Texas Game Wardens Uncover Illegal White-Tailed Deer Smuggling Operation
February 7, 2025 – AUSTIN – Texas Game Wardens have concluded an investigation that led to the arrest and conviction of two individuals involved in illegally moving captive white-tailed deer.
A South Texas deer breeder and his business partner were caught attempting to smuggle seven deer from a licensed deer breeding facility in East Texas through Montgomery County to Brazoria and Duval counties, where they intended to illegally release the deer into the wild on private property.
The case unfolded when a Montgomery County Game Warden conducted a traffic stop and discovered the illegally possessed deer being transported without required documentation or identification. Further investigation uncovered significant violations of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) statutes and regulations, as well as criminal and traffic violations. Both individuals were arrested and booked into Montgomery County Jail.
The deer breeder faced 41 total charges: one traffic code violation, 11 penal code violations and 29 deer breeder violations under the Texas Administrative Code and Parks and Wildlife Code. He pleaded guilty to three penal code violations and 29 deer breeder violations. His business partner was charged with two penal code violations and 28 deer breeder violations, of which he was convicted.
Both men were convicted on multiple counts of violations committed with the intent to circumvent disease monitoring and testing requirements. Violations included failure to conduct ante-mortem chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing, failure to obtain valid transfer permits, removal of breeder deer without required identification and illegal possession of live game animals. Combined, they were convicted of a total of 57 deer breeder violations, one alcohol and two dangerous drug violations. They received a total $12,060 in fines.
This case underscores the commitment of TPWD and Texas Game Wardens to protecting the state’s natural resources and upholding wildlife regulations. The possession and movement of deer are regulated, among other reasons, to mitigate the spread of diseases like CWD and to ensure the health of both captive and free-ranging wildlife populations. Anytime a white-tailed deer leaves a breeding facility, it must be uniquely and permanently identified, no matter its age. Breeder deer that have not been properly identified or have had their identification hidden or illegally changed or removed are commonly referred to as “ghost deer.”
“Flagrant violations, such as intentionally transferring deer without identifiers, hinder Texas’ ability to identify the source of a deer in the event of a disease detection,” said Col. Ronald VanderRoest, TPWD Law Enforcement Director. “This creates the potential for negative impacts to the health of both captive and free ranging deer populations, the deer breeder industry, landowners, hunters and Texas’ outdoor and rural based economies, where white-tailed deer hunting has a $9.6 billion annual economic contribution.”
“This case perfectly illustrates the dedication and hard work of Texas Game Wardens by not only uncovering the defendant’s illegal operation but also highlighting the importance of protecting our state’s natural resources,” said Ann Kuykendall, Montgomery County assistant district attorney. “This prosecution sends a clear message: those who knowingly violate these laws will be held accountable.”
With no available site for return, their unknown disease status and the unacceptable risks associated with their release into the wild, the “ghost deer” in this case were euthanized in accordance with protocols related to disease testing. The type of activity the suspects were participating in led TPWD to believe a heightened risk of disease exposure existed. Fortunately, the epidemiological investigation revealed no detection of CWD.
About Texas Game Wardens
Texas Game Wardens, within the Law Enforcement Division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, are responsible for enforcing laws related to the conservation and management of natural resources and public safety through community-based law enforcement. Their mission is to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Additionally, they play a crucial role in search and rescue operations during natural disasters, exemplifying their commitment to protecting both the environment and the people of Texas.
House Speaker Dustin Burrows Confident School Vouchers Will Pass This Time
February 7, 2025 – House Speaker Dustin Burrows remains optimistic about the prospects of the school voucher bill, confidently predicting its passage in the Texas House. The proposed legislation aims to empower parents by providing public funds to help cover the costs of private education, thereby expanding the range of educational options available to Texas families. According to Speaker Burrows, this bill reflects a bold step toward reforming the education system and addressing disparities among schools.
Despite the record setting speed SB 2 demonstrated while sailing though the the Senate, the journey through the House will be much slower.
