2024 United Way Pledges Continue to Come in as Officials Hold Their Third Meeting
October 17, 2024 – The Hopkins County 2024-2025 United Way officials held their third Campaign Pledge Meeting October 15th at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension building in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Executive Secretary Susan Berning reported to KSST that “… Campaign pledges to date total $41,349.22. We look forward to adding to that number at our meeting next Tues., Oct. 22…” Stay tuned for future updates.
Dinner Bell for October 23, 2024
The doors to Fellowship Hall at First United Methodist Church will open at 11:00 a.m. Meal service begins at 11:30 a.m. and doors will close at 12:45 p.m. Please come join us to share fellowship and a meal.
The City National Bank of Sulphur Springs was chartered in 1889 making it the oldest banking institution in Hopkins County. As of June 2024 it has grown to 241 employees at 17 locations. It is the 75th largest bank in the State of Texas.
In March of 1889 the lot on the square and Connally Street was purchased for $3,350.00, and the two-story building, which housed the bank until 1968, was opened for business in June 1889. The original vault door is still in use today and is in perfect working order.
1993 saw growth in the bank outside Hopkins County with the opening of a branch in Winnsboro. The South Town Branch was opened in 1998 by acquiring First National Bank; and, a separate Mortgage Branch was opened in 2000. With acquisitions and openings the bank has a strong presence in the Northeast Texas Counties of Hopkins, Franklin, Rains, Van Zandt and Wood.
The Dinner Bell Feeding Ministry has been blessed with a Partnership with City National Bank since June 8, 2016. For a number of years the bank has supplied financial support and personnel to serve meals on a quarterly basis.
We plan to continue inside dining every Wednesday with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christ mas and New Years Day.
MENU:
Hopkins County Stew—
“IT IS STEW WEEK”
Crackers—Cheese—Pickles
Garden Salad
Lemon Cake To Die For
Take care of YOURSELF by following safe health practices as flu and COVID are lurking in our midst! Wear masks where required! Wash your hands often! Get inoculated and boosted
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH !!!
Spring Into Action by Planting Native Wildflower Seeds in the Fall
October 17, 2024 – AUSTIN — One of the many things Texas is known for is the abundance of beautiful wildflowers that line hills and highways every spring. What many wildflower admirers may not know is that fall is the ideal time to plant wildflower seeds in preparation for those spring blooms.
Many native wildflowers, including the famed bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes, require colder soil temperatures combined with appropriate watering or rainfall for seeds to germinate in the fall and be ready to bloom in the spring. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists encourage people to do their research before buying commercially available native seeds packets and be selective to not introduce non-native plants to their property.
Native wildflowers provide critical habitat for pollinators, many of which have seen declines in their population. These important insects, birds and mammals are key to sustaining native plant species, human food crops and even crops for livestock.
“Native plants are adapted to our soils and growing conditions just as our native pollinators are adapted to those same plants,” said Craig Hensley, Texas nature tracker biologist. “Native plants form the foundation of healthy food webs and sustain pollinators who in turn provide food for other wildlife from birds to amphibians, reptiles and mammals.”
As more than 94 percent of Texas lands are privately owned, effective native pollinator conservation requires landowner engagement and involvement. Texans can play a significant role in conserving and maintaining populations of native pollinators by applying management practices that benefit these species.
Planting your own backyard wildflower pollinator garden
- Pick a spot in the yard or garden that doesn’t have preexisting turf (St. Augustine and Bermuda) or remove turf if needed.
- Scatter seed by hand. Smaller seeds are easier to handle if mixed with sand. One part seed to four parts sand.
- Rake or tamp in seeds, but make sure they are only about 1/8 inch deep; seeds will need the sun to germinate.
- Keep moist for several days unless rainfall is expected. Water every 2-3 weeks during prolonged periods of no rain during the winter.
For landowners with larger tracts of land who are interested in native pollinator conservation, the TPWD private lands program and local biologists can offer management recommendations.
Once flowers bloom in the spring, enjoy their beauty until all have bloomed, withered, dried and had an opportunity to drop their seeds before mowing fields or trimming plants back. You might also consider leaving the dead stems, as they provide nesting homes for many of our solitary bee pollinators. Typically, this occurs in late June and early July. Allowing the plants to drop their seeds creates a seed bank that will provide more plants for years.
For additional native wildflower resources, go to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center or Native Plant Society of Texas pages. To learn more about insect pollinators, go to the TPWD Monarch Butterfly and Other Insect Pollinators page.
