cleanup process of the San Jacinto River Waste Pits Superfund site, located near the 29th Congressional District. Two Houston-area environmental organizations, the Galveston Bay Foundation and Texans Together, applied for the technical assistance grant.
The San Jacinto River waste pits are approximately 3.5 acres in total size and are located near the western bank of the San Jacinto River, immediately north of the I-10 bridge, with portions of the original pits underwater. The pits were dug prior to 1965 but much of the toxic waste originated from paper mill activities. The site has been on the EPAs National Priorities List (NPL) of uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites identified for long-term clean up since March 19, 2008.
Im glad to see the EPA supporting our efforts and making progress toward cleaning up the San Jacinto River Superfund site. This site is extremely important since it feeds into the Houston Ship Channel and Galveston Bay. We cant change what wasnt known in the past, but its critical that we continue our efforts to contain and clean up the toxins in these pits today.
Since the first technical assistance grant was awarded in 1988, more than $20 million has been awarded directly to community groups. The grant funds will allow the groups to hire a technical advisor to review government documents and provide input for EPA decision making.
Congress made public involvement an important part of the Superfund process when the program was established in 1980. The EPA and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) continue to seek input and provide information at community meetings throughout the Harris County area.

CROSBY Sheriff Adrian Garcia visited Loves Marina last Friday to discuss boating and water safety prior to the Memorial Day weekend.
For the past several years the Harris County Sheriffs office has held a conference at Loves Marina to advise the public about water safety, although this year three persons have drown, that is significantly less than the eight that died in water related incidents by this time last year.
On hand were Chief Kevin Maples of the Reserve Unit, Marty OBrien, Major Holman, Lieutenant Stanton, and Game Warden Kevin Creed.
According to the Sheriff, Marine Safety has become paramount on local waterways and his department will conduct any means necessary to maintain safety of these waterways. All of these drowning here could have been prevented.
We want all of the residents and citizens of Harris County to have a safe and enjoyable summertime. All those who are coming out to these waterways should remember that when you are operating a boat or water vessel that the same type of care, the same type of control and the same type of responsibility that we ask of motor vehicles is expected in the water as well. To often we have had many drowning. We ask the citizens to help us help them and follow the rules of engagement while they are in the water either as a swimmer or as someone navigating a boat. We want the people of Harris County to know that Harris County Sheriffs Office Reserve Marine Unit vigilant and on patrol in these water and will conduct any enforcement activity that they deem necessary to keep these waterways safe.
Harris County Sheriffs Office patrols the San Jacinto River, Lake Houston and Clear Lake.
During the last couple of years there have been several trying years. Of the 8 people that the river took lst year 5 were in or near the San Jacnto River and two water craft accidents that resulted in injuries. The Texas Parks & Wildlife and Houstno Police Dept. help patrol these waterways. It is imperative that we understand the rules of boating. Driver inattention is one of the primary causes of vessel crashes. Many happen at high speeds. In some cases alcohol and drug useage plays a role in crashes. Many who drown believe they are better swimmers than they actually are. Overestimating their ability to swim plays a critical role in most water deaths. Heat and exhaustion plays a critical role.