Residents of Bastrop, still regrouping from last month’s devastating wildfires, saw fresh smoke on the horizon this week. Another wildfire erupted in Bastrop County, burning through thousands of acres of brush. Firefighters were more prepared to handle the fast-moving fire, though, as resources weren’t stretched as thin as before. Aircraft used to fight fires were immediately dispatched, and the fire was contained at a faster rate than during the September fire. Although evacuations were recommended, no homes were reported damaged.

State Climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon has bad news for his drought-stricken state: Prepare for more. Suggesting this week that conditions are favorable for a continuation of drought conditions, Nielsen-Gammon was quick to point out that weather patterns can be tricky to predict. Past patterns have led experts to believe that the current drought, the worst in the state’s history, could last at least another year due to the La Niña effect.

Waxahachie saw plumes of smoke this week, too, as a fire sparked by mixed chemicals ignited a blaze that shot clouds of smoke and orange flames into the city’s sky, about 30 miles south of Dallas. Schools and residents were advised to evacuate or remain indoors to avoid any harmful fumes released by the undisclosed chemicals. The fire was quickly brought under control and was reported to be 95 percent contained by Monday evening.

It remains uncertain whether Texas’ new voter ID law will be approved by the Justice Department, as it has allowed a review prescribed by the federal Voting Rights Act. The state has been asked to provide supporting information that would allow the DOJ to determine whether the law disenfranchises minority groups. Information that was requested wasn’t readily available because the state of Texas doesn’t collect racial information when it registers voters. Texas’ Secretary of State responded by submitting census information and detailing Hispanic surnames and providing a spreadsheet with information on which voters provided identification when they registered to vote. It was unclear if the matter will be resolved before the law takes effect on Jan. 1.

The U.S. Supreme Court threw out a case concerning electronic voting machines in Dallas County. The so-called iVotronic machines came under fire for their potential to rescind votes for specific candidates on a straight-party vote. Dallas County had been sued by the Texas Democratic Party. Federal courts in Texas took exception to the straight-line voting change and asked for it to be explicitly approved by the Justice Department. Because the Justice Department has approved the machines, the high court dismissed the appeal as moot.

Not only is the potential recall of El Paso’s mayor and two council members dividing public opinion, but it could cost taxpayers. Because another election is already on the books for May, the county will have to lease and program additional voting machines at an estimated cost of $300,000. Election officials say there’s not enough time in between the two scheduled election dates to reprogram the machines. The elections can’t be combined because state law prohibits a municipal and primary election from being held at the same time.

The Harris County District Attorney’s office was accused of retaliating against a former Houston Police Department crime lab supervisor because of testimony she gave that reflected poorly on the department’s work. Amanda Culbertson now works for Lone Star College, which provides breath alcohol testing services for the Sheriff’s Office. That contract recently expired and is subject to cancellation as Harris County commissioners are being asked to instead use the Texas Department of Public Safety. The DA’s office insisted that its only interest is in improving services and reducing costs. Estimated cost savings by using DPS: $12,000 the first year.

Occupy Wall Street has come to a city near you. Groups in Texas’ biggest cities have begun rallying in support of the anti-Wall Street rally that started in New York City. The group Occupy Austin has established a Facebook page, and police are preparing for thousands of protesters to turn out at City Hall.

Put Denise Davis and Lisa Kaufman on the short-timers list. The two top-level aides to House Speaker Joe Straus both plan to leave by the end of the year. Both have been with Straus since shortly after he was elected speaker in January 2009. Davis, a former parliamentarian who also worked in private practice as a lawyer, is his chief of staff; Kaufman, who worked for Sen. Robert Duncan, R-Lubbock, and for the Texas Civil Justice League before joining the speaker, is special counsel.

Texas Transportation Commissioner Deirdre Delisi submitted her resignation to Gov. Rick Perry on Thursday. Delisi, a close adviser and former chief of staff to Perry, is currently serving as a policy and strategy director on his presidential campaign. She had said she'd leave when the agency hired a new executive director, and the board voted last week to hire Phil Wilson, another former Perry employee.

Marina Garcia Marmolejo, appointed to a federal judgeship in the Southern District of Texas, won unanimous confirmation from the U.S. Senate. She's a former federal prosecutor who has been in private practice since 2007.

Gov. Rick Perry's appointments this week include:

• John Steen III of Houston to the Texas Racing Commission. Steen is director of commercial development for Lone Star NGL LLC.

• Connie Ware of Marshall to the Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents. Ware is president and CEO of the Marshall Chamber of Commerce, and vice president of Ware Machine and Supply Inc.

Scott Tidwell will spend four months in jail. Tidwell, the Winkler County Attorney, was found guilty of using his position to retaliate against two nurses who complained to the Texas Medical Board about a local doctor. He was also ordered to pay $6,000 in fines. A related case cost Sheriff Robert Roberts his job earlier this year.