USDA Announces Phased Reopening of Southern Border for Livestock Trade
July 1, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a phased reopening of five key southern ports for livestock trade, following positive evaluations of Mexico’s response to the New World Screwworm outbreak. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) determined that Mexican authorities have effectively controlled the pest, clearing the way for a cautious resumption of cross-border animal movements....
Cruz and Cornyn Want Space Shuttle Back in Texas
June 30, 2025 – Texas Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn are making a renewed push to bring the Space Shuttle Discovery to Houston by embedding their initiative—the “Bring the Space Shuttle Home Act”—into the sweeping “One Big Beautiful Bill” now advancing through the U.S. Senate. The legislation, a key part of President Donald Trump’s policy agenda, includes broad tax cuts, infrastructure investments, and nearly $10 billion in...
Are You A Texas Electric Cooperative Member? You Could Win Gulf Shrimp
June 30, 2025 – Texas Gulf shrimp are harvested from the pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico and its coastal bay systems. Their reputation for premium quality is derived from a natural, robust flavor prized by good cooks and renowned chefs alike. In fact, top Texas chefs are fortunate to have the Gulf of Mexico and its bounty in their own backyard. They consistently choose wild-caught Gulf shrimp in their kitchens, because...
State Fair of Texas Wins; No Guns at the Fair
June 30, 2025 – A Dallas County judge has dismissed Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit challenging the State Fair of Texas’ firearm ban, handing a win to organizers and the City of Dallas. On June 24, Judge Emily Tobolowsky granted summary judgment in favor of the fair and the city, effectively ending the lawsuit before it reached trial. Paxton had argued that because the State Fair is held on city-owned Fair Park, licensed...
Cullum Otto Hillis
February 28, 1941 — June 30, 2025 Sulphur Springs Funeral service for Cullum Otto Hillis, age 84 of Sulphur Springs, Texas will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home in Sulphur Springs with Paul Crites and Adam Teer officiating. Interment will follow at Ridgeway Cemetery with Jarred Sutton, Clay Thatcher, MacKenzie Hillis, Chris Ramirez, Mitchell Walker, and Tom Brown serving as pallbearers....
Christi Michelle Mayeux
July 24, 1973 — June 30, 2025 Sulphur Springs Funeral service for Christi Michelle Mayeux, age 51 of Sulphur Springs, Texas will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home with Judge Robert Newsom officiating. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park with Chuck Sickles, Collin Mayeux, Caleb Melton, Wesley Mayeux, Haden Sickles and Jordan Bassham serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be...
Kenneth Ray Ward
A Celebration of Life for Kenneth Ray Ward of Sulphur Springs will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the First Baptist Church Sanctuary with Pastor Jeff Gravens officiating. The family will welcome friends and loved ones at 10:00 AM prior to the service. Interment will follow at the Union Cemetery. Kenneth was born on March 18, 1930, in Goldthwaite, Texas, the son of J.V. (Buddy) and Gertie Ward. He entered into Heaven...
Ozie Marie Wright
Funeral Service for Ozie Marie Wright, age 88 will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 7,2025, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Gaylon Wright officiating. Interment willfollow the service at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Mrs. Wright passed away June 28, 2025, inSulphur Springs, Texas. Ozie was born on May 25, 1937, to Leoza and Catherine Askew Nash in East Caney,Texas. She married the love of her life, Orange George (O.G.) Wright on...
Scott Michael Seib
Funeral Service for Scott Michael Seib will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at West Oaks Funeral Home. Interment will follow the service at Yantis Cemetery. Scott passed away on June 27, 2025. Full obituary forthcoming. Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home. www.westoaksfuneralhome.com With our condolences.
CHRISTUS Health urges fireworks safety ahead of Fourth of July
(EAST TEXAS) – As the Fourth of July approaches, CHRISTUS Health is reminding families that fireworks, while a fun tradition on Independence Day, carry serious risks when not handled with care. The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) annual fireworks report found that there were 11 deaths and over 14,700 injuries related to fireworks in the U.S. in 2024, an increase of 38% in deaths and 52% in injuries compared to 2023....