During recent House sessions, Burrows highlighted that the voucher bill is a direct response to growing demand for increased educational flexibility and parental control. He asserted that giving parents a choice in selecting the best learning environment for their children would foster healthy competition among schools and drive improvements in academic standards. “This legislation is not about undermining public education; it’s about ensuring every child has access to quality schooling,” Burrows stated, emphasizing that competition can be a catalyst for positive change in both public and private sectors.
Supporters of the bill argue that the initiative will benefit underperforming districts and provide relief to families in economically challenged communities. They maintain that the voucher system can serve as a practical complement to existing educational programs, potentially spurring innovation and accountability in schools statewide. While opponents caution that diverting funds could strain public schools, many legislators believe that offering parents more options will ultimately elevate educational outcomes for all students.
The Lady Cats Took on Bonham in Basketball Action February 4th
February 6, 2025 – Below is KSST’s coverage of the Sulphur Springs High School Lady Cats basketball game against Bonham February 4, 2025. The game was played in Wildcat Gym in Sulphur Springs, Texas. This was the Lady Cats last home game of the season. KSST’s Sports Director John Mark Dempsey called Play by Play and Tony Flippin provided Color Commentary. Be sure to check out this exciting game below!
The 21st Annual Clara Bridges Banquet is Coming up April 5th
February 6, 2025 – The 21st Annual Sulphur Springs 90 Plus Bridges Banquet will be held Saturday, April 5th, 2025, beginning at 12:00pm. The event will be held at the new Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center. If you, or someone you know, is 90 years old, or older, please let the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center know so they may honor them with a special dinner and entertainment by Ms. Vender Wright and Dale Cummings. Sponsorships are still available. For more details, please call 903-439-3720.
Chamber Connection – February 6, 2025
By Butch Burney
Friday is the cutoff to get your tickets for the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s 98th Annual Banquet and Community Awards. We will celebrate Hopkins County and Sulphur Springs as we recognize our 2024 Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Caregiver of the Year, Community Pride Award, Agriculturist of the Year, Growth and Renewal, Outstanding Professional Educator, Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator, Outstanding Auxiliary Educator Large Business of the Year, and Small Business of the Year.
We like to celebrate the great things about Hopkins County, and the best time to do it is at this annual event, which will have a Vintage Hollywood theme.
To reserve your spot, tables of 10 are $500 each and individual tickets are $30. To get reservations or tickets, call the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email at [email protected]. A sponsorship table includes advertisement of your business at the banquet and reserved seating. You have until Feb. 7 to reserve your table.
Come and help us celebrate Hopkins County!
Cocktails and Conversation
You don’t want to miss the next Cocktails and Conversation, an after-business mixer, hosted by Money Law and Title from 5-6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at their office at the corner of Oak Avenue and Main Street.
You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend the mixer, where there will be refreshments and opportunities to visit with one another.
Valentine’s Pop Up
Beauty Grace Lifestyle Shop will host a Valentine’s Pop Up from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, on Connally Street. There will be vendors, a food truck, perm jewelry and more!
Pancakes and More
Get your fill of pancakes, bacon and more at the Kiwanis Club’s Annual Pancake Breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Cost is $8 per ticket and can be purchased from any Kiwanis Club member.
Deep Routes
Deep Routes will have a Valentine’s Day party from 5-8 p.m. with live music featuring Mike Shing. There will also be games, shopping and more.
They are also offering Valentine’s carriers of coffee, treats, sweet notes and more for men and women to be delivered on Feb. 14.
Bright Star Women
The Bright Star Republican Women will host former State Rep. Jill Dutton on Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 6-7 p.m. at the Republican Party headquarters at 1230 South Broadway St. All Republican women are invited to attend.
UPRA Spring Rodeo
The Hopkins County Rodeo Association is hosting the 45th UPRA Spring Rodeo on April 18-19 at the Hopkins County Civic Center. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Oscar Aguilar at 903-243-0446 or [email protected].
Senior Citizen Center
There will be a karaoke party at the Senior Citizen Center starting at 11 a.m. on Valentine’s Day, Friday Feb. 14. A light lunch will be served as attendees can sing all their favorite songs.