Paxton Takes Action To Stop Biden-Harris Administration’s Targeting of Gas Appliances
October 17, 2024 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton joined a multistate lawsuit against the Biden-Harris Administration, suing the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit over a final rule that unlawfully imposes burdensome regulatory requirements on conventional stoves and ovens.
In February 2023, DOE proposed energy conservation standards for appliances that would functionally ban most gas stoves. After widespread outcry from consumers and industry leaders, DOE issued a slightly less stringent direct final rule that nevertheless failed to adequately respond to objections and would still place substantial economic and financial burden on American families.
Further, the DOE issued the direct final rule without any opportunity for public comment and without the support of a large majority of States, which is a statutory requirement. By using this bureaucratic maneuver, the DOE unlawfully excluded States, manufacturers, and the American people from participating in the federal rulemaking process. Attorney General Paxton and the multistate coalition asked the Fifth Circuit to open a review of the process.
“The Biden-Harris Administration’s crusade against kitchen appliances hurts American families at a time when their policies have already made the cost-of-living skyrocket,” said Attorney General Paxton. “If this rule targeting gas stoves takes effect, they will have unconstitutionally forced yet another component of their so-called ‘energy transition’ agenda onto our country without the public’s input.”
Estate Sale for Mary Bonham Estate Running Thursday, Friday & Saturday
October 17, 2024 – The estate sale for Mary Bonham started Thursday morning at 8am as folks lined up waiting for the gates to be opened and make their way behind the big house on I-30 to peruse all kinds of items from china to crystal glassware, and furniture to farm equipment. The estate sale will be open 8am until 4pm each day, October 17, 18, and 19.
Cruz, Cornyn, Tillis and Colleagues Introduce Bill to Stop Biden-Harris Amnesty Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) to introduce the Visa Integrity Preservation Act, which would close a loophole in current immigration law that the Biden-Harris administration exploited to grant amnesty to illegal immigrants who have entered the United States without inspection or overstayed a visa.
Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said, “The Biden-Harris administration has failed to secure our southern border and politically exploits the crisis they’ve created. What they call their ‘keep families together’ agenda is being used as a loophole to allow illegal immigrants to bypass our legal immigration process, granting amnesty to 500,000 illegal aliens. We must send a clear message that the United States will not tolerate any manipulation of our immigration laws. That is why I am proud to join Senators Cornyn, Tillis, and several of my Republican colleagues to stop this exploitation of our immigration system.”
Sens. Cruz, Cornyn, and Tillis were joined by Sens. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) in introducing the bill.
BACKGROUND
Current U.S. immigration laws do not allow illegal immigrants who overstay their visas to reenter the United States for up to 10 years if they leave, and those who illegally enter the U.S. are not allowed to reenter at all. The law also requires that temporary visa applicants interview abroad at a U.S. consulate before they can receive their visas, so illegal immigrants are not eligible to regularize their status using the temporary visa programs. The law does allow the U.S. Secretary of State to waive the consular interview requirement, but only on a case-by-case basis in the national interest of the United States or in emergency situations.
In June 2024, the Biden-Harris administration announced a new initiative to grant amnesty to over half a million illegal immigrants, including spouses of American citizens. As part of that initiative, President Biden and Vice President Harris waived the consular interview requirement for nonimmigrant visas, enabling immigrants who have illegally entered the U.S. or overstayed a visa to obtain temporary work visas. The Biden-Harris administration’s decision to waive this policy encroaches on Congress’s authority and threatens to transform nonimmigrant visa programs into a tool to provide amnesty to illegal immigrants.
The Visa Integrity Preservation Act would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to clarify that immigrants who have entered the U.S. illegally or overstayed a visa for more than 180 days are not eligible for a waiver of the in-person consular interview requirement and would instead be required under all circumstances to depart the U.S. for an interview before they could receive a nonimmigrant visa. Under existing law, they are barred from reentering the U.S. upon presenting for inspection at a Port of Entry.
Homelessness Initiative Praised at DOT Symposium
Oct. 15, 2024 – By Jeff Barker – AUSTIN – A TxDOT initiative to address homelessness on federal highways and improve the lives of those displaced by recent and upcoming construction along I-35 is drawing recognition and praise from federal and local officials.
In July, TxDOT hosted representatives of departments of transportation from around the country for the Bridging the Gap Symposium on addressing homelessness. The meeting featured transportation officials from 18 states and Washington D.C. along with representatives from the Federal Highway Administration.
