The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission voted in April to drop the minimum draw weight requirement for hunting bows. Beginning in September, deer and turkey hunters will no longer be required to shoot a bow with a draw weight of 40 pounds or more.

The change was made to encourage more bowhunting participation from women and youth hunters, or any men with physical problems that makes it hard for them to pull 40 pounds of resistance. Hopefully, say veteran bowhunters, the absence of a minimum draw weight will not encourage overzealous fathers to outfit elementary school kids with tiny tot archery sets and encourage them to launch arrows at deer, turkeys or other game.

She is one of the most decorated track stars in New Jersey high school history, winning three national titles and nine prestigious Meet of Champion titles during her career at Haddonfield High. Teenage stardom, however, rarely guarantees success on the next level. At the University of North Carolina, Donohue was an above-average distance runner. When she graduated in 2005, agents and shoe companies — the potential sponsors for a full-time track career — turned to other runners.

MCGOVERN, CHRISTINE (nee Daniszewski), of West Deptford, NJ, passed away suddenly on July 8, 2008 at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. Aged 56 years. Christine was an unselfish, ambitious woman whose greatest joy in life was making others happy. She was a firm believer of \’living every day to the fullest\’ and passed that quality along to all those who knew her. Christine enjoyed traveling, spending time at the shore and organizing games and parties. Christine will be remembered for her selfless ways and her devotion to her family and friends. Born in Philadelphia, PA, Christine grew up in Bellmawr, NJ and has been a resident of West Deptford for 23 years. She truly loved her \’little kiddies\’ at Greenfield Elementary School and her CCD classes at St. Margaret\’s RC Church. Beloved wife of 35 years to Stephen and loving and devoted mother of Colette and John-Paul. Christine is also survived by many loving cousins and friends. She is predeceased by her parents, Frances and Chester Daniszewski. Relatives and friends are invited to the viewing on Saturday, 8:00-10:00 AM at the McGUINNESS FUNERAL HOME, 34 Hunter Street Woodbury, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial Sat. 11am in the Incarnation RC Church, 240 Main Street, Mantua, NJ. Interment Calvary Cemetery, Cherry Hill, NJ. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children\’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

U.S. Officials React to Iranian Missile Test By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 9, 2008 – Iran’s test of short- and medium-range missiles is a disturbing development and points to the need for a European missile defense system, Pentagon officials said here today.

Iran tested at least seven missiles yesterday, according to news reports, capable of hitting Israel and parts of Europe.

\”Iran’s development of ballistic missiles is a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions and completely inconsistent with Iran\’s obligations to the world,\” White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said to reporters traveling with President Bush in Japan. \”The Iranians should stop the development of ballistic missiles, which could be used as a delivery vehicle for a potential nuclear weapon, immediately.\”

The test \”addresses the doubts raised by the Russians that the Iranians won’t have a longer-range ballistic missile for 10 to 20 years,\” Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said during a Pentagon news conference today. \”The fact is, they just tested a pretty extended-range [missile].

The situation demonstrates the emerging missile threat from the Middle East, Pentagon officials said, and the need for a missile defense in Europe. Yesterday, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice signed an agreement with the Czech Republic to emplace a missile-defense radar in that country. The United States continues talks with Poland to emplace the missiles.

Everyone can participate. You need not be from Gloucester City. So come on Brooklawn, Bellmawr, Mt. Ephraim, Westville, Collingswood, …..South Jersey get involved.

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Related: Bill\’s Point of View

Troops in Afghanistan Kill Enemy Fighters, Capture 14, Seize Weapons American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 9, 2008 – Coalition and Afghan forces killed three armed militants, detained 14 suspects and seized weapons in Afghanistan this week.

Forces captured five militants during an operation yesterday in Helmand province. The detentions occurred as troops searched compounds in the Req district for a Taliban leader responsible for smuggling explosives and weapons, including bomb-making materials and heavy machine guns, into the area, military officials said.

Coalition forces also discovered and confiscated an AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition.

In Wardak province July 7, forces killed a targeted militant and caught two others during an operation to disrupt the Taliban network.

In the settlement announced last month, the oil companies agreed to pay $422 million to plaintiffs from several states.

Of that amount, $67 million is slated to come to New Jersey purveyors, and $40 to $45 million to the towns represented by Parker McCay.

Among those towns or purveyors are Camden, Gloucester City, Penns Grove, Bridgeton, New Jersey American Water Co., the Mount Laurel Municipal Utilities Authority and the Mount Holly Water Company.

The amount of the settlement coming to each town has not yet been determined, McGovern said.

America Supports You: Fund Assists Severely Injured Veterans By Meghan Vittrup American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 9, 2008 –

An organization that focuses on helping severely injured veterans channels its efforts toward providing the kinds of assistance they don’t otherwise get.

The Independence Fund provides \”the tools, therapies and guidance that they are otherwise not receiving,\” said Steve Danyluk, the organization’s president.

The Independence Fund, he explained, is built upon three pillars of support. These pillars, according to the Independence Fund Web site, include providing specialized tools and therapies to troops and veterans, promoting the overall well-being of severely injured veterans through physical and leisure activity, and providing advocacy and guidance through veterans and family members who have experienced similar events and injuries.

For example, the Independence Fund provides assistance such as iBot wheelchairs and sports equipment that has been modified so disabled veterans can take part in athletic pursuits or leisure sports.

The fund also provides two different types of therapies to injured troops.