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Controversial mining operation ignoring orders to halt

A Tennessee gravel and sand mining operator has been ignoring a cease and desist letter for months, and opponents say its continued construction on the banks of North America's most biodiverse river may already be harming wildlife. The Duck River in Middle Tennessee has the most species of any river on the continent, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Assistant Chief of Biodiversity Pandy Upchurch said, with at least 151 species of fish and 55 species of mussels including eight federally endangered species. The operators received some permits, including from the Tennessee Department of Conservation and Environment, but withdrew their application for a permit from the Tennessee Valley Authority, which controls that river system.

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Volunteers needed in San Antonio to help raise, train guide dogs for nonprofit organization

Image courtesy of Guide Dogs of Texas. Since 1989, Guide Dogs of Texas, a nonprofit guide dog provider, has worked to train and provide guide dogs to visually impaired Texans. “Martha has been a rock star in helping keep our mission moving forward,” said Sandra Merrill, CEO of Guide Dogs of Texas. “The pandemic has been difficult for many reasons, but having to care for future guide dogs 24/7 in your home can certainly add to the level of stress. The puppies return to the Guide Dogs of Texas facility for formal guide work training when they are between 12 and 17 months old.

No Santa, no gift wrap, but Elf Louise still delivering Christmas joy

SAN ANTONIO – Not a creature is stirring inside the cavernous warehouse turned Elf Louise workshop. “Never even crossed my mind,” said Bill Harrison, executive director for 30 years at the Elf Louise Christmas Project. Now gearing up for year 52, Elf Louise is seeing big demand. Not even a pandemic can stop Elf Louise from delivery Christmas joy, but there will be some changes. “We are giving out love and understanding and joyful approach to Christmas,” Harrison said.

‘Military Makeover’ seeking volunteers to help injured Marine Corps veteran

CONVERSE, Texas – “Military Makeover” with Montel Williams is coming to Converse and looking for volunteers in the San Antonio area. The show is calling for skilled tradespeople like carpenters, electricians, tile installers, plumbers, handymen, painters and demolition and drywall workers over the age of 18 to help lend a hand renovating the home of injured U.S. Marine Corps veteran Corporal Jacob Tabora. Now, Tabora’s family home, which he shares with his wife and three children, will be renovated by the “Military Makeover” team. The makeover process involves local businesses and invites volunteers to help in addition to sponsorship partners which help offset the cost of the renovations. To volunteer on the Tabora family renovation with “Military Makeover,” click here.

San Antonio Red Cross volunteers prepared to assist with tropical storm evacuees

SAN ANTONIO Officials with the American Red Cross Greater San Antonio chapter are preparing to assist if needed in the aftermath of tropical storms Marco and Laura along the coast. Watching the Tropics: Marco Struggles, Laura IntensifiesWe are ready with volunteers that would serve virtually and boots on the ground to ensure that the Red Cross is providing everyone the necessary services through their entire process from being evacuated to being sheltered, said Michael Vela, executive director of the American Red Cross Greater San Antonio chapter. Our Red Cross volunteers here locally are getting the necessary supplies ready in the case we need to deploy a non-congregate shelter with a hotel partner locally, Vela said. We are also prepared for congregate shelters, where we will make use of the CDC guidelines for social distancing. We are doing temp checks and providing (personal protective equipment).Vela said the Red Cross has also provided special training to staff and volunteers to ensure everyones safety.