Governor Abbott, Texas State Leadership Announce $50 Million For Hurricane Beryl, Derecho Debris Removal
October 10, 2024 – Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dade Phelan, Comptroller Glenn Hegar, Senate Finance Committee Chair Joan Huffman, and House Appropriations Chair Dr. Greg Bonnen today announced the approval of $50 million to help Texas communities with debris removal across disaster-declared counties impacted by Hurricane Beryl and the Derecho Storm that hit Houston in May 2024. Working with Comptroller Glenn Hegar, this emergency funding is made available from the General Revenue (GR) Account 549, the Waste Management Account, to be used for previous and current debris removal costs and similar activities.
“As Southeast Texas recovers from devastating severe weather this summer, Texas continues working to support local communities as they rebuild and move forward from Hurricane Beryl and the Derecho Storm,” said Governor Abbott. “As many across the country experience a lack of and delayed funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Texas is providing $50 million in emergency funds to assist impacted communities in their ongoing efforts to remove debris. I thank my legislative and state partners for helping to quickly make these funds available for our fellow Texans. Working together, Texas will ensure that our communities have the necessary resources to prepare, respond, and recover from severe weather.”
“Hurricane Beryl and the Derecho left several counties with extensive debris removal costs, so as Legislative Budget Board Co-Chair, I fully support making funds available to help pay these costs,” said Lieutenant Governor Patrick. “In the wake of natural disasters, Texans know best how to help Texans. This money will ease the burden for our neighbors across the affected areas in East and Southeast Texas, and the Houston area.”
“The State of Texas is stepping up in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl and the Derecho to provide meaningful support as Houston and other impacted communities, including some within my district in Southeast Texas, continue to recover,” said Speaker Phelan. “Texans affected by these recent natural disasters face overwhelming challenges as they remove debris from their communities, and this funding will go a long way to help rebuild their homes and businesses. I want to thank Governor Abbott, Texas emergency management officials, and our local and state partners for their tireless work addressing the needs of those impacted. We stand ready to ensure all affected communities have access to these funds in an expeditious manner.”
“In the aftermath of storms like these, questions about funding can lead to significant delays in recovery efforts and timelines,” said Comptroller Hegar. “These delays can have disastrous long-term ramifications for local and regional economies. I am proud to work with Governor Abbott and legislative leadership to ensure these communities have the resources they need to navigate the difficult road to full recovery and get Texans, their families, and their businesses back on their feet.”
“The State of Texas is stepping up to provide immediate financial assistance to our communities recovering from Hurricane Beryl and the Derecho Storm,” said Senator Huffman, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. “Our state will continue to maintain a balanced budget and conservative fiscal policies to ensure that we can support our communities when they need it most.”
“As a representative of a coastal community that has faced the devastation of hurricanes firsthand, I know how critical immediate recovery efforts are for local families and businesses,” said Dr. Bonnen, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. “Once again, Texas is stepping up to fill the void left by the federal government’s delays, ensuring our citizens get the help they need to rebuild and move forward.”
In most cases, cities and counties in impacted areas are responsible for costs associated with debris removal until federal aid is available to reimburse a portion of those expenses. With a lack of available funding at the Federal Emergency Management Agency and delayed reimbursements for eligible expenses, the State of Texas has taken immediate action to provide critical assistance to impacted communities across 122 counties and help alleviate the burden as they continue to rebuild.
The funds announced today for debris removal will be administered by Texas Division of Emergency Management with assistance from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
What’s Coming up at the Sulphur Springs Senior Center; Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey
On the latest episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center Coordinator, Dawna Pryor, sat down with John Mark to discuss what was coming up at the Senior Citizens Activity Center. The two chat about the game Left Center Right, the Center’s version of a Stew Cookoff, Halloween, and so much more. Check out the video below.
CEA Lisa Sprague Chatted with John Mark Again on this Second Cup Of Coffee
On this episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, Texas A&M AgriLife CEA Lisa Sprague from Delta County sat down with John Mark again. The two discussed the “Walk Across Texas” Program, Fall Festival, and much more. Be sure to give it a view and see what you learn. Enjoy!
ERCOT Redesigns Mobile App to Enhance User Experience
October 9, 2024 – Austin, TX – Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. (ERCOT) today announced the release of the newly enhanced ERCOT mobile app. The mobile app was redesigned to empower users with easy access to transparent, reliable, and real-time information on ERCOT grid conditions and operations.
“We are committed to providing reliable information on real-time grid conditions and operations that is easily accessible to all stakeholders, including the public,” said Gilbert Hughes, ERCOT Vice President, Public Affairs. “This redesign highlights that commitment. By integrating feedback from our various stakeholder groups, we have improved our app’s experience.”
