Unemployment benefits extended
Special to The Monitor
AUSTIN – The deadline for jobless Texans to qualify for emergency unemployment benefits has been extended to March 3, 2012.
This will affect approximately 78,000 people who would have otherwise exhausted their unemployment benefits during January 2012.
Congress approved the extension before Dec. 31, 2011, when qualified claimants would have faced a gap in benefits. Claimants should continue to request unemployment benefit payments on their scheduled day.
The legislation did not add benefits for individuals who have already exhausted their regular state unemployment benefits, Emergency Unemployment Compensation and Extended Benefits.
Emergency unemployment benefits are entirely federally funded, so Texas employers will not be charged for any claims paid on this extension.
TWC and the 28 local Workforce Development Boards remain committed to providing work search assistance, training and other services to unemployed Texans.
Thousands of job postings are available on TWC’s online job-matching website, www.WorkInTexas.com.
Claimants who currently receive benefits may find updated information on their claims at ui.texasworkforce.org  or call TWC’s Tele-Serv line at 1(800) 558-8321 (select the second option for payment information or status of your claim).
Claimants should not contact TWC to qualify for this extension unless they’ve received a letter telling them to do so.
 

Fish art contest for students
Special to The Monitor
ATHENS–Applications for the 2012 Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art Contest are being accepted through March 31.
The contest is open to all students in public, private or home schools. Entry deadline is March 31 each year.
Major changes in the contest for 2012 include permissible size of artwork are to be 8.5’ X 11’ inches or 9’ X 12’, creation of a k-3 grade level division for artwork only, addition of a national prize for best essays in grade level divisions 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12 and a new category with one national winner for best artwork and essay about an invasive species.
The Texas division of the contest is supported by the Toyota Texas Bass Classic, donating cash prizes to the top three Texas entries in each grade level.
First place, grades 10-12 receives $1,000, second place $750, third place $500.
Prizes in the 4-6 and 7-9 grade levels are $100 for first, $75 for second, and $50 for third.
Strike King Lures, the William E. Armentrout Foundation and Friends of the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center are supporting the event as well.
One outstanding piece of artwork each year is selected for the Art of Conservation Award, and a commemorative stamp featuring the artwork is produced for sale.
Proceeds from sales of the stamp are used to fund conservation projects.
For free information and downloads including the “State-Fish Art Contest Lesson Plan” as well as contest rules, guidelines, entry information and details about the contest changes go to www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishart 
The interdisciplinary curriculum includes lessons and activities, a species identification section profiling each state fish, a glossary and student worksheets.
Wildlife Forever is a non-profit multi-species conservation organization located in Brooklyn Center, Minn., dedicated to conserving America’s wildlife heritage.
Working at the grassroots level, Wildlife Forever has funded conservation projects in all 50 states and supports habitat restoration and enhancement, land acquisition, research and management of fish and wildlife populations.


Riders wanted for Indian reenactments
Special to the Monitor
MABANK–The Apalachicola Band of Creek Indians in Mabank is organizing a “Pony-Warrior Rider Society” to perform in Western Day and holiday parades, and other community events and fund raisers.
The society’s goal is to preserve the rich Indian history of the area through costumed reenactments of native life.
Riders do not have to be Native American, and there is no age restriction. However children and youth must have parental consent to participate.
For more information, call principle chief Mary Sixwomen at (903) 880-0240 or send a post card to 113 N. First St., Mabank, 75147.
 

Come Adopt Us At The Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake

We have many animals at the Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake in Seven Points in dire need of a good home. Please call or stop by the Humane Society today and rescue one of these forgotten animals. The Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake is located on 10220 County Road 2403 in Seven Points. For more information, please call (903) 432-3422 after 11 a.m. We are closed on Wednesday and Sunday.

For further information visit our website at petfinder.com