“My heart is warmed by all the work that you’re doing today,” said FHWA Administrator Shailen Bhatt during a virtual fireside chat with TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams at the symposium.
“There are many people who have come through the Esperanza Community, and they’re on a path to something better,” said Bhatt, referring to the recent TxDOT initiative which provides 200 individual shelter units and a variety of services to help residents transition out of homelessness and into more permanent housing.
The top FHWA official visited the East Austin site last March to witness first-hand the innovative approach TxDOT is doing to address homelessness.
Symposium attendees heard from speakers about projects like the Mobility35 Initiative to Address Homelessness which included training and certifying more than 75 TxDOT employees and contractors on mental health first aid.
The unique approach, which has included tapping mental health professionals and the inclusion of the homeless community in stakeholder discussions, is being held up nationally. It’s become a model for bridging the gap between being without shelter and getting a chance for a new beginning.
“This symposium is important because it starts a national dialogue on how DOTs can engage in addressing homelessness,” Deputy Austin District Engineer Mike Arellano said.
Arellano and TxDOT Programs Manager Lori Wagner told symposium attendees about the power of partnerships, a message echoed by Austin District Engineer Tucker Ferguson.
“We could not do the type of work we’re doing without the partnerships we have,” Ferguson said.
Attendees later witnessed those partnerships first-hand during a tour of the community operated by nonprofit The Other Ones Foundation, which will break ground later this year on a 7-acre expansion which is expected to nearly double the site’s current capacity.
“The symposium came about because we had a lot of interest in our program on how our DOT is helping to be part of the solution,” Wagner said.
During the symposium, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson proclaimed July 25 to be “Mike Arellano and Lori Wagner Day” in Austin. The two were celebrated for their years of work on the Mobility35 Initiative to Address Homelessness.
The Austin District’s award-winning Initiative to Address Homelessness continues to set the blueprint for how DOTs nationwide can address homelessness with a human-centered approach. Attendees left the symposium better prepared to implement similar strategies in their own communities.
What is Mobility35?
I-35 through Central Texas is one of the most congested highways in Texas.
It serves as the backbone of our local, regional and national transportation network, and lack of mobility on I-35 is threatening the economic livelihood of our community and our state. Improvements to this 50-year-old interstate are required to address the increased congestion and travel-time delay due to population and employment growth.
The Mobility35 Program will improve mobility and connectivity for all modes of transportation—cars, transit, trucks, emergency vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles—along and across I-35, as funding is identified. The program limits include 79 miles of I-35 from the Williamson/Bell county line to the Hays/Comal county line.
As our cranes and trucks move into this stretch of I-35, we’re committed to being a good neighbor to nearby property owners and drivers. We understand it can be tough on everyone when construction starts, which is why we’re doing everything we can to minimize impacts and keep you informed.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Secures Major Win
Texas Election Integrity Law Banning Vote Harvesting Schemes Will Remain in Effect for November Elections.
October 16, 2024 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a stay from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, enabling a key provision of Senate Bill 1, a Texas election integrity law, to remain in effect for the November 5, 2024, elections.
SB 1 increased safeguards to prevent ballot harvesting and instituted additional protections to strengthen election integrity. However, shortly before early voting was scheduled to start in Texas, a federal district court ruled that such provisions violate the First and Fourteenth Amendments. The judge also banned the Office of the Attorney General from opening investigations into potential violations.
Attorney General Paxton immediately appealed the ruling and obtained a temporary stay from the Fifth Circuit on October 4. He has now secured a full stay pending appeal from the Fifth Circuit, blocking the district judge’s injunction and permitting the Office of the Attorney General to conduct investigations into illegal vote harvesting.
The Fifth Circuit explained: “On the eve of elections in Texas, the district court has entered an injunction that impacts how ballots can be handled. It holds unconstitutional a law that has been on the books for over three years, but that the court did not see fit to enjoin until now. The Supreme Court has instructed lower courts not to unduly delay ordering changes to election law until the eve of an election.… We accordingly grant the State’s request for a stay of the injunction pending appeal.”
“We fought hard to ensure that the Texas laws protecting the ballot box will be in full force and effect this election season,” said Attorney General Paxton. “I will continue to do everything in my power to protect the integrity of our political process.”
Welding Outdoors in Drought Conditions
October 16, 2024 – If you’re like me, you’ve been putting off some outdoor welding projects for cooler fall weather. With little rain in the past few weeks, and none forecast in the near future, outdoor welding can be hazardous to your property and to your neighbor’s as well.
Here are a few tips to keep everyone safe.