Based upon extensive Market Participant (entities that participate in the ERCOT wholesale market) and public feedback, the new mobile app enhancements include improved navigation, added and expanded interactive ERCOT dashboards, a week-ahead calendar of ERCOT meetings, the ability to customize the home screen, dark mode, and the addition of educational videos explaining ERCOT’s dashboard features.
Informative welcome screens now assist new users as they navigate through the mobile app’s features.
To use these new features, current ERCOT mobile app users will need to update their app to the latest version when prompted by their device.
The ERCOT mobile app is available for download on iOS devices via the Apple App Store, and on Android devices at the Google Play Store. Read the Market Notice for more information.
Texas A&M-Commerce Name Change Still a Possibility
October 9, 2024 – After much resistance over the past several months about a possible name change of the nearby campus, that possibility of a change of the name is still being offered by the university president, Dr. Mark Rudin. The A&M System seems determined to make a change and remove “Commerce” from the name as some believe that the name of the city is confusing to those outside East Texas. The explanation by some is that some future students may not consider the local university as they may think that the word “commerce” pertains to the academic focus of this particular campus similar to words like colleges that contain the word “technical”.
As it seems the A&M System Regents Board wish to move forward on a name change, current A&M Commerce president Dr. Mark Rudin emailed the university community indicating his recommendation to the Board of Regents to change the name to “East Texas A&M University”. Rudin’s message said he’s requesting that the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents consider adding the change to the agenda of its next regular meeting, Nov. 6-8 in College Station. Rudin said that if the proposal makes it onto the agenda, a vote would occur on Nov. 7.
This information should be a welcome relief to those involved as the campus name has always included “East Texas” since its inception as East Texas Normal College in Cooper, TX in 1889. As the name changed several times over the years and always including “East Texas” finally settling on East Texas State University for it’s longest period before merging with the Texas A&M system in 1996.
Earlier this year, a proposal to rename the university Texas A&M University-Dallas was leaked in June and was acknowledged by the university in July. Public response was mostly negative and led to the idea being dropped in August.
Below is the text from the email sent out by Dr. Rudin sent October 7, 2024.
Dear Lion Family,
Our university has experienced exceptional growth and campus expansion over the past several years. It is evident from our record enrollment in the Fall 2024 semester that we serve a large geographic area in the state, providing our students with robust wrap-around services and offering academic programs that enable them to build solid careers and better lives.
Despite these successes, our university is preparing for a challenging future due to a significant decline in the traditional college-aged population in Texas and across the nation beginning in the fall of 2025. Further, Texas colleges and universities in our area are experiencing unprecedented competition from out-of-state institutions that are heavily recruiting in our backyard. Many are even establishing physical offices in our region to promote their universities. These developments are weighing on the minds of higher education leaders here and across the country.
In order to sustain the positive momentum we have achieved in recent years, we must strengthen our university’s identity. To do so, we must increase our visibility and reinforce our mission to serve the rural and urban educational needs of our region.
As you know, we have had many discussions about a proposed name change to help us with this challenge. I continue to hear from students, faculty, staff, alumni and Lion supporters who are actively advancing a number of names for consideration.
The collective sentiment is to change our institution’s name to East Texas A&M University. This choice not only broadens our regional, national and international identity but also reconnects us with our historical roots: “East Texas,” which was part of our university’s name until 1996.
For all of the reasons I mentioned above, and in the interest of transparency, I am announcing here that I will formally request that The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents consider changing our university’s name from Texas A&M University-Commerce to East Texas A&M University.
The consideration process will include the following steps:
· I will submit a letter to Chancellor Sharp requesting that the name change proposal be included as an agenda item at their upcoming meeting, held on November 6-8, 2024.
· I will also submit a request for financial support from The Texas A&M University System for costs associated with the name change. Note that the System has indicated their willingness from the beginning of this process to help with any expenses associated with a name change.
· If accepted as an agenda item, the name change proposal will be added to the Board of Regents’ official agenda approximately one week before the meeting.
· If the name change is on the agenda, the Board of Regents will vote on the proposal on November 7, 2024.
If the Board of Regents approves the name change, it will take effect immediately upon the vote. However, we will request a six- to eight-month grace period to ensure a smooth transition, allowing us to make requisite branding changes.
I recognize there will be questions associated with this proposed name change. We’ll keep you updated as we move forward with this initiative.
Thank you for your support of our university.
Warm regards,
Mark Rudin
President
Concert and Authentic Mexican Food on Saturday at 1PM
October 9, 2029 – Come out and help Jesus Es El Camino celebrate the continued construction of their new Worship Center. There will be Christian Music and plenty of mexican food. Be sure to try the hand made Garnaches. Proceeds go to the building fund.
It all happens in Saltillo on Saturday October 12, 2024 starting 1PM.