Main Street Theatre
Main Street Theatre will host an Open Mic Night on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 6-8 p.m. at the theater on Main Street. They welcome all types of “live” music. Do you sing, or play, or both? Are you a first timer or a seasoned performer? Everyone is welcome to join us as a performer or part of the audience.It’s free and it’s fun.
Ribbon Cuttings
McCraw Law Firm will have a ribbon cutting at noon on Friday, Feb. 21, at their office at 315 Gilmer Street. Everyone is invited to attend this event.
Mystery Seed Packs From China Are Back
February 6, 2025 – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is urging all Texans to exercise extreme caution if they receive unsolicited packages containing unknown seeds or liquids. The warning comes after the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) was alerted to a mysterious package delivered to Clute, Texas, containing unidentified seeds and a liquid container, both sent unsolicited from China. Authorities are investigating the package, as its contents could pose potential threats to agriculture, native plant species, and public health.
“Folks, please take this matter seriously,” Commissioner Miller stressed. “Receiving any unsolicited liquid or chemical at your doorstep poses a significant risk to the health of you and your family. We also cannot allow unidentified seeds to enter Texas. If planted, invasive plant species will substantially harm the Texas agriculture industry. The TDA will work diligently to identify these unknown seeds and liquids to protect Texas residents.”
Commissioner Miller emphasized that individuals should not plant the seeds or open any liquid containers, as their origin and purpose remain unknown. Similar incidents have been reported in the past, where foreign entities sent unsolicited seeds to U.S. residents, raising concerns over potential biosecurity risks. Some of these seeds have been linked to invasive species that can harm local ecosystems and agriculture, while others remain unclassified, posing unknown dangers.
Texans who receive such packages are urged to report them immediately to the TDA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), or local authorities. Officials recommend keeping the package sealed and stored safely away from children and pets.
This latest incident highlights the ongoing need for vigilance regarding unsolicited foreign agricultural products. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, working with federal agencies to prevent potential threats.
If you receive a foreign package containing seeds, do not open it. Keep the contents sealed in their original packaging, and immediately contact the TDA toll-free at (800) TELL-TDA.
Governor Abbott’s Statement On President Trump’s Executive Order Protecting Women’s Sports
February 6, 2025 – Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the Save Women’s Sports Act into law in 2023. It marking a significant development in the state’s approach to competitive sports and gender classification. The legislation is designed to preserve fair competition in women’s athletics by ensuring that only athletes designated as female at birth can participate in women’s sports. Proponents of the act argue that it is essential for maintaining a level playing field, particularly in high school and collegiate sports, where biological differences are believed to confer competitive advantages. They assert that the law provides clarity for athletic organizations and schools, safeguarding opportunities for cisgender female athletes and ensuring consistency in competition rules.
“Today is a historic day for female athletes across the country who have worked tirelessly to compete at the highest level,” said Governor Abbott. “President Trump’s Executive Order prohibiting biological men from competing in women’s sports will safeguard the integrity of women’s sports, and I am proud to have joined the President at the White House for this historic signing. Female athletes across the nation can be assured that fairness will be protected.”
Critics, however, raise concerns that the law is exclusionary toward transgender individuals, potentially limiting their right to compete according to their gender identity. Advocacy groups and civil rights organizations warn that such restrictions may have broader social implications, affecting the mental and emotional well-being of transgender youth. They argue that the legislation could foster an environment of discrimination and marginalization, undermining efforts toward inclusivity in sports and society as a whole.
Governor Abbott defended the law as a necessary measure to protect the integrity of women’s sports, emphasizing that it aligns with the state’s longstanding commitment to competitive fairness. With the act now in effect, Texas athletic programs, school districts, and sports associations must adjust their policies to comply with the new requirements. As the law is implemented, its impact on team compositions, competition structures, and the broader dialogue on gender in sports will be closely monitored, contributing to ongoing national debates about fairness, inclusion, and the rights of transgender athletes.
