Texas Game Wardens Near Conclusion of ‘Ghost Deer’ Case with 24 Suspects, 1,400 Charges Filed Statewide
Aug. 14, 2025 – AUSTIN – The Texas Game Warden investigation known as “Ghost Deer” has reached a possible conclusion after two additional suspects turned themselves in on felony charges. This brings the total number of individuals implicated in the case to 24, with approximately 1,400 charges filed across 11 Texas counties. Ken Schlaudt, 64, of San Antonio, the owner of four deer breeding facilities and one release...
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller Applauds EPA Action to End Harmful Diesel Exhaust Fluid Shutdowns
August 15, 2025 – AUSTIN – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today praised the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their decisive action in issuing new guidance that protects farmers, truckers, and other diesel equipment operators from sudden speed and power losses caused by diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems without compromising environmental protection standards. What is DEF? DEF is a non-toxic solution of...
Celebrity Judges Announced for 2025 Big Tex Choice Awards
By Bridget Browning | August 14, 2025 With the Fair season in full swing, that also means it’s time to crown the next winners of the 21st Annual Big Tex® Choice Awards. It’s no easy feat to make it to this point, considering there were 76 total entries submitted. These were then whittled down to 30 semi-finalists. Now, it all comes down to the final 15 that will compete live in the final round at this year’s Big Tex Choice Awards...
Stewcomers Meeting This Month
August 14, 2025 – Who’s ready Stewcomers!? If this is your first year cooking at the Hopkins County Stew Festival or wanting to learn more-we’ve got you covered! Join us for a First-Time Cooks Meeting this Tuesday, August 26th at 5:30 PM at the Chamber Office on Main. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know so your debut is a delicious success. See you soon, stew lovers… Chamber address: 110 Main...
More Texas Schools Install Vape Detectors in Restrooms/Locker Rooms
August 14, 2025 – More Public schools across Texas are installing vape detectors in restrooms and other common areas following the passage of House Bill 114, a recently passed state law signed by Governor Greg Abbott aimed at curbing student vaping on campus. The law, which took effect in September 2023, mandates mandatory disciplinary action for students caught using or possessing e-cigarettes on school property. To help...
Pascual Rodriguez Martinez
May 17, 1954 — August 11, 2025 Pickton Pascual Rodriguez Martinez “Gerardo” • “Pal” May 17, 1954 – August 11, 2025La Fragua, Guanajuato, Mexico – Saltillo, Texas Opening Tribute With deep love and great sadness, we announce the passing of Pascual Rodriguez Martinez, a beloved father, who departed this life on August 11, 2025, at the age of 71. Life Story Pascual was born on May 17, 1954, in La Fragua, Guanajuato, Mexico, to Julian...
Billie Blize
Funeral Service for Billie Louise Blize will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Central Baptist Church with Pastor Gene Mattison officiating. Interment will follow the service at Restlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at 1:00 p.m. Billie passed away on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 in Temple, Texas surrounded by her family. Full obituary forthcoming Arrangements are under the direction...
Foundation’s Designer Handbag Bingo Nets Record Income for Free Mammograms
August 14, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s 6th AnnualDesigner Handbag Bingo netted $69,177.34 at the sold-out event August 7. Proceeds fund a free mammography clinic for uninsured Hopkins County women 40 and older. Direct donations of $2,868 were collected for mammograms. Scheduling for free mammograms will begin in September with appointments in October at CHRISTUS Mother Frances...
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System Receives National Award for Comprehensive Stroke Care
Hospitals in Jacksonville, Sulphur Springs, Tyler recognized for excellence in stroke care August 13, 2025 – (TYLER, Texas) – Three hospitals in the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Health System have been nationally recognized by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for delivering high-quality stroke care. The national award, Get With The Guidelines – Stroke, is given to hospitals that have demonstrated...
Governor Abbott Activates State Emergency Resources Ahead of Tropical Weather Threat
Austin, TX — August 14, 2025 — Governor Greg Abbott has activated multiple state emergency response resources as a tropical weather system approaches the Texas Gulf Coast, expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flash flooding starting Friday. “As Texas braces for incoming heavy rain and strong winds along the Gulf Coast and South Texas, I activated emergency response resources to help local officials protect...