Governor Abbott Announces 9th Annual Texas HireAbility Campaign
October 9, 2024 – Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities is partnering with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) for the ninth annual Texas HireAbility campaign to raise awareness about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities. The Governor also issued a proclamation declaring October 2024 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Texas.
“Each October, we celebrate Texas’ diverse workforce that employs nearly two million Texans with disabilities across our state and helps power our strong economy,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas is the land of opportunity where anyone can succeed. Only in Texas can a young man have his back broken in half and rise up to become Governor of the greatest state in the nation. Through Disability Employment Awareness Month and Texas HireAbility, we will build a bigger, better Texas for everyone who calls our great state home.”
“The Texas Workforce Commission supports Texans of all abilities,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “Initiatives like the Texas HireAbility campaign help Texans with disabilities and employers maximize their success in the Texas workforce.”
“The strength of the Texas workforce depends on the diversity, skills, and talents of all Texans,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “TWC supports career pathways to empower individuals of all abilities with opportunities to find meaningful careers and energize the Texas economy with their talents.”
“Being inclusive is important because we have a diverse community in Texas, and our workforce should reflect that,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “Initiatives like Texas HireAbility encourage employers to partner with the Texas Workforce Commission to strengthen their outreach and accommodations for people with disabilities.”
The Texas HireAbility Employer Forum on October 30, 2024 at the Dallas College Cedar Valley Campus will share the latest practices in accessibility and disability inclusion with employers. The Forum also features the Lex Frieden Employment Awards to recognize individuals and businesses that make significant contributions to advancing disability inclusion.
Through Texas HireAbility, TWC and its partners will participate in events across the state in October to promote awareness about disabilities. Activities include job fairs and hiring events for employers and job seekers of all abilities.
TWC launched the We Hire Ability program to recognize businesses and organizations with a workforce of at least 10% people with disabilities. Employers who have shown a commitment to creating an inclusive workforce may apply or be nominated.
Hopkins County United Way held Their Second Meeting of the Current Campaign October 8th and the Donations are just Marching In
October 8, 2024 – The Hopkins County United Way held their second meeting of the season Tuesday, (the 8th), and the donations are continuing to march in. KSST was present at this meeting. Everyone sat at a conference table at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Sulphur Springs, Texas. The volunteers went around the room sharing what businesses and organizations had turned in their donation packets. Many volunteers reported many packets had been turned in. As each volunteer went around the room and made their reports, the others cheered them on.
As Executive Secretary Susan Berning added up the totals, the Campaign Volunteers, that wanted to, submitted their names for the drawing of door prizes, and three winners were drawn. Afterwards, when the numbers were all added up, Campaign Chair Lyndsay Palmer called for a symbolic drum roll as she announced the grand total of the campaign for this meeting, and for up to this point. After all was said and done, Lyndsay and Susan were very pleased to announce pledges reported at this meeting total $13,609.23, bringing the pledge total to $31,474.22.
Susan and Lyndsay then told everyone the next Campaign Report Meeting would be next Tuesday, same time, same place. Then everyone went their separate ways for the day.
Adoption Event at Petsense in Sulphur Springs on Saturday
October 8, 2024 – Hearts of Life No-Kill Shelter in Sulphur Springs, will be at Petsense in Sulphur Springs on Saturday October 12, 2024. Stop by and see all the pets available for adoption.
There will also be several local venders, selling pet related goods.
Hearts of Life will also be giving away dog swag as well. Find out more by going to their official Facebook page.
Here are some of the dog up for adoption.
Paxton Demands Citizenship Data From Biden-Harris Administration To Investigate Potential Noncitizen Voters
October 8, 2024 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a letter demanding that the federal government fulfill its legal obligations by providing any information it possesses regarding the citizenship status of people who may be illegally registered to vote in Texas.
On September 18, Attorney General Paxton urged the Texas Secretary of State to request data from the federal government that would enable Texas to determine the citizenship status of certain registered voters without a State of Texas-issued driver’s license or identification card. To expedite the process of voter eligibility verification, Attorney General Paxton requested a list of the approximately 450,000 voters whose citizenship status has never been checked from the Texas Secretary of State so he could send it to the federal government himself.
While it is a crime for noncitizens to register to vote, federal law has been construed by the courts to restrict states from requiring proof of citizenship as a prerequisite for registration. However, the same federal laws also place obligations on the federal government to help states investigate and identify potential noncitizens on voter rolls. Attorney General Paxton’s request letter formally triggers these obligations.
“I demand full cooperation from the federal government to ensure that any noncitizens remaining on Texas’s voter registration rolls are identified,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The Biden-Harris Administration is legally obligated to assist States in doing so, and it is imperative that we use every tool available to uphold the integrity of our elections.”