USPS Temporally Suspends Services for Incoming Chinese Packages
Temu Fan? Prepare for Higher Prices
February 5, 2025 – The United States Postal Service (USPS) announced a temporary suspension of incoming parcels from China and Hong Kong. This decision coincided with escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China, marked by the imposition of retaliatory tariffs by both nations.
The suspension has significant implications for the e-commerce sector, particularly for companies like Shein and Temu, which rely on shipping low-value packages directly to U.S. consumers. These businesses have benefited from the de minimis rule, which exempts packages valued under $800 from import duties. However, recent policy changes have eliminated this exemption for Chinese-origin packages, introducing additional tariffs and processing fees.
The USPS has not provided a specific reason for the suspension, but it is widely believed to be linked to these recent policy changes and the broader context of U.S.-China trade relations. The halt in package acceptance has caused disruptions in the e-commerce industry, with companies scrambling to adjust their logistics and supply chains.
This development underscores the complex interplay between international trade policies and global commerce, highlighting the need for businesses to remain adaptable in the face of evolving geopolitical landscapes.
Help Shape the Future of Paris Junior College in Greenville, Paris, and Sulphur Springs
February 4, 2025 – Help Shape the Future of PJC in Greenville, Paris, and Sulphur Springs
Did you know that Paris Junior College – in Greenville, Paris, and Sulphur Springs – plays a role in your life, even if you do not have a child nearing college age? All the ways PJC affects local people, businesses, and the regional economy have led the College to ask them to attend an upcoming listening session for their views on the future of PJC.
“Paris Junior College trains the people who save your life in an emergency, take care of you and your loved ones at the hospital or nursing home, manage local businesses, run manufacturing facilities, fix your air conditioning, work on the airplane you fly in, or weld the trailer you use,” said Dr. Stephen Benson, Paris Junior College president. “There are so many ways PJC affects your life, and that’s why we want you to help shape PJC’s future by attending one of listening sessions.”
Paris Junior College will hold three listening sessions at 7:00 p.m. to gather ideas from the public. The first is on Tuesday, February 11 at the PJC – Greenville Center at 6500 Monty Stratton Blvd. in Greenville; the second is on Tuesday, February 18 at the PJC – Sulphur Springs Center at 1137 Loop 301 East in Sulphur Springs; and the third is on Wednesday, February 19 in the Math and Science Building on the Paris campus at 2400 Clarksville St.
“We invite you to come enjoy light refreshments and share your ideas,” said Benson. “We want to make PJC even better – together.”
There is also still time to take a very important online community survey prior to attending a listening session. Those responses are helping to shape the listening sessions. Please go to https://www.parisjc.edu/strategic-plan-survey.html and tell PJC what you think.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Texans May Know Fate of School Choice Bill on Wednesday
February 4, 2025 – On Wednesday, the Texas Legislature should cast ballots on a significant school choice proposal that promises to reshape the state’s educational landscape. Lawmakers are considering a measure that aims to broaden educational options by providing increased support and funding for charter schools, voucher programs, and other alternative education initiatives alongside traditional public schools. Proponents argue that this legislation will foster healthy competition, driving innovation and accountability within the education system, while giving parents greater control over their children’s learning environments.
The bill proposes a broad school choice program that begins with 25,000 students and expands to all students over several years. Students in the program could get 75% of what the state spends on average per student in public school to pay for private tuition and other costs.
The bill also includes a $340 raise to per-student spending — from $6,160 to $6,500 — and pay raises for teachers and other school staff.
Supporters emphasize that expanding school choice can address diverse student needs more effectively by offering tailored educational experiences. They contend that increased competition among schools will spur improvements in academic performance and overall efficiency. Additionally, advocates believe that empowering families with more options will help bridge gaps in achievement and better prepare students for a dynamic, modern economy.
Critics, however, caution that redirecting resources toward alternative education options may lead to underfunded public schools, potentially worsening disparities in areas already facing challenges. They argue that the proposal could divert essential support from traditional schools, thereby affecting students who rely on established public education systems. As the legislative vote unfolds, the decision will likely have long-lasting implications for Texas’s approach to education reform.