Have a fire watcher nearby. Small fires can be put out quickly by an assistant before you even realize there is a problem.
Avoid parking vehicles in dry grass tall enough to touch the catalytic converter on the underside of your vehicle.
Even something as simple as a round nose shovel can be very effective in fighting a small grass fire.
Remove vegetation from the work area.
Use a sprayer to wet down the work area prior to starting welding operations. Even a cheap two gallon hand sprayer will come in handy. A drop of detergent will greatly increase the water’s ability to smother a fire.
Keep a fire watch on site for at least 30 minutes after welding to monitor for smoldering fires. The fire watch should have fire fighting equipment know how to sound an alarm.
If it’s windy, considering waiting till the things calm down. Wind can accelerate a small fire into something uncontrollable in a matter of seconds.
Governor Abbott Congratulates Tyler As Third Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community
October 15, 2024 – Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott congratulated the City of Tyler on being designated the third Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community by Travel Texas in the inaugural year of the program after completing the multi-step certification process. The Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation shows Visit Tyler’s commitment to further develop tourism as an economic growth strategy, boost local job creation, and draw more visitors to their community and to Texas from across the nation and around the world.
“Tourism is critical to both our local and state economies, supporting one in 11 jobs across Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “Travelers to and within Texas generated more than $193.8 billion in economic impact and supported 1.3 million jobs across the state in 2023. Every region of this great state offers endless opportunities to experience the natural beauty, rich history, and true Texas hospitality that draws visitors to our communities large and small. I congratulate the City of Tyler and Visit Tyler on earning this designation. All Texas communities are encouraged to apply to become a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community to further grow local tourism and jobs across our great state.”
“Tyler’s recognition as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community underscores the significant role it plays in our state’s travel economy,” said Travel Texas Director Tim Fennell. “From its famous rose gardens to its thriving arts scene and charming downtown, Tyler has long been a place where visitors can experience the best of East Texas hospitality. We are honored to recognize the city’s continued leadership in tourism through this designation.”
“It is no surprise that Tyler has been designated by Governor Abbott as one of the first three Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Communities,” said Senator Bryan Hughes. “Those of us who call Tyler home know how wonderful a place it is to live, work, and raise a family. We are proud to showcase the cultural heritage and unique charm of the Rose City and look forward to welcoming even more tourists to experience all that Tyler has to offer.”
“I am pleased to congratulate the City of Tyler for earning the prestigious Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation,” said Representative Cole Hefner. “This recognition not only validates Tyler’s well-deserved reputation for hospitality, but it will also open up new opportunities for our city. I am grateful to Governor Abbott and Travel Texas for their recognition, which will undoubtedly highlight Tyler as a desirable destination and positively impact tourism and economic development in the area.”
“We all know Tyler is a special place,” said Representative Matt Schaefer. “The rest of the country has caught on too. There are more and more reasons to visit Tyler every year.”
“As the destination marketing organization for the City of Tyler, Visit Tyler is delighted to be included among the Tourism Friendly Texas communities in our state,” said Visit Tyler President Diann Bayes. “We are fortunate to have wonderful advocates for the tourism economy in Tyler and businesses that go above and beyond when visitors come to our city. Whether it is for conventions, group tours, sports, medical tourism, or leisure travel, our community embraces visitors and provides the Texas-friendly hospitality our state is known to exhibit. We are thankful for our city’s leadership that they also recognize the importance of travelers to the overall economy of Tyler. On behalf of our city, we thank Governor Abbott for recognizing Tyler as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community.”
“We are very excited to receive this designation,” said Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce President Henry Bell. “Tyler has long been a friendly tourist destination, but to have the State of Texas officially designate our area as one of the first Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Communities in the state is a great way to communicate the importance of tourism in Tyler’s overall economic development.”
The Tourism Friendly Texas Community program is open to local governments or non-profit organizations that serve as the lead entity for tourism promotion and development efforts. Benefits of the designation for tourism entities seeking certification on behalf of their community include the opportunity to strengthen or establish relationships important for tourism development, educate local leaders on the importance of tourism to the state, identify and prioritize locally driven strategies, and learn more about opportunities provided by Travel Texas and other state government programs available to support both communities and the travel and tourism industry. For more information on the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community program, visit: gov.texas.gov/tourism-friendly-texas
The mission of Travel Texas in the Governor’s Office of Economic Development & Tourism is to enhance and extend local economic development efforts by marketing Texas as a premier travel destination in out-of-state and international markets, generating non-Texan travel to Texas, and creating revenue and jobs for local communities and the state.
