Fire Ants are a Significant Pest in Texas by Mario Villarino
July 5, 2024 – Fire ants, particularly the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), are a significant pest in Texas, causing damage to property, livestock, wildlife, and human health. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides comprehensive guidelines for managing and controlling fire ant populations to mitigate their impact effectively. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension recommends an Integrated Pest Management...
DPS Arrests Several Criminal Illegal Immigrants of Interest
July 3, 2024 AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is announcing the capture of a dozen wanted criminal illegal immigrants of interest across the state – just some of the thousands of identified fugitives who have entered the United States illegally and committed crimes in Texas. These individuals are a part of the larger list used by DPS Special Agents in selecting fugitives to appear on Texas’ 10 Most Wanted...
Texas Gators Moved Inland Ahead of Beryl
July 4, 2024 – This week at the South Padre Island Birding Nature and Alligator sanctuary, a roundup of all the gators took place ahead of the potential landfall of Hurricane Beryl. One of the large adults here, a female named Laguna, came out without much resistance. “She’s protecting a nest egg. She just laid here.” A team of experts spent all day removing all alligators from the facility. The two weeks ago...
What Does A Scammer Call Sound Like?
July 3, 2024 – Scammers contacting seniors is a constant threat. Millions of dollar are lost to these individuals each year. But what do they sound like over the phone? We have recorded a conversation with a scammer, and have provided the audio. Please take a moment to listen to this call with anyone who might fall victim to this type of theft. The first portion is the ‘cold caller’ setting up the victim for the more...
Pyrotecnico Takes Blame For Sulphur Springs Fireworks Failure
July 2, 2024 – In a letter dated July 2, 2024 Regional Director Justin Pruett for Pyrotecnico, the fireworks provider for the Independence Day Concert on June 29th, took responsibility for the failure experienced by those in attendance for the sub-standard show. The letter further stated that the fireworks show that they delivered was not in accordance with the expectations fo the Sulphur Springs Symphony League, who has worked...
Will the Texas ‘Heat Dome’ Send Beryl West?
July 2, 2024 – The Texas Heat home is a high-pressure system that, because physics, traps heat and keeps it there. That pressure system’s atmospheric energy is hard to bust up: The high pressure above is met with the rising heat below, which makes the system especially stubborn and slow-moving. A heat dome often suppress wind during the summer months. This can make summer heat in Texas feel hotter and make wind power plants...
Texas Leaders Sound Alarm on Future Power Grid Stability
If new estimates from ERCOT are correct, Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick say Texas needs “an immediate review of all policies concerning the grid.” Brandon Waltens | July 1, 2024 Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick are raising urgent concerns about the future stability of Texas’ power grid. A joint statement released today follows recent testimony from ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas, who warned that Texas might need 150,000...
DPS Reminds Texans of Vehicle Safety Inspection Changes
July 1, 2024 AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds Texans of upcoming changes to the state’s Vehicle Safety Inspection Program that will eliminate most vehicle safety inspections. House Bill 3297, which was passed by the 88th Legislature and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in 2023, abolishes the Vehicle Safety Inspection Program for non-commercial vehicles. Beginning January 1,...
Multiple Agency Investigation Leads to Arrest of Winnsboro Man
Gerald Don Miller June 28, 2024 – Sulphur Springs Police department officers arrested 56-year-old Gerald Don Miller of Winnsboro and charged the man with two counts of “Impersonating a Public Servant” after the investigation showed Miller allegedly identified himself as an agent of Child Protective Services to gain access to female victims. The investigation began earlier in June in Lamar County when their...
Prevent Wildfires this Fourth of July as Hot And Dry Conditions Persist
June 27, 2024 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas—As Texans make plans to celebrate the Fourth of July, Texas A&M Forest Service encourages everyone to be careful with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark. Approximately 90% of wildfires are caused by humans and their activities, and the Fourth of July is one of the top days for reported wildfires. Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire officials advise the public to be...
