J.W.’s News Update-Wednesday April 6, 2011

Good Wednesday, Here are some stories making headlines today:

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The drought continues across the Four States area. The National Weather Service says Texarkana is well below normal as far as rainfall is concerned. To date we have received 6.27 inches of rain and normal for this time of year is 11.67 inches, which means we are running a deficit of 5.40 inches so far .

This continues a trend which started in 2010 when we finished the year 17.85 inches below normal. In comparison 2009 was a very rainy year where we finished well above average on yearly rainfall. Meteorologists say chances for signifigant improvement in the short term do not look promising. Outdoor burn bans are currently in effect in both Bowie & Miller counties.

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Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe has appointed a new member to the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. John Goodson of Texarkana has been appointed to replace John Ed Anthony of Hot Springs. The 52 year old Goodson attended the University of Arkansas as an undergraduate and a law student. He returned to Texarkana and started his own law firm over 20 years ago. Goodson's father and two sisters also are Arkansas graduates and his daughter is currently a freshman at the Fayetteville Campus. Goodson's appointment lasts through February 2021.

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Oil prices have risen to new 30 month highs. Benchmark West Texas Intermediate has gained 54 cents at $108. 76 per barrel. Gasoline pump prices are averaging $3.71 per gallon across the country for regular unleaded and prices in California, Hawaii, and Alaska averaging over $4 dollars per gallon.

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In area sports:

Texarkana College Baseball team is on the road for a doubleheader at Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas.

Congratulations to the Texas A&M Aggies Women's Basketball team which won the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship last night beating Notre Dame 76-70.

And the Texas Rangers take their perfect 5-0 season record into an afternoon game at the Ball Park at Arlington against the Seattle Mariners.

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